<p>So I realize that the majority of the junk mail we get from colleges doesn't matter, but I've gotten a few letters like the following from colleges recently and am wondering whether I'm expected to reply:
*Greetings from Cornell University!</p>
<p>Every year, Cornell University obtains the names of promising students from The College Boards Student Search Service. As a university that practices holistic admissions and receives many more applications from highly-qualified students than we have room to admit, learning more about the whole student throughout the process is important to us. Thus, we contact you to initiate a conversation, to invite you to explore the challenging and dynamic environment found at Cornell, and to learn more about you as well. What are your interests? How have you demonstrated your passion for learning? How have you responded to opportunities and challenges? </p>
<p>Ultimately, the college search process is most effective for both students and colleges when both focus on finding the right fit and match. Thus, as we get to know you, we also hope your curiosity will be piqued and that you will further explore what makes Cornell such an extraordinary place.</p>
<p>To learn more about what makes Cornell unique among the worlds most respected universities, I encourage you to visit our website at Cornell</a> University. Details about applying to Cornell can be found at admissions.cornell.edu, and if you would like to receive more information, please complete our online inquiry form at admissions.cornell.edu/sinfo. I also encourage you to check out our event calendar for information on events in your area for prospective students (check the Cornell Near You box). </p>
<p>Should you have any questions about Cornell or the admission process, please feel free to contact us at <a href="mailto:admissions@cornell.edu">admissions@cornell.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Jason C. Locke
Director
Undergraduate Admissions Office*</p>
<p>Now, Cornell is a school I'm definately interested in applying to...but these kind of messages seem a little redundant because I'm sure I can find anything I need to know on their website or on here.
So I'm wondering, does interest with regard to these types of letters bear any weight in admissions? I don't really find it necessary to start a conversation about my ECs or their student to teacher ratio when it's not necessary, but I'd be happy to oblige if doing so would help me out somehow. Are colleges offended when they are ignored? ;)
Thoughts?</p>