How dating is like applying to college

When you’re in the dating game, you want to feel wanted, desired, pursued. You want to know the person you’re seeing is just as committed as you are. You could guess, but the only way to know is to demonstrate interest.

The college admissions game is the exact same

You and a college may be perfect for each other, but if you don’t display that you’re interested – how will they know? You’re probably playing the higher education field, looking at a bunch of different schools, casually perusing brochures, websites and college fairs.

So, why do colleges consider ‘demonstrated interest’? Because it works. College admissions officers love data. And the data tells them that if you attend an on-campus open house, you are more likely to enroll (if accepted), than your friend who only visited with the high school representative to get out of history class. They want a high enrollment rate in their accepted class; it increases their apparent desirability in future classes.

If the school you’re applying to considers demonstrated interest, play the game and play it well. Consider your audience. If you aren’t sure whether the school considers demonstrated interest, general rules suggest schools with admit rates of less than 10% do not. Schools with admit rates above 20% but less than 50% are the most likely to consider interest. Most are not shy about letting students know, so it’s cool to just ask!  

Keep in mind though, your perceived enthusiasm about the university should be genuine. Take time drafting emails and be formal in your communication.  Reach out to the student organization leaders of clubs you’re interested in. Contact department chairs with relevant questions about your major, and of course reach out to the admissions officers with an email.

And here’s another little secret, many schools have software that can determine if you’ve opened their emails.  

If geographically or financially it’s not feasible for you to attend on campus open houses, it is possible make an effort to find alumni near you and participate in an interview. It goes without saying that you should register for all online open houses or webinars; utilize every occasion you have to interact with this college. And remember we live in the age of Zoom, so the college can still put a face and personality to your name; if you can find a way to make a remote impression, do it. A long distance relationship can work; this is all about making yourself stand out in the enormous stack of other suitors for the university of your dreams. 

Lastly, if it’s your number one school, find out if they have an early decision and apply early if they do! This is perhaps the most crucial element to letting the school know it’s your number one choice. Again, just like in dating, if you show how committed you are – you’ll likely get the same back.

College admissions isn’t a science. It’s far more subjective and there are two active participants. You’re looking for the right school, and the schools are looking for the right incoming class. This decision is big for both of you, those four years will be one of the most important relationships of your life. Let the right one know you’re interested sooner rather than later.