Demonstrated Interest abd the Ivies
Demonstrated Interest and the Ivies explained. Learn how top Ivy League universities view campus visits, emails, and engagement in admissions decisions.
What Is Demonstrated Interest and Why Does It Matter?
Imagine a student stressing about whether attending a campus tour or emailing an admissions officer could sway their application decision. That anxiety often revolves around demonstrated interest, a term used in admissions to describe how much effort an applicant shows in engaging with a university—through visits, emails, events, or early applications. Many colleges outside the Ivy League consider it as a factor, believing it signals enrollment likelihood.
However, when it comes to demonstrated interest & the Ivies, the story is different. Unlike smaller liberal arts colleges or highly yield-conscious universities, Ivy League schools generally do not track or consider it in their admissions process. Instead, they focus on your academic, extracurricular, and personal achievements. Understanding this can save applicants time and stress during the admissions journey.
FAQ: Does demonstrated interest matter at all for Ivy League schools? No. All eight Ivies publicly state that they do not track or weigh demonstrated interest in admissions decisions.
How Ivy League Schools Address Demonstrated Interest
Picture this: You’re drafting an email to Columbia’s admissions office just to “show interest,” only to find out later it won’t impact your chances. That’s the reality for Ivy League hopefuls. Every Ivy has issued clear statements confirming that demonstrated interest is not part of their admissions criteria.
Here’s a quick overview of what each Ivy says:
| University | Policy on Demonstrated Interest |
|---|---|
| Brown | Does not track; applying alone shows interest. |
| Columbia | No advantage gained by contacting the office. |
| Cornell | Not tracked; calls, emails, or visits won’t help. |
| Dartmouth | Completed application is enough; visits not considered. |
| Harvard | Campus visits or registrations have no impact. |
| Penn | Does not consider demonstrated interest at all. |
| Princeton | Does not track demonstrated interest. |
| Yale | Visiting/info sessions do not affect admissions chances. |
This uniform stance across the Ivy League underscores one truth: your application speaks for itself.
Tip: Use visits and info sessions for your benefit, not theirs. These experiences can help you decide if the school is right for you, even if they don’t sway admissions officers.
FAQ: Should I still visit Ivy campuses if it doesn’t boost my application? Yes. While it won’t help your chances, visiting can give you a feel for campus life and help with “Why Us?” essays.
Why Ivies Don’t Track Demonstrated Interest
Ever wonder why smaller schools emphasize demonstrated interest while the Ivies don’t? The answer lies in supply and demand. Ivy League schools already receive tens of thousands of applications each year. Their global reputations guarantee that admitted students will almost always enroll, so they don’t need to gauge “interest.”
For instance, Harvard’s yield rate (the percentage of admitted students who enroll) hovers around 83%, one of the highest in the nation. Compare that to a strong liberal arts college like Bates or Trinity, where demonstrated interest helps predict whether admitted students will accept an offer. Ivies simply don’t have to play that guessing game.
- Smaller colleges track interest to protect their yield.
- Ivies skip it because yield is naturally high.
- Applicants benefit by focusing efforts elsewhere.
Warning: Don’t confuse “demonstrated interest” with the quality of your essays. While visiting campus won’t matter, crafting thoughtful, school-specific essays absolutely does.
FAQ: If Ivies don’t track interest, what should I prioritize instead? Prioritize strong academics, compelling essays, authentic extracurriculars, and recommendations that highlight your character.
How Students Should Approach Demonstrated Interest at the Ivies
So what should you actually do if you’re applying to the Ivy League? The key is shifting your mindset. Demonstrated interest won’t boost your odds, but the experiences that come from showing interest can still strengthen your application indirectly. For example, attending a Yale info session might inspire essay ideas. Touring Emory (if you’re applying there too) could help clarify your fit.
Instead of wasting energy on emails or “checking in,” put effort into areas that Ivies value. Tailor your essays with specifics you’ve learned through research or visits. Ask yourself: What excites me about Columbia’s Core Curriculum, or how would I thrive at Princeton’s residential colleges? Those details matter far more than whether you stepped foot on campus.
Tip: Treat Ivy interactions as research opportunities, not performance opportunities. You’re gathering information for your decision, not trying to impress them.
FAQ: Should I avoid contacting Ivy admissions offices entirely? No. If you have genuine, specific questions, reach out! Just don’t email for the sole purpose of “showing interest.”