<p>Does it mean that they're interested in you? Some people say that they only do that for merchandising purposes and I can understand that. But what if the emails are from good universities like USC, Georgia Tech, and University of Rochester? Any helps would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I think it just means they got your name from the student search service of the College Board. </p>
<p>Sure, <em>something</em> about you fit within their screening filters (test score, self-reported GPA, state, major, etc), but that doesn't mean they're disparate to have you. </p>
<p>Take their interest as a good sign and a good way to learn about schools you may never have considered.</p>
<p>If you've taken the PSAT in the past, then it's probably because you checked the "send my data [GPA + majors + PSAT score, as previously mentioned] to the Student Search Service" option." Check the bottom of the email message; it will often have a disclaimer saying "we received your information from the SSS, etc." </p>
<p>However, as the colleges know little about you beyond these few stats, it's no guarantee of admission. </p>
<p>Some top schools have been known to send mail to under-qualified students, encouraging them to apply, and then rejecting them - allowing them to maintain a low acceptance rate...</p>
<p>I agree with the above, I think most of that outreach comes from PSAT scores, so I wouldn't put too much weight in their "interest"... nevertheless, a great way to get more info!</p>
<p>I don't think it does. I got letters/email from 4 of the ivies, Stanford, and Vandy that all expressed "interest" in me. I applied to all 6 of those, and got turned away by ALL of them.</p>
<p>A big and very recent thread with a lot of information about just this sort of thing:</p>
<p>LuckyStarBoys experience is common, unfortunately. I know many students who have received emails and letters expressing interest, and the vast majority were not admitted. Quite a few were motivated to apply, thinking they were somehow being recruited. </p>
<p>Some colleges market hard to increase the numbers of applications they receive to increase their rank and 'selectivity' ratings. From tokenadult in another thread
[quote]
Originally Posted by Business Week
The first phase begins in the spring, when Harvard mails letters to a staggering 70,000-or-so high school juniors
[/quote]
70,000 flattering recruiting letters; if 1 in 3 respond, thats 23,000 applications. With such marketing, more students are motivated to apply, thinking they are somehow being recruited. While flattering at first glance, the letters are part of a marketing plan to increase H's application numbers. More applications means more rejections, which increases the 'selectivity' percentage, increases the ranking, and makes people think H is the 'most' selective college. A tricky business . . .</p>
<p>Online</a> Extra: How Harvard Gets its Best and Brightest</p>