Myth: We'll Apply Now and Visit Later

Reality:  Many schools track “demonstrated interest,” which they consider in their decision-making process to admit or deny students.  Demonstrated interest can include visiting the campus (checking in at the Admissions Office to let them know you’re there is important), meeting representatives from the school at college fairs, requesting information from the college, asking for names of current students willing to answer specific questions you may have, or requesting an interview.

When considering an application or making a choice between two qualified candidates, a student who has previously made contact with the school will appear to be a more seriously interested candidate than one whose first contact with the school is via their application.  There’s even a name for the student who has never expressed any interest to the college: the “stealth” applicant, and it doesn’t earn you any points!  It’s okay to ask schools if they track demonstrated interest and we encourage you to carefully map out which schools to visit considering this information.  A carefully executed visit plan may just give you the edge over another applicant and with competition as fierce as it is, you want every advantage possible.

Besides, the more you know about a college, the better decisions you'll make as well!

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