<p>One of them reads: "You have been chosen as one of a select group of students we think would thrive at....
Students like you fit right in at ........, where academic challenges open doors for the next generation of ground-breaking scientists, diplomats, computer systems engineers, or world-class business executives."
The email address is legit. So, what does this mail imply?
Is it common for universities to contact you even before you have made a common app id?</p>
<p>Yes. You must have given out your email address when you took the PSAT or PLAN test.</p>
<p>Rerunagain is correct. By signing up for colleges to contact you on the PSAT, SAT, or though many a college search website, you are agreeing to handle over the neatness of your inbox by letting every college that ever was write to you. </p>
<p>For the most part, that means that the very select information you gave (like SAT scores, maybe GPA, and your location) fit into the schools criteria. </p>
<p>Best regards,
- Mike</p>
<p>Your basic identifying info and at least the range of test scores which you are in are in the hands of most colleges as a result of your having taken an SAT (or ACT) test. You can easily get a lot of these emails or mailings. They are promo materials and you should not assume they necessarily mean you will be admitted if you apply.</p>
<p>Don’t flatter yourself over this. It is essentially free to send email after they pay for your address. My twins have received numerous that sound as if the college will roll out the figurative red carpet for them due to their exceptional qualifications and great fit for the university. Apparently the schools haven’ figured out that with twins, we get to see their “personalized” message twice.</p>
<p>Rmldad -</p>
<p>I love that! That’s so funny! I am in a similar situation. I always get two letters from each school: one to Mike and one to Michael :)</p>
<p>Quantum: it’s pure marketing. I’ll bet you the 93-92% of Harvard and Yale applicants who get rejected rec’d the same emails and mailers from H and Y. It means nothing beyond trying get you to consider them. </p>
<p>When does it mean anything? If you get an expense paid visit to their campus – then it means they really want you. *But that’s extremely rare. * Beyond that, you’re just a typical targeted HS student.</p>
<p>Also be aware that those who actually prepare and send out all those promo emails and letters have nothing to do with making any decisions concerning admission at the particular college, and those who make admission decisions at the college have no idea any of these materials have been sent to you.</p>
<p>Whoa, Ivies will pay some students to visit their campus? I’d like to read about those kids and their backgrounds if you have a link (I trust you, I’m just interested in hearing about it)</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. That little part of my heart which was delighted is now subdued. Reality check!</p>
<p>This is kinda related, but is there any way to stop all this college junk mail from being sent to my house? It’s really annoying.</p>
<p>I was searching, but once you’re on their list…Basically you will have to individually unsubscribe from each college’s mailing list. Also unsubscribe from CollegeBoard’s list, which will stop them from giving your email to new colleges.</p>
<p>Yes you will also have to unsubscribe from CollegeBoard’s list because when you did the PSAT you probably clicked the box that said “Send my information to colleges!” or something to that regard.</p>
<ul>
<li>Mike</li>
</ul>