Do colleges track attendance at receptions?

Many do, especially those that consider 'demonstrated interest.' Attending a local reception is an excellent way to signal genuine interest if you cannot visit the campus in person.

Can parents attend college receptions with their students?

Yes, parents are welcome. However, the student should take the lead in asking questions and introducing themselves to demonstrate self-advocacy to the admissions representatives.

What kind of questions should I ask at a college reception?

Ask questions that go beyond the website. Inquire about how specific application components are weighed, underutilized academic programs, or the characteristics of students who thrive on their campus.

Should I follow up after attending a reception?

Absolutely. Sending a personalized thank-you email to the admissions representative within 24 to 48 hours reinforces your interest and helps you stand out as an engaged prospective student.

How can I find out about receptions in my area?

Check your email/mail if you've shared data with colleges via the SAT/ACT or their websites. You can also check with your high school counselor or contact the college's admissions office directly.

demonstrated interest - Great College Advice

Q: What is the difference between a college reception and a college fair?

A college reception is a curated, smaller event co-hosted by a few schools featuring seated presentations and networking. A college fair is a large-scale event with dozens of schools at booths. Receptions offer much more depth and direct access to admissions staff.

Q: What is the appropriate dress code for a college reception?

Business casual is the standard. You should dress as you would for a professional introduction—jeans and a clean shirt or blouse are acceptable, but avoid athletic wear.

How to Demonstrate Interest: Practical Methods

Jared Hobson — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:19:42 +0000

Demonstrating interest to colleges goes far beyond simply visiting the campus. There are numerous practical methods to show admissions officers you’re genuinely invested in attending their institution. The examples start with email outreach and portal engagement, and extend to high school visits and interview follow-ups.

This guide walks through each method with actionable tactics you can implement immediately. For the complete strategic framework, explore our top-tier college application tips to maximize your chances.

Why Demonstrated Interest Matters

At many colleges, demonstrated interest can play a meaningful role in the admissions process. Admissions offices want to enroll students who are genuinely excited about attending, not simply applying as another option. When a college believes an applicant is likely to accept an offer of admission, it can improve the institution’s yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who ultimately enroll. While not every college tracks demonstrated interest, those that do often view it as an indicator of enthusiasm, initiative, and thoughtful college research.

Can strengthen your application: At colleges that consider demonstrated interest, showing authentic enthusiasm can provide a modest advantage, especially among applicants with similar academic profiles.
May improve your admissions odds: Colleges seek students who are likely to enroll if admitted, helping them manage enrollment and maintain a strong yield rate.
Shows you’ve done your homework: Visiting campus, attending information sessions, connecting with admissions representatives, or participating in virtual events demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to learn whether the college is a good fit.
Reflects a thoughtful college search: Meaningful engagement signals that you’re making intentional decisions about where you apply rather than submitting applications indiscriminately.

Admissions officers have a job to do: fill up the incoming class each year. This job is getting more difficult due to demographics and headwinds such as less international students. So, admissions officers need to adjust the dials every year with the shifting trends. For example, WashU is now considering demonstrated interest for its 2026-2027 application cycle as part of broader admission changes that includes introducing Early Action and no longer requiring supplemental essays. WashU explains the reasoning for tracking demonstrated interest going forward:

Frankly, we think demonstrated interest is often seen as a one-way street, meaning students feel pressured to find ways to impress admissions offices. This isn’t about contacting the Admissions Office to tell us you’re interested.

Instead, we think it’s about offering a variety of opportunities that students can choose from to explore our community, academics, and student life. Website searches and joining our email list are great places to start, but we also want students to be able to ask questions and engage in conversations that will help them find out if WashU is the right fit for them.

On the top of our list (and hopefully yours!) is a campus visit. We love to welcome visitors and introduce them to our amazing community. See where you will study, explore the food scene, meet current students, and so much more. A WashU experience extends beyond our beautiful campus, and a visit gives you a chance to see all that St. Louis has to offer.

Bottom line: Demonstrated interest matters to us because we know it will help you learn about WashU and whether you can truly see yourself here. It will also allow you to build your best application.

How Do I Demonstrate Interest Through a Campus Visit?

Campus visits are the gold standard for demonstrating interest because they require significant investment of time and resources. A well-executed visit creates multiple touchpoints with the admissions office and provides rich material for your supplemental essays.

Veteran college admissions expert Jamie Berger emphasizes the power of an official visit: “The first way is to go visit and take an official tour that definitely lets them know that you’re not just throwing darts at a wall of colleges.”

Before You Arrive

Sign up for an official campus tour through the admissions website—this creates a record in their tracking system. Schedule an information session (ideally, attend before your tour so you can ask informed questions). Request an admissions interview if offered. Arrange to sit in on a class in your intended major. Set up meetings with professors, coaches, or department heads relevant to your interests.

During Your Visit

Arrive on time and check in at the admissions office. Take detailed notes about specific programs, facilities, traditions, and campus culture you observe. Photograph buildings and spaces that resonate with you (for essay reference later). Ask thoughtful questions during the tour and information session. Get names and contact information for anyone who spends significant time with you.

After Your Visit

Send a brief, personalized thank-you email within 24-48 hours to your tour guide, interviewer, or admissions representative. Reference something specific from your conversation. The Great College Advice Family Handbook emphasizes: “Remind your student to write a thank you note after a campus visit or interview. Sometimes the best ‘demonstrated interest’ is through conversations that show the student is truly engaged in the process.”

What Are the Best Virtual Methods to Demonstrate Interest When I Can’t Visit Campus?

Virtual engagement has become increasingly sophisticated, and colleges recognize the effort students put into online interactions. For families where travel isn’t feasible, these methods can effectively substitute for in-person visits.

The Great College Advice Family Handbook notes: “Many campuses offer excellent virtual visit resources. These may include virtual campus tours available on the website and virtual panels, information sessions, or interviews with faculty, students, staff, and alumni. If visiting is too costly or time-consuming, virtual visits can be a great option.”

Live Virtual Sessions: Attend live virtual information sessions rather than just watching recorded content—live attendance is often tracked and demonstrates real-time commitment. Participate in Q&A panels and ask a thoughtful question to make yourself memorable. Join webinars about specific academic programs, research opportunities, or student life.
Virtual Tours and Interviews: Complete the official virtual campus tour offered through the admissions website. Schedule a virtual interview when offered—these carry the same weight as in-person interviews. Attend virtual panels with current students, faculty, or alumni in your areas of interest.
Ongoing Digital Engagement: Follow the admissions office and relevant departments on social media. Engage thoughtfully with the content they post. Sign up for the college’s mailing list to receive updates and invitations to virtual events.

The key is active participation; don’t just watch passively. Sign up with your real email, turn your camera on when appropriate, and engage meaningfully with the content and people you encounter.

How Should I Communicate with Admissions Representatives via Email?

Email outreach can create valuable touchpoints when done correctly, but poorly executed emails could be viewed as a negative. Quality of outreach far outweighs quantity.

Jamie advises: “Write to your admissions rep a very short, to-the-point email just so they know that you are interested. That’s the main point of demonstrated interest: demonstrating actual interest.”

Best practices for email outreach:

Keep It Brief: Three to four sentences maximum. Admissions officers read hundreds of emails and appreciate conciseness.
Be Specific: Ask one substantive question that isn’t easily answered on the website. Reference something specific about the school that connects to your genuine interests. Generic emails that could be sent to any school signal laziness.
Be Professional: Use a professional email address (ideally firstname, lastname, not a nickname). Include your full name, high school, and graduation year. Proofread carefully—typos and grammatical errors signal carelessness. Use a clear subject line like “Question About [Specific Program] from Prospective Student.”
What to Avoid: Never send form emails to multiple schools—admissions officers can tell. Don’t ask questions you could easily Google. Avoid excessive follow-ups or requests for information readily available online.
Sample Effective Email Structure: Introduce yourself in one sentence (name, high school, graduation year). Express specific interest in one program or opportunity. Ask one thoughtful question. Thank them briefly for their time.

How Can I Use High School Visits and College Fairs to Demonstrate Interest?

When admissions officers come to you—through high school visits or local college fairs—these are prime opportunities to create personal connections without any travel costs.

The Great College Advice Family Handbook advises parents: “Help plan campus visits, attend information sessions when colleges visit your community, remind your student to visit the college’s website and request a brochure, take your student to a college fair, and help them figure out when to schedule an interview. Also, many high schools have colleges come to visit. Make sure your student knows when admissions officers are visiting and how to sign up for those visits.”

Maximizing High School Visits

Sign up early because spots are often limited, especially for popular schools. Prepare two or three thoughtful questions in advance that show you’ve researched the school. Introduce yourself clearly: your name, grade, and intended area of study. Take notes during the presentation. Get the representative’s business card or contact information. Send a follow-up email within 24-48 hours referencing your conversation.

Making the Most of College Fairs

Research which schools you will attend and prioritize your time for the target schools. Prepare specific questions for each school rather than asking generic questions. Engage in genuine conversation rather than just collecting brochures. Fill out contact cards completely and legibly—this adds you to their tracking system. Follow up with representatives from schools you’re most interested in.

These interactions help admissions officers remember you when they later read your application. A personal connection, even brief, distinguishes you from anonymous applicants.

What Is the Best Way to Demonstrate Interest Through the Applicant Portal?

Once you’ve applied and gained access to a college’s applicant portal, you have direct opportunities to demonstrate ongoing interest—and many colleges track this engagement meticulously.
Jamie’s advice on portal engagement is emphatic: “Once you get into their college portals and they offer you opportunities to explore biochemistry, just say yes to everything. These Zoom meetings, these Facebook groups—everything.”

Strategic portal engagement:

Complete Your Profile: Fill out every section of your applicant profile thoroughly. Upload any optional materials that strengthen your application. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Attend Everything Relevant: RSVP “yes” to virtual events, webinars, and admitted student programming. Participate in major-specific information sessions. Join official social media groups for prospective or admitted students. Attend virtual office hours if offered.
Stay Consistently Active: Log in regularly throughout the admissions cycle. Read and engage with the content the admissions office shares. Complete any optional surveys or questionnaires.
Quality Over Quantity: While clicking through every link matters less than genuine engagement, don’t just attend events passively. Ask questions. Participate in discussions. Show that you’re actively evaluating whether the school is right for you.

Many schools can see your complete engagement history, so consistent activity over time is more compelling than a burst of activity right before a decision deadline.

How Do I Demonstrate Interest Through the Admissions Interview?

When a college offers interviews—whether with admissions staff, alumni, or current students—this is both an evaluation opportunity and one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate genuine interest.

Before the Interview

Schedule promptly when invited rather than waiting until the last minute; a quick response signals enthusiasm. Research the school thoroughly so you can discuss specific programs, professors, research opportunities, traditions, or campus features that draw you there. Prepare thoughtful questions that show genuine curiosity—not questions easily answered on the website. Review your own application so you can speak naturally about your activities, interests, and goals.

During the Interview

Dress appropriately for the format (business casual for in-person; neat and presentable for virtual). Arrive or log in early. Engage authentically—admissions interviews assess fit and personality, not just qualifications. Show genuine enthusiasm without being over-the-top. Ask your prepared questions and listen attentively to the answers.

After the Interview

Send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours. Reference specific topics from your conversation to show you were engaged. Keep it brief but warm.

The Great College Advice Family Handbook emphasizes this follow-up: “Encourage them to follow up on a conversation with an email or phone call if they have additional questions. Sometimes the best ‘demonstrated interest’ is through conversations that show the student is truly engaged in the process and wants to learn more about the school.”

When Should I Start Demonstrating Interest, and What’s the Ideal Timeline?

Demonstrated interest isn’t a last-minute tactic; it’s most effective when built consistently over time. Admissions offices often have visibility into your entire engagement history, so sustained interest over 12-18 months carries more weight than a flurry of activity right before application deadlines.

Sophomore Year

Begin researching schools that match your academic interests and preferences. Attend local college fairs to explore options and practice engaging with admissions representatives. Create a dedicated college email address and sign up for mailing lists. Take virtual tours of schools that interest you.

Junior Year (Fall)

Plan campus visits during school breaks: the fall of junior year is ideal timing. Attend information sessions when admissions officers visit your high school. Continue engaging with college emails and social media. Start narrowing your list of target schools.

Junior Year (Spring/Summer)

Continue your campus visits to colleges of interest over spring break. Schedule interviews at schools that offer them. Begin building relationships with regional admissions representatives through thoughtful email outreach. Attend any special preview days or prospective student events.

Senior Year (Fall)

Finalize any remaining campus visits before application deadlines. Attend information sessions or college fairs for schools still on your list. Apply Early Decision to your top choice if appropriate—this is “the ultimate demonstration of interest.”

Senior Year (Post-Application)

Engage actively with applicant portals—attend every relevant virtual event. Complete interviews when offered. Send brief updates about significant senior-year achievements. Attend admitted student events and programming if accepted.

Consistency matters. A student who has engaged thoughtfully over 18 months makes a stronger impression than one who suddenly appears highly interested in December of senior year.

Get Personalized Guidance for Your College Journey

Every student’s path to college is unique. The demonstrated interest strategies that work for one applicant may not be right for another. Knowing which schools actually track engagement, when to visit, and how to make meaningful connections requires expert insight tailored to your specific situation.

At Great College Advice, our team of veteran college admissions counselors has helped thousands of ambitious students navigate the complexities of college admissions. We’ll help you build a strategic approach to demonstrated interest, identify which schools on your list care most about engagement, and develop an application strategy that maximizes your chances at your dream schools.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your free consultation today and discover how personalized guidance can make the difference in your college admissions journey.

The post How to Demonstrate Interest: Practical Methods first appeared on Great College Advice.

What to Expect at a College Reception

Jared Hobson — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:24:19 +0000

A college reception is an organized event hosted by one or more colleges, typically held in the evening at a local hotel or high school. Admissions representatives present their schools to prospective students and families in the students’ home city or region.

It is not a college fair, where students move between dozens of booths in a single exhibit hall. It is also not a high school visit, where one admissions officer comes to your school during the day. A college reception is its own kind of event: a curated gathering that brings a few schools directly to your community. When used well, it can carry real weight in the admissions process.

At Great College Advice, our counselors—who have over 100 years of combined admissions experience—help students and families at every stage of the admissions process, including preparing for, attending, and following up after college receptions. Here is what you need to know.

What Is a College Reception?

A college reception is a community-based event organized and funded by the college itself. Unlike college fairs, which feature many schools and are usually organized by a third party, a college reception is more intimate. These gatherings usually feature two to four schools that have agreed to co-sponsor the event.

Receptions are almost always held in the evening so parents and students can attend after school and work. They often take place in local hotels or high schools. Some colleges host solo receptions in larger cities. Others partner with peer institutions to share the costs and reach more students in a single visit.

How Is a College Reception Different from a College Fair?

Number of schools	2–4 schools (co-sponsors)	50–300+ schools	1 school
Format	Seated presentation + Q&A	Open exhibit floor with booths	Brief classroom or auditorium visit
Time of day	Typically evenings	Varies (often school hours)	School hours
Depth of interaction	Moderate–high (presentations + 1-on-1 time)	Low–moderate (brief exchanges)	Low (short, group setting)
Demonstrated interest value	High (attendance tracked)	Moderate	Moderate

Why College Receptions Matter for Admissions

The short answer: demonstrated interest. Many colleges actively track which students attend their off-campus events, and a college reception is one of the easiest ways to get on a school’s radar without traveling hundreds of miles.

Jamie Berger, veteran college admissions expert, explains the stakes plainly:

“Some colleges have started to reject overqualified applicants who they don’t think have any interest. Demonstrated interest is helping colleges weed out students who are just throwing darts at a wall of schools.”

— Jamie Berger, Great College Advice

According to Berger, the clearest ways to show genuine interest include taking an official campus tour, engaging with everything a college’s portal offers, and writing a brief, direct email to your admissions representative. Attending a local reception — especially when a campus visit isn’t financially or logistically possible — falls squarely within that strategy.

Not every college tracks demonstrated interest. The most selective schools, including many Ivy League institutions, do not track it because their yield is already high. For the broad middle tier of competitive colleges as well as most selective liberal arts colleges that track demonstrated interest, attending a reception can provide a meaningful edge. For more on demonstrated interest, see our full guide: A Lesson in Demonstrated Interest.

How Do Students Get Invited to College Receptions?

Students typically receive invitations through one of three channels:

Test score data sharing. When students take the SAT or ACT, they can send their scores to colleges. Many of these colleges put students on their mailing lists and invite them to local receptions.
Requesting information. If a student has signed up for information on a college’s website, filled out an inquiry card at a college fair, or requested a brochure, the school will often include them in local event outreach.
High school counselor notifications. High schools regularly receive announcements about receptions happening in the area and share those with students. This is one reason it pays to stay in close contact with your school counselor.

Invitations may come as emails, printed mailers, or both. If you have not gotten an invitation but know a reception is nearby, you can contact the college’s admissions office to ask if you may attend if there isn’t a registration website for you to fill out your information.

What to Expect at a College Reception

The Presentation

Most receptions follow a set format. Each college’s admissions representative gives a talk, usually 15 to 30 minutes long, covering:

An overview of the college’s academic programs, campus culture, and student life that sets it apart from other schools
Key admissions statistics (acceptance rates, GPA and test score ranges, application deadlines)
Information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Details about the application process that may not be spelled out on the website

The presentations are similar to on-campus info sessions, but shorter. If two or three colleges are presenting, expect to hear from each in turn. You may need to listen to a school you are less interested in before your top choice speaks, but the wait can be a chance to discover a school you had not considered.

Special Guests

Many colleges use receptions to bring additional voices to the room. You may hear from:

Current students who speak to campus life, academics, and day-to-day experience
Faculty members who discuss academic programs and research opportunities
Alumni who share their experiences after graduation and what the degree has meant for their careers

These are voices you are unlikely to encounter at a college fair. Take advantage of them.

The Networking Period

After the formal presentations, the reception usually shifts to an open networking period. Admissions representatives set up around the room, and students can approach them with questions. This is the most important part of the evening, yet many students waste it by not preparing.

How to Prepare for a College Reception

Preparation separates students who gain real information and make a good impression from those who linger by the snack table.

Jeanette Hadsell, Senior Admissions Consultant at Great College Advice, is direct on this point:

“Students should arrive having researched the colleges and knowing what they want. It shouldn’t be their first time hearing about these schools. Come with questions beyond what’s on the website—not just ‘how big is your freshman class?’ or ‘what majors do you offer?’ Be specific. It shows you’ve done your homework.”

— Jeanette Hadsell, Senior Admissions Consultant, Great College Advice

On dress and demeanor, Hadsell adds:

“You don’t need to wear a suit and tie, but avoid workout shorts. Be ready to shake hands, introduce yourself, and present a professional face.”

— Jeanette Hadsell, Senior Admissions Consultant, Great College Advice

Questions to Ask at a College Reception

Don’t ask questions that can be easily answered online. Instead, ask questions that show true research and interest:

How does your college support students who want to pursue independent research before graduate school?
What does the process look like for switching majors, and how does it affect financial aid?
What percentage of your students receive merit aid, and how competitive is the process?
What are the most common reasons qualified applicants are waitlisted or denied?
What does your admissions committee value most in the supplemental essays?
Are there specific programs, internship pipelines, or honors tracks you think are underutilized by prospective students?

Remember: the admissions representative at the reception is often the one who will first read your application. Make a positive impression. Jamie Berger explains:

“Bring your real concerns, interests, and questions about their school. Think of yourself as a customer of a product that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars—because you are.”

— Jamie Berger, Great College Advice

What to Bring

A small notebook or use a notes app to record what you learn
A list of your prepared questions for each school attending
Business cards, if you have them (some students create simple cards with their name, school, graduation year, and email — admissions officers notice)
Bring a positive, curious attitude. Admissions officers who have been traveling since 5 AM appreciate students who are truly engaged.

For broader guidance on how to approach college visits — both on-campus and local — read our post on Three Steps to Attending College Visits at Your High School.

What to Do After a College Reception

Send a Thank-You Note

Within 24 to 48 hours of the reception, send a short, personal thank-you email to each admissions representative you spoke with. Reference something specific from your conversation—like a program they mentioned, a detailed answer they gave, or helpful advice. This step does two things: it reinforces your demonstrated interest and sets you apart as a remembered person, not an anonymous face.

As the GCA Family Handbook notes, “Sometimes the best ‘demonstrated interest’ is through conversations that show the student is truly engaged in the process and wants to learn more about the school.” A well-crafted follow-up email is that conversation, in writing.

Update Your College List

One underrated benefit of receptions is the discovery they foster. You may attend primarily to hear from your top-choice school and leave having heard an equally compelling case from a school you had not seriously considered. If a presentation genuinely surprised you, that is information worth acting on. Expand your list thoughtfully. For help building a strategic college list from the junior year forward, see our College Timeline for Juniors.

Decide Whether a Campus Visit Is Worth It

A reception is, among other things, a low-cost audition for a more expensive campus visit. If a school’s presentation left you excited, that is a strong signal that the time and money invested in an in-person visit are justified. If it left you cold, you may be able to cross the school off without making the trip. Either way, do a virtual tour of the college on their admissions website and fill out the information on their website to make sure you are on their communications list.

Get Expert Guidance for Every Step of the College Admissions Process

A college reception is a small moment in a long process — but small moments handled well compound into meaningful advantages. At Great College Advice, our team of veteran admissions counselors helps students and families prepare for every touchpoint: receptions, campus visits, interviews, essays, and everything in between.

We bring more than 100 combined years of college admissions experience to each family we work with — and we know how to turn a well-attended reception and a thoughtful follow-up note into a genuine edge in a competitive applicant pool.

Contact Great College Advice for a no-obligation consultation. Let’s talk about where your student is, where they want to go, and how to get there.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Receptions

What is the difference between a college reception and a college fair?

A college reception is a curated, evening event co-hosted by two to four colleges, featuring seated presentations followed by one-on-one networking time with admissions representatives. A college fair is a large-scale open event organized by a third party where dozens or hundreds of schools share exhibit space, and students circulate between booths. Receptions offer significantly more depth of interaction and more direct access to admissions staff than college fairs.

Do colleges track whether students attend receptions?

Many do, particularly colleges that actively consider demonstrated interest as part of their admissions review. Attendance at a local reception signals genuine interest in a school, especially for students who cannot easily make an in-person campus visit. If demonstrated interest matters to a school on your list, attending its local reception is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to show it.

A few years ago, I attended an evening reception with my high school daughter at a local private high school hosted by four selective liberal arts colleges that track demonstrated interest. Amazingly, there were only about 15-20 high school students in attendance. They took down everyone’s information when they walked in. My daughter is now attending one of those selective universities so every little edge helps in the college admissions process.

Should I attend a reception for a school I’m only mildly interested in?

It depends. If the reception features schools you are genuinely researching, attend and make the most of the time. If one school on the program is lower on your list, you may still learn something that changes your perspective — or you may confirm that the school is not the right fit. Either outcome has value. There is no obligation to apply to a school simply because you attended its reception.

What should students wear to a college reception?

Business casual is the appropriate standard. You do not need formal attire, but you should dress as you would for a professional introduction. Jeans and a clean shirt or blouse are fine; athletic wear is not. The goal is to look like someone who takes the opportunity seriously.

Can parents attend a college reception?

Yes, and many families attend together. That said, the student should be the one asking questions and introducing themselves to admissions representatives. Colleges want to see that students can advocate for themselves. Parents should feel free to listen, take notes, and observe — but the active engagement should come from the student.

What questions should I ask at a college reception?

Prepare questions that go beyond what you can find on the college’s website. Ask about things like how the admissions process weighs specific application components, what the college’s most underutilized academic programs are, how financial aid packages are structured for domestic versus international students, or what distinguishes admitted students who thrive on campus. Specific, research-based questions leave a stronger impression than generic ones.

Is attending a college reception considered demonstrated interest?

Yes. For colleges that track demonstrated interest, attending a local reception is one of the most direct ways to register on a school’s radar — particularly for students who cannot make an on-campus visit. Many schools log reception attendance in their admissions database, making it a documented touchpoint in a student’s interaction history.

Should I follow up after attending a college reception?

Absolutely. Send a brief, personalized thank-you email to any admissions representative you spoke with, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Reference something specific from your conversation. This follow-up reinforces your demonstrated interest and transitions you from an anonymous attendee to a named, engaged prospective student.

What happens after the presentations at a college reception?

After formal presentations conclude, the event typically shifts to an open networking period. Admissions representatives move to tables or designated areas around the room, and students can approach them individually to ask questions and introduce themselves. This is often the highest-value part of the event. Come prepared with questions, introduce yourself confidently, and treat the interaction as a professional conversation.

How do I find out about college receptions in my area?

Students are typically notified through email or mail after sharing contact information with a college — either by requesting information on the school’s website, signing up at a college fair, or through test score data sharing via the College Board (SAT) or ACT. High school counselors also receive reception announcements for their area. If you know a school is conducting local events but have not received an invitation, contact the admissions office directly to ask whether you may attend.

The post What to Expect at a College Reception first appeared on Great College Advice.

Tips on how to maximize high school visits by colleges

Jared Hobson — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:07:41 +0000

Fall is the time when college admissions officers hit the road and make their way into high schools around the country to recruit students. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with the colleges you are interested in! These are three steps to keep in mind when attending college visits at your high school:

Find out when the colleges you are interested are visiting

Check with your high school counseling office for the visit schedule (or Naviance or Maia Learning accounts if you have one) or look on the individual colleges website to see if you can locate the admissions office travel schedule.

Make sure you will be able to attend the college visit!

Get instructions from your counseling office for how to sign up for the individual visits and how to get excused from class.
Get any necessary approval from your teachers if the visit requires missing class.

Make a connection during the high school college visit with the admissions representative

Introduce yourself to the college representative by name.
Fill out your contact information for the college during their visit.
Remember, the admission officers are on a tight schedule as they fit in multiple visits in one day. If you don’t have time to ask your questions during the session ask them for their contact information so you can follow up with an email or phone call.

Good luck during this admissions season!

Need Help with the College Admissions Process?

Let us help you craft your message to colleges, including how to maximize demonstrated interest. At Great College Advice, we provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun.

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With over 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other.

The post Tips on how to maximize high school visits by colleges first appeared on Great College Advice.

8 Steps to Get You Admitted to College

Jared Hobson — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 09:30:23 +0000

How do you get a college to notice you and fall in love? It’s like a dance, and the steps are always the same. There are 8 steps to get you admitted to college.

One of the great myths about college admission is that the process is merely a matter of doing your best in high school, getting good scores on some tests, writing a decent essay, and then simply submitting your application to the admissions office. Then you just sit back and pray that a college admissions officer will let you in.

But that’s not really how it works.

If you want a college to love you, you have to love the college first. Show demonstrated interest.

First, let them know you’re interested

Sign up to receive their information. Go to the college website and leave a trace. Register for their web portals, and sign up for their email lists. An admissions officer will never know that you have your eye on their school…unless you give them a sign.

Second, fill out their dance cards.

Any time an admissions officer asks you to fill out a card, do it. Even if you have filled out the same card for the same person a hundred times. You get credit for every bit of contact you have with that admissions officer. In today’s high-tech world, admissions offices across the land keep careful track of your contacts with their admissions people. And every contact is a brownie point in the application process. And who doesn’t need more brownie points?

Third, accept their invitations.

If a college invites you to meet their representative someplace—at your school, at a Starbucks when they visit your town, at a college fair—put on your dancing shoes and show up. Even if you’re not the best dancer in the room, you get major points for just showing up. Especially if an admissions officer visits your school. You cannot afford to waste the opportunity to meet and take another turn around the dance floor—you need those brownie points.

Even if you have to miss your calculus class. Even if you have to skip volleyball practice. Even if your feet hurt. You’ve got to dance if you want that admissions officer to remember your name. To know how much you care, and to know how badly you want the keys to the gate.

Fourth, go visit.

Explore what your life might be like if you agree to keep dancing with this college for the next four years. Nothing—I repeat, nothing—will declare your enthusiasm as much as a personal visit, where you can dance for a few hours (or better, a day or two) to see whether this college really is everything that the admissions officer promised.

So when is the best time to visit? Anytime you can. It’s nice to go when school is in session because it gives you a better sense of what your life might be like if you decide to go exclusive with this dance partner. But you’ll make a suitable impression no matter when you go or how long you stay.

But, make you sure are ready to visit. Take time to develop the criteria you feel is important to you in where you go to college. Do research ahead of time. Otherwise a visit can be a wasted opportunity.

Fifth, meet the rest of the crew.

Talk to the rest of the admissions officer’s team: The faculty. The staff. The coaches. The gardener, even. If you were to accept your this college’s hand, you would suddenly find yourself in this new world, populated by lots of new folks. So when you do visit, don’t simply spend all your time in the visitors’ center! Even if you can’t connect with the family during your visit, use email, the phone, the web. You won’t know whether you really want to commit until you chat with the rest of the clan.

Sixth, spend the night.

Really. Many schools have current students who volunteer to host prospective students overnight in the dorms. You might see some of the institution’s dirty laundry (better to get over the shock before you commit), and some of the polish of the glossy brochures your admissions officer plied you with might lose its luster. But spending the night will give you the opportunity to experience, however briefly, what life at that college is really like.

Seventh, stay in touch.

Don’t forget to thank your admissions officer. Sprinkle the praise and your delight in the attention you have been receiving. Mention the specific characteristics of the college that thrill you the most. Tell how appreciative you are. Despite the lightness of the metaphor, the admissions dance is an extremely important aspect of the entire process.

Take the time to build a relationship with the admissions officers of the colleges that interest you. Admissions offices do keep careful track of your calls, emails, visits, interviews—every single point of contact between you and the admissions representative.

Eighth, don’t step on toes.

It is possible to overdo this. You don’t want to be annoying. Sometimes an admissions officer will not be as receptive. This is particularly the case at large state universities and also at the most selective schools, including Stanford and the Ivy League. These admissions officers just have too many inquiries to respond to everyone. Plus, since they are so highly sought-after, they can be very, very choosy with their applicants.

In these cases, just let them know you’re interested, fill out the (dance) cards, attend the college fairs, and pay a visit. But don’t take it personally if they don’t want to engage in a lengthy phone conversation with you. These admissions officers are simply in very high demand.

Think about it.

I the situation were reversed, who would you choose? Someone who simply sends you a typed application, listing all their credentials, their qualifications, and their hopes and dreams? Someone who sits back, passively waiting for you to choose them from among the thousands of others who have also submitted applications?

Or someone who not only completes the application but who goes the extra mile?

Colleges want to accept students who express their strong interest and enthusiasm for their institutions.

So get out your dancing shoes, and don’t be afraid to dance. It may lead to something extraordinary.

Need some dance lessons?

Maybe you are not sure about all this. Maybe you’re not even sure with whom you want to dance, much less how to master all the steps.

The expert admissions counselors at Great College Advice can help you be light on your toes throughout the complicated college admissions process. We would enjoy the opportunity to chat with you, take you for a spin around the dance floor, and help you figure out how best to master the steps to get admitted to college.

Just reach out. Contact us today for your complimentary consultation.

This post originally was posted in 2023. It has been updated for content.

The post 8 Steps to Get You Admitted to College first appeared on Great College Advice.

Deferred From Your First Choice College? What to Do

Jared Hobson — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 20:54:11 +0000

You wrote an awesome essay. You spent time ensuring your activities list was awesome. You proofread the application a million times. You applied Early Decision or Early Action. But then you learn your application was deferred to regular decision. What do you do when you are deferred from your first choice college?

What do you do when you are deferred?

Let’s just be honest. Being deferred in the early round of college admissions really stinks. It’s a kind of purgatory. It’s disappointing, especially if the college in question was your first choice. A deferral feels like a rejection, even if it is not a final decision: you COULD still be accepted in the regular round. Nevertheless, a deferral feels lousy.

You do have some options about what to do, though not all of them are very good.

Option 1: Sit around and mope when you are deferred

This might be tempting. But it’s obviously self-defeating. There is no denying that deferrals are filled with negative emotions, and you must honor those feelings and understand that you really and truly feel down-in-the-dumps about a it. But wallowing in self-pity is not going to help make things different. You need to recognize and deal with the emotions, but then get up out of that chair and make some decisions and take some action.

Option 2: Do nothing

On its face, this sounds like a bad option, too. I mean, you’ve gotta something, right? Actually, in some cases doing nothing is just the right thing to do. But it implies that you already have a plan in place in the case of such a possibility. As educational planners, we help our students have a Plan B (and C and D) in place, just in case Plan A does not materialize. And in some cases, students find that Plan B is just about as desirable as Plan A, so they can just ignore the deferral and execute on their subsequent strategy without a whole lot of hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing. Let Plan A go and turn to the other desirable options in front of you.

Option 3: Apply to a bunch more schools

This is a possibility, but probably not advisable. First, it will just make a whole lot more work for yourself in trying to get new applications out the door. Second, these schools may be added to your list without full consideration of whether you even want to attend. Good decisions are seldom made in a panic. Again, if you have taken the time to fully consider your options before you even submitted those Early Decision (or Early Action) applications, then stick with your original plan. Just because Plan A did not pan out does not mean that the other elements of your overall strategy should be thrown out. The deferral was always a risk–assuming you planned for that possibility in the first place. Don’t let the emotional turmoil of a deferral push you into making silly decisions that don’t make sense when you’re in a more rational, calm state.

Option 4: When you are deferred, write a letter of continuing interest (LOCI) to the school(s) that deferred you

This is the best option by far. It allows you to do what is necessary to keep Plan A open as a possibility, but also lets you execute on the rest of your strategy.

So what’s needed? It depends on the school in question. When you receive your deferral letter, the university will have explicit instructions about what you do in the case of a deferral. We recommend that you follow those directions faithfully. Some will advocate that you try to go above and beyond those instructions. But our belief is that you can easily go overboard and risk annoying admissions officers for not following their instructions. They are giving you these instructions for a reason.

For example, some might advocate sending something that will help you stand out, like a box of cookies or a singing telegram. This would surely help the admissions officers to remember your name–only because you were over the top in desperation to be accepted. You might become memorable for all the wrong reasons and thereby tank your chances of admission. So please: follow directions.

When you are deferred, how should you write your letter of continuing interest?

Again, the university will tell you exactly what you should do if you are deferred. Sometimes the instructions will be very simple: “please check this box on this form to indicate that you would like to be considered in the regular admissions round, or check this box if you would like us to chuck your application in the bin and take a flying leap.” (Most likely you’ll want to check that first box).

Sometimes they will ask you for any updates that you would like to add to your application that would be considered in the second review of your application in the regular decision round. Most often, you will be asked to deliver these updates through the university admissions portal. You simply complete a text box on the portal with your updates and press “send.” These updates will then be automatically added to your file.

Depending on the school, you may also be invited to submit a “letter of continuing interest” or LOCI. This letter is what it sounds like: it’s a proclamation of your continuing desire to attend the school if admitted. You simply are reiterating what they already know: that you submitted your application early in hopes of being accepted and those feelings of desire have not dissipated, and that despite your disappointment in the deferral, you still really, really, really want to go there.

What should I say in my letter of continuing interest?

A lot of ink (okay, maybe not ink…but a lot of pixels?) has been spilled explaining what these LOCI should like. Our take is that these should be very simple statements of fact and intent.

The facts

What have you done since you sent in your application that admissions officers should know and consider as they review your application for a second time? In most cases, the reality is that you have done very little in the six weeks between the early application submission and your receipt of the deferral. But there are things you might want to share, depending on how seminal those six weeks have been.

Here are some examples:

Your first semester grades in your senior courses were a triumph.
Your SAT or ACT score took a great leap upward.
You won a major sports award.
You won a major academic award.
You were accepted into a very competitive summer program.
You were won a concerto competition with a local orchestra or band.
You completed a major service project that you were preparing while you were preparing those early applications.
You completed your Girl Scouts Gold Award.
You had a poem published in a literary journal.

You get the idea: what have you accomplished since the application was originally submitted that make a material differences in how you might be evaluated by the admissions office?

Again, our experience is that the vast majority of students do not have a lot of facts to add to their application. But if there are facts to share, share them!

The continuing interest

In this part of the letter you should express–very briefly–your continued hope that the admissions office will select you. With this short paragraph of the letter, you really need to be concise. You also must not whine. You must not become a sycophant–complimenting the college (or worse, the admissions office) on the many positive traits this college possesses. You can reiterate that the school remains your top choice, that you remain eager to attend, and that you appreciate that your application will receive a second, serious review.

Some students have an impulse to go on and on about how wonderful the school is, about how they can imagine having coffee in this little cafe or they hope to be able to study in this or that library or take a course with Professor Longbottom.

Please spare your overworked admissions officers this schmaltz. All they want to know–really–is that you cared enough to send them a note and that you remain committed to attend if accepted. Just make your point and close your letter with a “Sincerely yours” or “Yours truly” and be done.

So, in summary, what should you do when you are deferred?

The three-part answer is fairly simple.

First, feel the pain. It stings. Deferrals are no fun. You applied to a school in hopes that you’d be accepted. You weren’t–at least not yet. And the feeling you are feeling is real. So let it wash over you. But don’t let it debilitate you. There are things to do.

Second, execute on your backup plans that you put in place precisely for this possibility. You need to complete all the rest of your applications (if you haven’t already–which you should have done long before you received this deferral), and send them off.

Third, do whatever the college asks you to do to keep your application in consideration for the regular decision admissions round. Follow their instructions faithfully.

And if you are asked or invited to write a letter of continuing interest, do it. But keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Share any new information that needs to be included in your application in the second review during the regular round. And simply restate that you would likely attend–or certainly would attend–if admitted.

Do you need help when you are deferred from your first choice college?

The counselors at Great College Advice are experts in helping students to pick up the piece after a deferral. Most of our clients have created clear alternative strategies in the event that their early choices do not come through as planned.

But if you find yourself at the end of your rope, not knowing what to do, feeling lost and without a strategy, we can help. We can assist in getting you back on track. We can help you create that last-minute plan that will ensure that at the end of the regular admissions round that you have solid choices for your college education.

If you need help when you are deferred, contact us and we’ll show you how we can help.

The post Deferred From Your First Choice College? What to Do first appeared on Great College Advice.