You’ve researched and found the top college you want to attend. Now, it’s time to let the college know how much it means to you. But how do you say it the right way? It’s not just about expressing your excitement—it’s about doing it authentically and professionally.
This guide will walk you through sharing your enthusiasm and explain why this college is your best choice.
Prefer to listen? Try our short audio overview:
Key Takeaways
- Be genuine and specific about why the college is your top choice.
- Create a concise and professional letter to express your interest.
- Attend campus events and follow up with admissions staff to show engagement.
- Keep communication polished and professional to leave a good impression.
- Ensure your application, essays, and extracurriculars reflect your strengths.
Why It’s Important to Show Interest During College Admissions
Showing interest in a college can help your chances of getting in, especially when you’re finalizing your college search. Schools that are hard to get into look for students who really want to be there. They want to know if you see college as a place to grow and learn.
Colleges check your interest in different ways. They ask if you visit campus, attend info sessions, or talk to admissions staff. This shows them you’re serious about joining their community.
Being interested in a college can also help you later on. It can make you stand out when you’re on a waitlist or applying for scholarships. Schools like students who will make a positive impact. Showing you care about the college can open doors for your education.
How to Let a College Know They’re Your Top Pick As An Applicant
Expressing interest in a college can improve your chances of being accepted. Nearly 16% of colleges consider “demonstrated interest” an essential factor in admissions decisions.
However, it is essential to show your interest properly. Here are some tips to help you do so clearly.
Best Ways to Express Your Interest
Here’s a quick look into how to show a college you’re interested in joining.
Demonstrated Interest Activities | Potential Impact |
Campus Visits | Shows commitment to attending and familiarity with the campus culture. |
Emailing Admissions Representatives | Indicates proactive engagement and interest in specific programs. |
Attending College Fairs | Demonstrates willingness to learn about the institution and its offerings. |
Participating in Webinars | Highlight your earnestness in understanding the college’s values and curriculum. |
When Is the Right Moment to Share This?
Timing matters when you’ve found the perfect college and you want to let them know they’re your first choice. Here are some ideal moments to communicate your interest:
- After Receiving an Acceptance Letter
If the college offers early action or rolling admissions and accepts you, this is a great time to confirm your enthusiasm. A follow-up letter reaffirms your commitment and might help during scholarship or waitlist considerations. - Before Application Deadlines
Expressing interest early can work in your favor, especially for colleges that track demonstrated interest. Ensure your message aligns with the school’s policies—some colleges don’t factor it into decisions. - When You Have a Strong Application Ready
It’s best to share your first-choice status when you’ve submitted or are close to submitting a standout application. Ensure your grades, essays, and recommendations reflect the effort you’re putting in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Expressing Your Interest
Letting a college know it’s your first choice can make a positive impression, but it’s essential to approach it carefully. It might hurt your chances if you go overboard or say the wrong things.
Why Overdoing It Can Hurt Your Chances
Overdoing your efforts can send the wrong message. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Bombarding Admissions with Communication
Sending too many emails, making frequent calls, or following up excessively can make you seem pushy. Admissions teams value thoughtful communication but don’t have time for constant contact. Stick to meaningful and well-timed messages. - Being Too Personal Without Specifics
Simply saying, “I’ve always dreamed of going to your school,” isn’t enough. If you don’t explain why, it can sound insincere. Instead, provide specific reasons, like unique programs or campus activities, to support your enthusiasm. - Using Informal Language
Casual or unpolished communication can make you seem unprofessional. Admissions officers expect a respectful and professional tone. Take time to proofread and write with care. - Ignoring School Guidelines
Some colleges don’t consider demonstrated interest in their admissions process. Ignoring their stated policies or contacting them unnecessarily could show you haven’t done your research. Always check their website before reaching out.
Understanding What College Admissions Officer Wants to Hear
When reaching out, it’s important to focus on what matters to admissions officers. Here are some tips to guide your message:
- Share Specific Reasons for Your Interest
Colleges want to know why you’re excited about their school. Be specific—mention academic programs, professors, or campus features that align with your goals. - Demonstrate How You’ll Contribute
Admissions teams look for students who will engage meaningfully in campus life. Most colleges consider leadership skills a critical factor in their admissions decisions. Highlight how you plan to get involved through clubs, volunteer work, or academic initiatives.
Does Telling a College They’re Your First Choice Help with Admission?
Keep your message concise and authentic. Admissions officers value quality over quantity, focusing on delivering a clear, genuine message. Flattery or exaggerated enthusiasm can feel disingenuous, so stick to honest reasons you’re excited about the school.
How Colleges Use Your Interest in Their Decision Process
Colleges keep an eye on how interested you are. If you want to go there, it can help. Here’s how your interest can influence their choice:
- Colleges might choose applicants who say a college is their first choice. It shows they’re likely to go there.
- Showing early and often that you’re excited can help. It shows you’re really into their programs and community.
- Colleges look at how many students choose to go there. You might get a better chance if you show you want to.
But, be real when you tell a college you want to go there. Too much can make it seem fake. Being genuine and showing real interest is the best way to get in.
How Colleges Typically Respond to Your Interest
The admissions office might react differently when you show a strong interest in a college. They often notice your enthusiasm, leading to more personal interactions. An admissions officer might send a special message, a big step in your application.
How colleges respond can vary. But here are some common actions:
- They might invite you to exclusive events like campus tours or open houses.
- They could offer interviews to help you connect with the college better.
- They send more emails or newsletters with important info about the application process.
- They also reach out on social media, showing they want to build a relationship with you.
If you’re applying for an early decision, showing you’re committed can help. Early decision applicants are admitted at rates 6% higher than regular decision applicants. Colleges often respond well to applicants who visit campus and stay in touch. Talking to admissions officers can improve your chances. But not engaging might put you on a waitlist.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application Beyond Just Showing Interest
Showing interest in a college can help. But admission officers look beyond just interest. They consider students who are strong academically, engaged in meaningful activities, and clear about their goals. To stand out, focus on making your application well-rounded and compelling.
Excel Academically
Most colleges rank academic performance as the most important admissions factor. Take challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes to show you can handle a rigorous workload. If your school offers limited advanced courses, ensure your core classes reflect consistent effort and high achievement.
Write Compelling Essays
Your essays give you a chance to share your story. Colleges want to know who you are beyond grades and test scores. Around 19% of colleges consider essays a key factor in their decisions. Be authentic and write about experiences that shaped your goals and values.
Demonstrate Leadership and Impact
Most admission officers prioritize leadership roles when reviewing applications. Take on leadership positions in clubs, sports, or community activities. If you’ve started a project, explain what you accomplished and its impact.
Secure Strong Recommendations
Recommendation letters provide a glimpse into your character and abilities. Most colleges consider recommendations essential to the application process. Before starting your college search, make sure that you’re building good relationships with your teachers and counselors. When requesting letters, choose people who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
Conclusion
Letting a college know they’re your first choice is more than just saying it. You must show it through clear communication, genuine excitement, and a strong application. Writing a thoughtful letter, excelling in academics, and demonstrating leadership all help reinforce your commitment.
Admissions officers look for students excited about joining and ready to contribute to their community. You can leave a lasting impression by pairing your enthusiasm with careful preparation.
About College Journey
Applying to college can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Just like knowing how to tell a college they’re your first choice, having the right support can make all the difference. That’s where College Journey comes in. With Alice, your AI-powered college counselor, you’ll get the tools and guidance you need to navigate the admissions process confidently.
From advice on crafting your first-choice letter to tips on strengthening your application, Alice provides personalized recommendations to help you stand out. Whether it’s understanding how your achievements align with a school’s values or managing deadlines, College Journey is designed to simplify every step. Best of all, it’s completely free to sign up.
FAQ
Can I tell multiple colleges they’re my first choice?
No, you should only express first-choice interest in one school. Doing so to multiple colleges can harm your credibility if they find out. Be genuine and selective with your communication.
Does visiting a campus improve my chances of getting accepted?
Yes, for schools that track demonstrated interest, campus visits can show your commitment. Many colleges log visits as part of your applicant profile.
Should I follow up after submitting my application?
It’s a good idea to follow up with a polite email thanking the admissions office for their time or addressing any updates to your application. Keep it professional and concise.
Can showing interest help if I’m on the waitlist?
Yes, expressing continued interest can strengthen your position. Send a letter updating the admissions office on recent achievements and reiterate your enthusiasm for the school.
How do I choose a first-choice college?
Evaluate factors like academics, campus culture, location, and financial fit. Make sure the school aligns with your goals and values before committing to it as your top choice.