<p>These are actual emails from the colleges offering to waive the application fee. Colleges will use services to email out what is called “priority applications” so I would not be worried that the emails do not have the typical “college.edu” email. </p>
<p>These applications serve a few purposes. First the colleges are trying to drum up some interest in their colleges; a few application is one such way. Second some ranking organizations such as US News rank according to the number of applications a college receives (and potential rejections). Years ago Tulane sent out a massive amount of these priority applications which in turn allowed them to raise those numbers which in turn caused their ranking number to rise. Now you see a larger number (including very good colleges like Johns Hopkins or Rice) send out these application waivers.</p>
<p>Also the application will be prepopulated with your information (usually received from college board) which saves you some time. The application may also be streamlined with perhaps less writing. If you are interested in the college then by all means take them up on the application waiver.</p>