ACT selling scores to colleges?

<p>My s2 received a recruitment email from a midwestern college stating the following:</p>

<p>"Every year we scour the world over to identify students who show the highest academic potential, and like nearly all highly selective schools, our search includes purchasing the names of students who do exceedingly well on the ACT. This leads us to...you!</p>

<p>You did very well! While test scores aren't everything, when accompanied by strong grades in challenging courses they do a pretty good job of predicting college performance at highly competitive schools like .... "</p>

<p>Does anyone know how this system works? In other words, can colleges know your score from these sold name lists? I'm surprised by this.</p>

<p>You checked a box that said that you allow them to do that when you signed up. You had the choice to opt out.</p>

<p>I went to ACT registration webpage, and this is what is authorized by checking the box:</p>

<p>"By responding “Yes,” you authorize ACT to send information about you (name, address, gender, high school, email address, date of birth, year of high school graduation, racial/ethnic background, and intended college major) to colleges, scholarship organizations, ACT, and other organizations so they may contact you about programs that you may be interested in exploring. Your test scores and Social Security number are not reported. All organizations that receive this information have agreed to use it only for this purpose. "</p>

<p>Specifically says test scores and ss# are not reported.</p>

<p>It might not report your actual score, but the range. Like if you got a 30-36 or 1-10.</p>

<p>Hey! That’s Northwestern’s email! :)</p>