Do colleges send mail to everyone?

I've been receiving plenty of college brochures and letters in the mail lately. Do they send these to everyone or is it selective? Should I take it as an indication that they're interested in me as a potential student? Any info would be appreciated!

While receiving college brochures and letters can be exciting, it's important to understand that these mailings are often part of a college's marketing efforts. Colleges purchase mailing lists from testing organizations like the College Board or ACT, which include the names and addresses of students who have taken standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.

Based on the information they receive, colleges send out materials to a large number of students who meet certain criteria, such as academic performance or geographic location. As a result, receiving mail from a college doesn't necessarily indicate a specific interest in you as a potential student.

Instead, colleges are trying to increase their visibility among a wider audience and encourage students to apply. By sending out these materials, they aim to inform students about the programs and opportunities they offer, hoping that some will consider applying.

That being said, you can still use the materials you've received to learn about the colleges and evaluate whether you might be interested in applying to them. However, don't rely solely on the mailings as a gauge of your likelihood of being admitted.

To get a better sense of your chances, research the college's typical admitted student profile, including factors like average test scores, GPA, and extracurricular involvement. CollegeVine has a free chancing engine, which calculates your admissions chances at hundreds of schools using your own GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and more: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator

Additionally, you should consider the college's overall acceptance rate and your fit with the campus culture and academic programs.

In summary, while these mailings might introduce you to colleges that align with your interests or qualifications, they ultimately serve as a marketing strategy and should not be viewed as a direct indication of interest in you as a potential student.