What is a pre-application?

When should I send it, and what is the purpose? Does it play any role in admissions?
Thanks!

it’s a marketing tool to get your attention – it seems to be working on you.

Clever, but that doesn’t answer my questions

It’s really a tool to get people interested – and as a way for the school to follow up with these prospects who have shown some interest. Remember, as much as you wish to be admitted to schools, schools want people they admit to attend them. It’s a two way street.

Do these help you get admitted? I suppose for those schools that are really chasing the rare, top applicants, it will