<p>Every year there are (a couple of) thankful Tulanians on a full ride from a school that was not on the student's radar until they received the priority/personal app. Good for the student; good for Tulane. I'm sure it happens at many other colleges, too.</p>
<p>What's the problem?</p>
<p>I guess go back to my original post for my philosophy. I could give you several examples in the last week alone of students who were waitlisted or rejected from schools that have employed the "Priority Application" techniques. For most of these students, it appears that their resumes did hold up to their stats. And Bluebayoumom, the problem is not for those who are accepted; it's for those who are seduced into thinking they will be accepted (and then aren't) by the language in these emails: You're part of a small, select group; you're a "Leader;" you're part of our potential "Presidential" group; all you have to do is fill in a few blanks. If it's not (ph)ishing, it's fishing with a stressed-out population that isn't necessarily sophisticated enough to understand it's a marketing game. We're quick here on CC to diss those professional companies "Society of High School Scholars," "Whos Who" and so on for their marketing techniques, but I would argue that these colleges are engaging in similar tactics. </p>
<p>I don't think I'm naive with regard to the concept of colleges-as-businesses--and, fortunately, I'm not personally involved in this situation--I'm just not sure this tactic doesn't cross something of an ethical line. Thanks for your views so far, fellow cc parents. Always interesting debate around here!</p>
<p>SJTH, the problem with your comparison is that the Society of High School Scholars is trying to sell people products that are of limited or no use to them. Colleges are trying to sell services, but they deliver valuable goods.</p>
<p>I guess I believe you about the rejections, but I have trouble understanding why colleges who need/want to resort to this technique to induce applications would (a) be trying to boost their selectivity numbers artificially like that -- it just doesn't matter that much below the upper layer, or (b) risk undermining their marketing message by having a bunch of angry kids out there. Forget ethics, it isn't effective marketing. </p>
<p>Harvard, like Greta Garbo or Giselle Bundschen, can market itself by being impossibly beautiful and unattainable. Podunk State can't. I would think its touchstone ought to be that anyone who pays attention to it should come away with at least a positive experience. Way better to be "easy" than "teasy" if you are trying to increase your profile and appeal long-term. [Apologies for the naughty, inappropriate metaphor. I couldn't help it.]</p>
<p>
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Harvard, like Greta Garbo or Giselle Bundschen, can market itself by being impossibly beautiful and unattainable.
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</p>
<p>Yes, but Harvard still markets itself by sending brochures to kids who have absolutely zero chance of admission (including mine). H just doesn't use the flowery language of some of the priority apps.</p>
<p>In late summer, this topic was discussed quite a bit. I thought the general consensus was fairly positive. [thread]559623[/thread]</p>
<p>Our experience, having used the process for 3 out of 10 of the applications, was excellent. While I agree that it is a marketing tool, it probably benefits the consumer in more cases than not. If the school is a fit for the student, it seems to work well. I also agree that it probably is targetted demographically, but I am not quite sure what the triggers might be. I am fairly certain we checked the 'no promotions' box on the PSAT.</p>
<p>The priority application also absolutely got us to consider a college which might have never been on our radar, but is near the top of my d's list now. </p>
<p>It got the ball rolling in September. Counselor rec was written early, 'personal statement' was completed early (which with very little tweaking, ended up being the common app essay), and 3 acceptances, 2 with significant merit aid, were in the bag by October and early November. This makes a student feel very, very good.</p>
<p>The only downside for us was for the 3rd acceptance...because their priority app is so 'skinnied' down, we think it might not represent our D fully. This school does a scholarship review in December and January, and chooses a group to come back and interview again later for merit scholarships. We have chosen to submit some additional materials to make certain they are getting a complete picture.</p>
<p>We also found some of the schools to be rather low key, only sending one, maybe two, emails or direct mails. Some were relentless (University of Vermont comes to mind).</p>
<p>I also need to add that two of these schools absolutely required interviews for merit consideration (and made that clear in subsequent communications), so we had to quickly accomplish those. So, while the acceptances happened fairly quickly, the merit aid was not effortless.</p>
<p>Having gotten these 3 completed very early made the other 7 go very smoothly. And life is now full of possibilities...</p>