Hey guys, I'm a junior and suddenly I'm getting bombarded with emails from colleges I've never even heard of. Why is this happening? Are these emails just spam or should I be paying more attention to them? Any advice would be appreciated!
Hey there! It's completely normal to start receiving college emails during your junior year as colleges are trying to market themselves to potential students. These emails are not necessarily spam, but they are a form of advertisement for the colleges. They get your contact information through organizations like College Board or ACT after you take standardized tests like the PSAT or ACT. During registration for these exams, you may have opted into sharing your information with colleges.
The main purpose of these emails is to encourage you to explore, apply, and hopefully attend their institution. While you should take a look at the schools that have reached out to you, it doesn't mean you have to seriously consider each and every one of them. These emails can be useful for discovering schools that might not be on your radar or offering you information about the programs or special events they have to offer.
Here's some advice: Approach these emails with caution and don't feel overwhelmed by them. Prioritize the schools that you're genuinely interested in. You could create a folder in your email for college-related emails or use filters to organize them — just don't let them clutter your inbox.
In short, it's up to you to decide how to respond to these emails, but remember, they don't have a direct impact on your college application process. Focus on building your own college list based on your research, preferences, and goals. Good luck!
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