It amazes me when people believe that universities are always being truthful when checking boxes in the CDS or when making declarations about financial aid.
Clearly, (as others have mentioned) understanding the university’s mission and being familiar with the department for your intended major, curricula, campus culture, etc. IS demonstrated interest. In that sense, virtually all universities should check that box in the CDS. Why do folks assume that it means just visiting the campus?
Similarly, do you really think that any university would admit an entire class that requires financial aid? No, of course not. So, no university (even those with huge endowments) is truly need blind. The box about financial aid on the app could be suppressed by so-called need blind universities, but it isn’t. Ask yourself why not.