Demonstrating Genuine Interest in Your College Admissions Journey

college admissions college applications college planning demonstrated interest Apr 25, 2024

3 Key Takeaways

Active Participation: Engaging in college information sessions, both online and in-person, showcases genuine interest and commitment to admissions officers.
Effective Communication: Establishing direct communication with admissions counselors can significantly enhance your application’s visibility and appeal.
Continuous Engagement: Regular updates and interactions with colleges after application submission keep your candidacy top of mind and demonstrate continued enthusiasm.

As the founder and CEO of Anja Education Consultants, I have always emphasized the importance of not just applying to a college but engaging deeply with your prospective schools. This approach is central to our consultancy's philosophy and has been instrumental in our clients' remarkable success in college admissions.

Why Does Demonstrating Interest Matter?

Colleges want to admit students who are likely to accept their offers, contribute to campus life, and thrive academically and socially. Demonstrating your interest can significantly influence the admissions decision, providing a clear signal that you are eager to become part of their community. From attending online information sessions to engaging with admissions counselors, every action you take can help set your application apart.

How Can You Demonstrate Interest Effectively?

First and foremost, participating in online information sessions and virtual tours is a fantastic way to show interest. These platforms not only provide valuable insights into what the colleges offer but also allow you to make informed decisions about where to apply. As I often tell our clients, "This is an excellent way to explore each college, do your research, and at the same time to demonstrate interest."

However, your engagement shouldn't stop at passive participation. Interacting during sessions, asking informed questions, and following up with personalized emails can further emphasize your enthusiasm. Remember, colleges often track interactions, including how often you visit their websites from the same IP address, which can be a subtle yet powerful way to show your interest.

Building Relationships with Admissions Counselors

One of the most effective strategies is to connect directly with the college admission counselor assigned to your region. These are the individuals who will read your application and potentially advocate for you. Building a rapport with them can be a game-changer. As I advise, "Establishing a connection can be very powerful, especially if you have questions that you did not find answers to on the website."

When reaching out, make sure your communications are meaningful. Don’t just email to make contact; ensure that each email or phone conversation revolves around genuine queries or discussions about aspects of the program that intrigue you. This targeted communication shows that you are thoughtful and genuinely interested in what the school has to offer.

After the Application: Maintaining Contact

Even after you submit your applications, your job isn't done. Keeping the college updated with significant achievements or portfolio updates can keep your application fresh in the admissions officers' minds. I always remind our students, "After you submit your applications, you will be able to update them by emailing these counselors or uploading materials to the college, so keep track of their contact information."

Our Approach at Anja Education Consultants

At Anja Education Consultants, we tailor our approach to each student’s unique aspirations, emphasizing strategic engagement with colleges throughout the admissions process. Our methods are designed not only to improve your chances of acceptance but also to ensure that the colleges you apply to are truly the best fit for your academic and personal growth.

In conclusion, demonstrating interest is much more than a checkbox; it’s about making informed, consistent, and engaging choices throughout your college application process. By taking these steps, you signal to your prospective colleges that you are eager to contribute to and grow with their community.

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Video Transcription

(Anjali Maazel):
There are several ways to demonstrate interest to colleges. You can sign up for one of their online information sessions and tours, and these are great solutions, especially if you cannot visit the campus in person. You also want to spend time on each college's individual website from the same computer if possible because they do track IP addresses. This is an excellent way to explore each college, to do your research, and at the same time to demonstrate interest. If a college does not have a session for you to sign up for, then at the very least, be sure to give them your email address by clicking on links like learn more or stay in touch or join our mailing list. So make sure also that when you give them your email address, you are choosing an email address whose inbox is relatively clear. Otherwise, you will miss important emails because they'll get drowned by the cluttered inbox. Communication in a timely manner is one of the best ways to demonstrate interest. Now, once you sign up, if colleges invite you to any online sessions or local in-person sessions, be sure to attend them. in-person sessions, be sure to attend them. If your high school is hosting college meetings or college visits with the colleges that you're applying to, definitely attend those too. Same is true for college fairs where you can connect directly with the colleges. Another great way to demonstrate interest is to connect with the admission counselor that has been assigned to your region, state, or city. You can find that information on the college website. These admission counselors are the ones who will read your application and eventually advocate for you in the admissions committee. Establishing a connection with them can be very powerful, especially if you have questions that you did not find answers to on the website. Don't write them just to make contact. Be sure that each email or phone conversation has to do with something that you either are interested in and want to know more about and that is not contained on the website or confused about where you need clarification. After you submit your applications, you will be able to update them by emailing these counselors or uploading materials to the college, so keep track of their contact information.

Anjali Maazel

Founder and CEO of Anja Education Consultants

At Anja Education Consultants, we pride ourselves on the exceptional expertise of our Founder and CEO, Anjali Maazel. With over 15 years of experience as an alumna interviewer for Princeton University, our team, led by Anjali, brings a wealth of knowledge in college admissions. Our interdisciplinary approach, which melds arts, international education, and public relations, allows us to provide unparalleled guidance in college planning. The cornerstone of our success is the proprietary Talent Development 3D Process™, a unique strategy that has achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in securing admissions for our clients to at least one of their top three preferred schools. As a respected Ted Talk speaker and a sought-after authority in college admissions, we are frequently invited by high schools across the globe to share our insights and strategies, empowering students to reach their full potential in the competitive world of college admissions.

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