I open my computer and see 20 new emails from random colleges, all within the last 24 hours. And what’s worse is I’m not alone; similar scenarios tick off many upperclassmen every time they check their inbox.
College Board’s Student Search Services — which many students sign up for without realizing its downsides — funnels students’ information to colleges across the country. These colleges then send emails to students, persuading them to attend their college. However, many of the emails are the equivalent of digital junk mail, and colleges don’t even try to hide it.
Like the worst spammers, the same school will send dozens of emails, each with a slightly altered subject line. The remaining important emails risk getting lost in the noise. Instead of delivering useful information, colleges flood your inbox with a relentless stream of marketing to explain what makes their school unique. It’s not about targeting the students who are a good fit; it’s about lowering the acceptance rate.
These emails may encourage students to apply to colleges that are out of reach, even though their chance of being accepted doesn’t change. It’s annoying and misleading, and all students get to practice is how to press the “opt-out” button.
Honestly, if colleges really wanted to make a good impression, they should stop spamming teenagers.
