Why are colleges emailing me?

Hey peeps, so I've started getting tons of emails from colleges lately. Why do they send all these emails? It's kinda overwhelming. Are they really interested in me or is it just a marketing ploy?

Hey there! College emails can indeed be overwhelming, but let's break down why you're receiving them. When you take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, you have the option to allow your information to be shared with colleges. If you opted in (which most students do), schools can access your test scores, demographic info, and more.

Colleges use this information to target their outreach to prospective students who they believe might be a good fit for their institution. It's a marketing strategy to increase the number of applications, which in turn lowers their acceptance rate and boosts their rankings While these emails might give you the impression that they're particularly interested in you, keep in mind that thousands of students receive similar emails.

It's not all bad though! These emails can be a way for you to learn about schools you might not have considered otherwise. They might also provide details on application processes, scholarships, and upcoming events or information sessions. You can use the emails as a starting point to research schools that catch your eye, but definitely don't take them as a guarantee of admission or even a particular interest in your candidacy.

To manage your inbox, consider creating a separate folder or label to organize the college emails. This way, you can scroll through them at your leisure without them getting in the way of your more urgent emails. Good luck with your college search!