Mail from colleges - important?

Hey guys, I've been getting a lot of mail (snail mail and emails) from colleges lately. How important is it to engage with these? Sometimes, it just feels like spam. Should I be paying more attention to them and responding?

It's understandable that you may feel overwhelmed by the volume of college mail you receive. While it's true that some of these communications might just be promotional materials, there can also be important information and opportunities hidden in the mix.

Firstly, if the mail is from colleges on your shortlist or ones that you're interested in attending, you should definitely pay attention to them. They might contain valuable information about upcoming events, deadlines, scholarship opportunities, or tips for applying. Engaging with these emails and attending events like webinars or campus tours can help you gain a better understanding of the school's culture and opportunities, which can then be used to craft a stronger application.

It's also worth noting that some colleges track "demonstrated interest" – a measure of how engaged an applicant is with the college. By responding to emails, attending events, or visiting the campus, you might be able to gain an edge in the admissions process if the college factors in demonstrated interest as a part of their holistic review.

On the other hand, if the mail is from colleges that you have little to no interest in attending, it's perfectly fine to disregard most of them. It's always a good idea to glance at the headlines or the first few lines to ensure you're not missing out on any important opportunities. However, you can filter out most promotional materials to focus on the ones that truly matter to your college goals.