While the college search process feels far from romantic, it can pay to treat it like a courtship. One of the least understood factors admission committees consider when reviewing applicants is how committed to the institution the applicant is. Colleges want to offer those coveted admission spots to students they are confident will end up saying “I do.” This helps them manage yield, a factor that plays into the college rankings. So, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here are 14 ways to show colleges the love and boost the chances that they will love you right back!
1. Visit colleges: schedule formal tours and information sessions. If you aren’t able to attend the scheduled session, stop in the admission office for a map and ask to be included on their mailing list. Many colleges publish regional admission rep contact information on their websites. Connect with your local rep ahead of time and ask if he or she can meet with you while you’re there. Make sure to ask for their business card to send a follow up thank you.
2. Respond early to recruitment materials: open and CLICK on links in emails from colleges of interest. Once on the website, remain there for at least a couple minutes.
3. Complete the “Request Information” form on the college website as soon as you discover your interest in the school. Actively requesting information is different than receiving literature because you agreed to have your information released to colleges from the College Board or ACT. So even if colleges are communicating with you, you haven’t demonstrated interest unless you give them your information in person or online.
4. Become college literate: understand specific versus common information about the college. Look at the majors you’re interested in, learn if they are housed within a particular “college” at the school and if you apply directly into the major or declare later. Research professors’ publications, watch YouTube videos, understand the signature strengths, study the mission statement; later on, use this information to demonstrate “fit” in essay supplements, interviews, or to prepare well thought correspondence with admissions.
5. Attend college fairs: meet the representative, sign in or scan the barcode you received. Prepare questions ahead of time based on your research. If there’s a spring fair and you’ve been deferred or waitlisted, go and express your interest to the rep.
6. Contact your regional representative: email questions about programs or interests based on your research. See number 4 above.
7. Attend the college visit day at your high school. If you have a conflict, stop in before your class and let the rep know you’re interested but can’t attend.
8. Use social media: “like” the college’s Facebook page. Follow your favorite colleges on Twitter. Tweet (appropriately) about your favorite college. And while you’re at it, clean up all your social media if necessary.
9. Make your visit meaningful. If the college is close, consider a second visit to stay overnight, sit in on a class or meet with a professor. Many schools offer tours of specific academic schools (like the business or engineering school). Call the admissions office if these options are not available on the website under visits.
10. Apply early: this includes Early Decision, Early Action or just applying well before the deadline. Schools often have higher acceptance rates during the early rounds. For schools with binding Early Decision, larger percentages of the incoming classes are being filled that way. For schools with rolling admission your chances are often better if you apply earlier. Applying early tells them you are interested enough to make their school a priority. “The number 2 tuba player is better than the number 20 tuba player.” Cornell admissions officer about the importance of applying early.
11. Write targeted supplemental essays: Tufts University reads the supplements before the personal statement essay to get an early sense of each candidate’s commitment to the school.
· Reference anecdotes from your visits when writing the “Why This College” essay.
· Indicate classes of interest
· Show your fit with the mission statement
· Project how you will contribute to the college
12. Participate in the interview even if it’s optional. Research the college ahead of time and know your details. Research the interviewer on LinkedIn to find potential common interests (groups they belong to for example). Practice with a mock interview. Make sure to schedule the interview early so you don’t miss the deadline.
13. Write thank you notes or emails within 24 hours. Keep it short and concise and mention details of the meeting or visit. Show your enthusiasm.
14. Work your waitlist or deferred status: confirm your desire to remain in consideration immediately. Write a letter of continued interest with new information and grades.
Just like a relationship, demonstrating interest involves give and take. The very act of showing interest can help you identify your likes and dislikes about schools. The more you research, visit and communicate with colleges, the more likely you’ll end up with good fit choices and, ultimately, a lasting relationship with the college you choose.