Since the PSAT scores came out, I’ve been getting your usual mass college ad emails, but as of the last few days they’ve been changing. Now I’m getting automated messages signed by the colleges’ deans of admissions and written in the first person, talking about my “academic excellence” and offering me “priority status” (<-which seems like a total gimmick). But I was wondering if these emails mean anything. Does everyone get them? Thanks!
In the majority (99% I would say), those emails are mass emails sent out to thousands of students. Not meant to be a knock to you but they are basically advertisements so that you may apply. You will probably even start getting letters in the mail as well. Take them with a grain of salt…
Although sometimes, I have heard of some colleges in the past waiving application fees for students above a certain numerical range (usually SATs, etc).
The emails and priority status are typically a marketing ploy and will have no bearing on if you get in or not.
Priority Status can mean no application fee…so that can be good.
I have a senior, so I have been through all of his. These emails have only JUST begun. You will get hundreds of them. and then you will start getting hundreds of mailings. My daughter has a stack three feet high by the fall last year.
Keep a look out for any emails offering free application fees, although most colleges have waived fees to encourage applications (and increase their selectivity ratings). Priority status is to make you feel special when you aren’t. Sorry!
This is all marketing. Your child is now seen as a future annuity. Colleges buy names from the College Board by the hundreds of thousands for pennies with hopes of snagging your attention and ultimately your tuition dollars. Wait till the slick, heavy paper stock view books start coming in the mail.
Also, if you have checked out a school and are 100% sure you’ll never be interested, UNSUBSCRIBE. It will help keep the air clear.
My D had many fee waiver emails because of her test scores. It’s obviously a good strategy-- she did apply to one college because they offered a fee waiver. She is interested in the college too, which helps. Be proud, even if it is just a gimmick. If you get mailings form Standford and Harvard, then you know you did really well:-)
@Lindagaf Actually I’ve read into it a little and apparently the “prestige level” of the schools sending you emails doesn’t have much to do with your test scores. For instance, Ivy League schools will send emails to people with scores well below 200. But still, thank you for your response!
You will soon be bombarded with mailings from colleges all over the country. 99.9% are totally uninteresting, but U of Chicago has really cool mailings, some of which my D has kept, even though she didn’t apply there. They will hand-write your name and address, and personalize the letters inside, talk about the courses you are interested in, etc… It’s all a way to get your attention. FWIW, many of my D’s friends didn’t get mailings from HYPS, et al, but she did, presumably because she did well on her SATs. Also, don’t be fooled by non-college mailings. Some very convincing and clearly expensive packets came from summer leadership programs, saying things like “you are one of only ? kids to be invited to this prestigious program, all for the low, low price of $4000!”
This year Swarthmore seems to have opted for the “let’s be honest” approach:
"Good day, [S17],
We have learned that you recently suffered the indignity of squandering several hours answering dozens of irritating multiple-choice questions. Sorry about that. But, as a result, a large standardized testing organization gave us your address, and so we are able to send you this cheerful email.
In case you are wondering, we are Swarthmore College, widely known for being:
- One of the finest colleges in the known universe.
- A community where people with good ideas come together to make great ones.
- Surprisingly affordable – regardless of where you’re from or your ability to pay (because of our strong financial aid policies).
We know a tiny bit about you. You know just slightly more about us. It’s so unsatisfying. Let’s take this to the next level."
Walks the line between cute and contrived, but it did get his attention.
Haha! Love Swarthmore! That is great:-)
I know when you sign up for emails like that they don’t know your scores, gpa, etc. but they do have access to what school you attend. My school sends nearly 100% of students to college so many times they will email everyone at my school application fee waivers just due to the school we attend. Other than that it can’t really get much more personal unless you give them information. Best of luck in the application process!
Means nothing. The school my D decided on did not send her any mail (and other people got lots from them). OTOH Columbia sent her something every week by email and snail mail. They rejected her RD.