We get asked all the time about ideas that can help increase the amount of aid a college could offer you. We wish we had the magic sauce for this, but the honest answer is that there is likely a combination of factors that influence exactly how much aid you’re offered for your college education.
One of those factors is the concept of demonstrated interest. Many colleges utilize the concept of demonstrated interest as one of the factors that determine both admission and financial aid packaging. This refers to the actions and behaviors that a prospective student takes to show their excitement and commitment to attending a particular college or university.
Here are some examples:
- Scheduled campus visits
- Visits to local college fairs where you seek out the booth of your college of interest
- Opening and reading emails from your college of interest
- Engaging in direct communications with school admissions officers
- Tailoring essays to specific aspects of the chosen college that appeal to the student
- Engaging with social media such as Facebook or Instagram sites of the college
By virtue of expressing a higher level of interest than other applicants, the school will focus more of their resources attracting students who they feel have a higher likelihood of accepting admission if it's offered. That could translate to more grants or scholarships.
In summary, be consistent in your communication with your schools, reach out to admissions counselors with questions that indicate you've done your homework about the school, and do your best to help form a relationship with everyone you contact. You never know how it's going to pay off!
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