Does it help your chances of admission at a college if they are your top choice? The answer is "sometimes". Showing your interest in a school, or "demonstrating interest" can be done in a number of ways including registering for, and attending an on-campus info session, emailing an admissions officer after a visit, or asking for an on or off-campus interview. Some schools do use this demonstrated interest in their admissions decision. One way of knowing if a particular school cares is to look at the student interest row in the school's common data set, usually found on their website. Typically, large state schools do not take your interest into account, and many private schools do. Ask Eric if your top choice wants you to demonstrate interest. It could help your chances of admission!