Admission 101: Why It’s Important to Let Us Know You’re Interested in Davidson, and How

I wish someone had told me that demonstrated interest is not a term to be afraid of—instead, it’s a chance to show that by applying to a school, you know what you’re getting into! Many colleges and universities share certain characteristics with each other, but by going beyond the numbers and taking deep-dives into those communities, you can truly explore which is the right one for you. 

To show demonstrated interest, I can’t encourage you enough to simply ask questions. There are countless people—students, admissions counselors, professors, alumni, and more—who are beyond excited to indulge your curiosity about the college or university they love. Demonstrating interest and cracking the surface of a school can help you compose a thorough view of the values of a community, and help you decide where you will excel as a student, peer, and person.

Demonstrating interest is just that—showing that you’re interested. You don’t need to think of it like a game, trying to figure out the magic combination of activities and events that will demonstrate the perfect amount of interest. 

Take some time to reflect, and interact with the parts of Davidson that you’re most interested in and passionate about. Take a tour, join a virtual session, connect with students during a Chat With a Wildcat session, then use that opportunity to get connected with different parts of campus. Maybe it’s talking to someone who’s passionate about video editing for the basketball team, maybe it’s asking a student about how they balance theater and their passion for cooking. Whatever it is, it should be authentic to you. Find out about the things that matter to you, and the actual demonstration of interest will come as a result. 

In addition to connecting with the admission staff, speak with departments and student organizations that you already have an interest in! You will definitely have the opportunity to explore new hobbies and academic interests, but starting in familiar territory is a great place to begin. 

Current students and staff are eager to connect with you and share their experiences. By doing this, you will learn how you might fit in on a college campus.

I found chatting with professors in the departments I was interested in during the application process to be incredibly helpful. The physics professor I talked to before attending Davidson is my current major advisor!

Although these connections with faculty may not always be tracked by the admission office and counted toward demonstrated interest (definitely still engage with the admission office), you'll get a real feel for what academics would look like for you here.

An easy place to start— go on a tour! If you can’t go in person, join virtually. 

Following that, I really recommend reaching out to your tour guide and asking questions about Davidson. Learn about their experience, what they do, what their friends do, and anything else that can help you decide that Davidson is really the place you want to be.

I think it’s helpful to reframe demonstrated interest in terms of visualizing yourself at a college. 

Take a break from thinking about what a college thinks of you and ask yourself what you need to know to imagine yourself there! 

Current students, faculty, and admission staff at Davidson are thrilled to answer the questions that come up for you in this process.

I didn’t learn about demonstrated interest until my senior year of high school, and what I wish someone had told 17-year-old me is that there are entire offices waiting to hear from me and connect. Demonstrated interest isn’t some formulaic process, at least not when it’s done most effectively and sincerely. Every individual will inevitably bring something unique to the campus they choose to call home,  so it makes sense that everyone will need access to different resources and information during their college search and application—which is the beauty of it all from an admissions standpoint! 

We want to hear from *you* about *you*—is there anything about Davidson that confuses you? Is there anything about Davidson that makes you feel so excited that you could burst? Tell us! Reach out! Get in touch—however, and whenever, you can!

There are many ways to show demonstrated interest both in person and virtually! You can attend a tour, ask questions at a Chat With a Wildcat, reach out to professors, or email any students like the wonderful senior fellows. 

Everyone at Davidson is so excited to answer any questions that students have! When you are looking around Davidson’s website, do not just think about one department. Try imagining what ways you see yourself engaging on Davidson’s campus and connect with people who can challenge your impressions on those subjects. Davidson has so much to offer; we are just waiting for you to ask!

I highly recommend attending an information session or a Chat With a Wildcat session to learn more about the academic and social life at Davidson. It is very important to follow up with admission counselors, tour guides, and senior fellows if you have any questions about Davidson or the college application process. They would be extremely happy to answer your questions or connect you with someone who can. 

I also encourage reaching out to students and faculty in your department of interest to learn about classes, research opportunities, and available funding. The information and support you gain through these connections will be invaluable as you prepare your application.

If you’re able to visit a campus in person, think about how you can take your campus visit to the next level. Take some time after your information session and tour to explore parts of campus for yourself. Not only might you discover your next favorite study spot, but you never know who you might run into that might strike up a conversation and make your visit that much more meaningful. 

If you aren’t able to visit campus, maximize the virtual and online resources available to you. College websites are a treasure trove of information—approach them not with the goal of regurgitating facts, but instead armed with curiosity and ready to fall down a rabbit hole. I think these are authentic ways to show demonstrated interest, also while gaining something for yourself in the process!