<p>I have received many pamphlets and booklets from the colleges that I applied to and they all convey the same message: choose me! (I didn't get much from other schools because I intentionally didn't mark the box on my SAT registration.)</p>
<p>I know this is 100% marketing but we all know it's not up to me to choose THEM - I want them to choose ME! They know that, so why do they do this?</p>
<p>I guess I'm a little sensitive these days while waiting for those acceptances/denial letters so I feel like they're playing mind games with me. And those "come a spend the day with us" brochures add to my angst. It feels like they're fighting over me but yet I'm totally at their mercy.</p>
<p>Hmmmm, you sound a bit too passionate about this.</p>
<p>Some of the marketing did help as they showed me schools I wouldn’t have initially thought of. Ex. Duquesne University- I never even heard of it but then the pamphlets and such made me curious and I researched and it turned out to be a great match.</p>
<p>& I think you are right.* Dont tell me I’m an amazing student and you want me at your college*… THEN REJECT ME. </p>
<p>At least we’re the smart few that see what they’re doing. I like how they appeal to minorities by finding the ONE black guy on campus and putting him on the cover. Or how EVERYONE at this school is ALWAYS smiling.</p>
<p>You’re right - I’m passionate, maybe a bit too much. Wish I was more relaxed. </p>
<p>I don’t have the best stats and my parents don’t have much money and attending a CC might be a good option for me but I’m still hoping, praying, wishing, that I will be ‘chosen’ by one of the state schools that wants me to choose them.</p>
<p>And yes, their pamphlets are always politically incorrect!</p>
<p>K, look for the “New Thread” button either at the bottom or about 1/3 down of the page where all the threads are listed. Do try to post in the forum that relates to your query - see the “Top Forum” sidebar. Good luck!</p>
<p>petiza, you’re absolutely right! They want more applications so they look good. Their ranking will go higher and that = $$$. Mostly in alumna/endowments.</p>
<p>There’s an article in today’s NYTimes, front page about just this topic:
</p>
<p>The article is primarily about how easy it is for colleges to add to the number of applications: tout “no fee and no essay” and even make the application so easy that all it needs is a student’s signature. </p>
<p>You’re right to say this is all a marketing scam; it is! But as much as we all know it, we still have to play, because–well–it’s just what you do to get ahead (in most cases). The biggest factor though is finding the right fit. That’s what really matters, and hopefully colleges and students are really looking out for that.</p>