How much do you love us?

At times it seems that is the question some colleges are asking.  Have you visited the campus? Have you talked to the admissions representative when they visited your school?  Did you attend a college fair? Have you filled out the information card?  Why are you applying to this school?  It's called "demonstrated interest," and some colleges are really tracking it. 

So how do you demonstrate your interest? 

There are some obvious places to begin.  You should, in fact, stop by to speak to the college rep when he or she is at GPS.  They may be here during the day, or they may be visiting during one of our four evening GPS/McCallie programs.  Yes, you have classes and homework and Candlelight and other activities, but taking fifteen minutes out of your day/evening to introduce yourself and ask a few questions is a first step.  Many colleges will also be at the Coast to Coast College Fair in April, 2014.  If you are a sophomore or a junior, you should be there too, and you should fill out and return the inquiry (information) cards.  Touring the campus is a valuable part of the college search process, but if the college you're interested in is on the other side of the country, what else can you do?

Ask to be put on the school's mailing list if you're not already.  If the college has a blog, read it. If there are on-line chats for prospective students, participate. If the school emails you, answer it.  If you have questions, email your representative. If you met with a representative, went to an information session, took a tour, send a thank you note.  A real hand-written thank you note. If there is a local reception, attend it.  If you do have the opportunity to visit, make sure you register and let them know you're there.

Many schools will ask you "why this college?"  They want to know you've done your homework, so be specific. Refer to something you saw while you were on campus, something you learned from the admission officer, something you read on the website. Make a connection between what you want to do - your goals - and what the college has to offer.  If you can't explain "why," then do you really like and understand the school?

Everyone likes to be wanted, and I think colleges are no different.  It will take work, and sometimes you will wonder why you're going to all the trouble.  But, how you interact with a college can and will affect your college process.