Demonstrated Interest...One More Time

I promise I will stop writing about this topic at some point (well, maybe) but having participated in a session on this topic at the NACAC (National Association of College Admission Counselors) Conference today, I thought it important to mention one more time.

Whether you think it fair or not, there are quite a few colleges and universities that track a student's interest and they use it in some way when making an admissions decision.  The good news is that it's really not that hard to do.  Here are a few tips that might help.

1.  If an admissions representative is visiting your high school, make a point of speaking with him or her.  Many of you did this last Tuesday night at our first GPS/McCallie college night program, and a few more of you demonstrated your interest by stopping by the college office to speak with Lehigh and Baylor during the day.

2.  When you visit a college campus, make sure the admissions office knows you're there.  Don't just go spend the night with your sister or an alum, do the official tour.

3.  You might be surprised what a simple hand-written thank you note will do.

So far, so good, right?  This isn't so hard.  Now keep reading.

4.  Do the optional statement on the application if there is one.  This is a chance for you to explain to the school why you are a fabulous fit for them.  You have the opportunity to talk about your campus visit.  Tell them about something you saw, something you read, or something you heard while on your tour...something that appealed to you or piqued your interest even further.  Even if you haven't visited, you can write about something special the admission counselor told you or a special program you read about on the school's website.  Read the courses you will have to take.  Yes, you read that right: read the course catalog.  Is there a class that is of particular interest to you?  (By the way, this will keep you from saying you want to major in something that the college doesn't even have.) Tell them how you became interested in the school in the first place. Was it your college counselor, a friend, an unplanned visit that hooked you? They like to know these things.

And take it one step further.  Read the school's mission.  Does it resonate with you?  If the school's goal is to produce social activists or global citizens, does that describe you too, and if so, what have you done that falls in line with their mission?  Colleges are looking for "fit," so if you fit, explain why (but be specific).

5.  Even after you have applied, stay in touch with the admissions counselor. Don't get carried away, of course, but you can email her if there's something new to add to your application.  Perhaps you got the starring role in the musical or your basketball team made it to the state tournament.  Maybe you've started volunteering at the Northside Neighborhood House, or your physics grade has dramatically improved.  A word of caution though:  your emails should be professional, grammatically correct, and to the point.  And no silly email addresses.  Use your GPS one.

Here's the bottom line: Contacting the college in a meaningful and purposeful way is a way to continue showing your interest and your knowledge about the school.  And that is never, ever a bad thing to do.