Common Data Set · Section C7

Which colleges consider demonstrated interest in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 4 rate demonstrated interest very important in their admissions decisions, 10 rate it important, 49 considered, and 80 say it is not considered — as self-reported in each school's CDS section C7 ("Level of applicant's interest").

What "Level of applicant's interest" means

Level of applicant’s interest is the Common Data Set term for demonstrated interest: how much genuine engagement you show a college before it decides. What counts includes campus tours and visits, attending info sessions and college fairs, opening and clicking admissions emails, contacting your regional admissions officer, completing optional interviews or "why us" essays, and — most powerfully — applying Early Decision. Schools that track it use it to protect their yield (the share of admitted students who enroll); highly selective colleges mostly ignore it because their yield is already high.

Very Important4 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Important10 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Considered49 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Show 37 more colleges

Not Considered80 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Show 68 more colleges

Demonstrated interest: frequently asked questions

What is demonstrated interest in college admissions?

Everything a college can observe about how much you want to attend: campus tours and visits, info sessions, college-fair sign-ins, opening admissions emails, reaching out to your admissions officer, optional interviews, the specificity of your "why us" essay, and applying Early Decision. On the Common Data Set it appears as "level of applicant’s interest".

Do campus tours affect college admissions?

At colleges that track demonstrated interest, yes — an official campus visit is one of the clearest signals a school records, and this page lists exactly which colleges say interest matters. At schools that mark it "not considered" (including most of the most selective ones), touring is for your benefit only and plays no role in the decision.

Why do some colleges track demonstrated interest and others ignore it?

It comes down to yield — the share of admitted students who actually enroll. Colleges competing for enrollees use interest signals to admit students likely to say yes; ultra-selective schools with very high yields do not need the signal, which is why most mark it "not considered".

Which colleges consider demonstrated interest in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 4 rate demonstrated interest very important in admissions, 10 rate it important, 49 considered, and 80 say it is not considered. Colleges rating it very important include Columbia University in the City of New York, American University, United States Air Force Academy, United States Naval Academy.

Other admission factors

Rigor of secondary school record Class rank Academic GPA Standardized test scores Application essay Recommendation(s)Interview Extracurricular activities Talent/ability Character/personal qualities First generation Alumni/ae relation Geographical residence State residency Religious affiliation/commitment Volunteer work Work experience

All admission factors

Ratings are self-reported by each college in its Common Data Set, section C7. Every school links to its full data page. Explore the college rankings →