<p>Once you get on the mailing list for various colleges (lilke after taking the PSAT), does it make any difference if you respond or not? Do they track email or snail mail responses? Some schools are very persistent (like the University of Chicago), and I was wondering if you don't send back one or more of the dozens of postcards, doesn't that show lack of interest? Conversely, if you do write back, does that move you up in their estimation? Also, have your children gone to the local presentations that colleges do and, if not, do you worry that not going will count against you (since they do ask the students to register, do they keep track)?</p>
<p>Some schools do track responses and do weight "demonstrated interest" heavily. Liberal arts colleges and universities a few notches below the Ivies tend to be the most concerned with demonstrated interest. Many of these schools do track things like replies to mailings, attending local presentations, college visits, etc. It never hurts to return those business reply cards to potential schools of interest, or attend local presentations if convenient.</p>