The Hidden Importance of Opening Every College Email

As high school seniors embark on the thrilling journey of applying to college, they are bombarded with a slew of emails from prospective schools. The temptation to overlook or simply delete these emails is quite common. However, it's essential to understand that these seemingly mundane emails can hold the key to valuable opportunities and insights. In this blog, we'll explore why high school seniors must open all college emails, including the potential benefits they may uncover.

It's crucial to note that while opening all college emails is essential to explore potential opportunities, you can also take control of your inbox. Suppose you find that a particular college doesn't align with your interests or preferences. In that case, you have the option to unsubscribe or delete their emails to maintain a more manageable and focused communication stream during your college application process.

Demonstrated Interest Matters

One significant reason to open all college emails is the concept of "demonstrated interest." Many colleges track your engagement with their emails, including whether you open them, click on links, or respond to their requests for more information. This engagement is often factored into their admission decisions. By actively engaging with these emails, you demonstrate your genuine interest in the institution, which can boost your chances of acceptance. For more information on why demonstrated interest is important and other ways to demonstrate interest, check out North Shore College Consulting’s previous blog here.

Fee Waivers Can Save You Money

Some colleges offer application fee waivers to students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific criteria. These waivers can be a significant relief for families facing the financial burden of applying to multiple schools. However, some colleges also offer fee waivers as both an encouragement to get students to apply and to see who is reading their emails. These waiver offers are often distributed through email. If you dismiss or ignore these messages, you might miss out on a chance to save money during the application process.

Exclusive Interview Opportunities

Many colleges use emails to invite prospective students for interviews. These interviews can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality, interests, and motivation to the admissions committee. By not opening or responding to these emails, you might miss a chance to stand out and make a lasting impression beyond your application.

Valuable Information and Updates

Colleges use email as a primary communication channel to share important information and updates about their programs, deadlines, missing pieces of applications, scholarships, and campus events. You risk missing crucial details that could affect your application process by not opening these emails. Staying informed can help you make well-informed decisions throughout your college search.

Tailored Recommendations

Some colleges use email to send personalized recommendations or reminders based on your interests and academic profile. These tailored messages can help you discover programs, majors, or extracurricular activities that align with your goals and passions.

While it may be tempting to ignore or delete college emails as they flood your inbox, it's vital to recognize their hidden importance. By actively engaging with these messages, you demonstrate interest, access fee waivers, seize interview opportunities, receive valuable information, and uncover financial/merit aid options. Ultimately, opening all college emails is a simple yet effective way to maximize your chances of success during the college application process. So, pay attention to the potential treasures hidden in your inbox; open those emails and embark on a journey to your dream college!


At North Shore College Consulting, our team of admissions experts is dedicated to guiding you and your child through this challenging process. Whether it's crafting a compelling essay or providing comprehensive support through the search and application process, we have the expertise to help your child shine.

But time is of the essence. Don't wait until the last minute to seek assistance. Reach out to us now, and together, we will give your child the competitive edge they need to secure their spot at their dream college.

Previous
Previous

Beyond the Name: Finding Your Perfect College Fit

Next
Next

Major Regrets: The Risks of Prioritizing College Admission Over Interest