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At some schools, the inquiry database is sold to companies who then market graduation googahs, "Who's Who" entries, credit cards, student exchange services, private college counseling, etc.
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A lot of that info is given out by alumni associations and by the companies associated with standardized testing. None of the schools at which I've worked have allowed those outside the recruitment process to have access to admission inquiry database.</p>
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I guess the college must somehow have gotten their mail-merge lists confused and accidentally sent her the wrong form letter!
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These sorts of things, while unfortunate, are bound to happen. In addition, well-meaning relatives sometimes put a child on mailing lists that will bring in the junk mail. Every once in a while, I'll run a date of birth report off our inquiry system and see a few elementary school children in there. While it's possible, I don't think many 2nd graders are putting themselves on our list.</p>
<p>I send handwritten notes and personalized emails to student and I try to put something specific about our conversation in the note to ensure they know that it's not a form letter.</p>