College Marketing Builds Expectations

Previously, this blog discussed how the acceptance rates at the top-tier schools have dwindled in recent years, making these schools seem more selective than ever. These low acceptance percentages enhance the stature of the top schools in every way possible, so it is in their best interest to have as many people apply as possible.

With this in mind, a recent article points out how the SAT and ACT are working hand in hand with these colleges to boost up the number of applicants. Colleges pay these testing companies for good leads, students who would be interested in attending these top-tier schools. By doing so, these colleges cast their nets a little wider and catch more fish with brochures as bait.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, and students should apply if they are truly interested in these schools. However, do not take a brochure in the mail to mean that a school has actively sought you out. You simply fall into a category of people whom the college feels would be likely to apply. In their minds, the more applicants, the better.

Sooner Than Later

College is always thought of as a four-year experience, but a quick glance at today's graduating class shows otherwise.

This doesn't necessarily come across when one goes on a college tour, but it is definitely something that prospective students need to think about before deciding what college to go to. After all, the cost of college continues to dramatically rise, making an extra year no small expense.

The U.S. News & World Report came out with a list of schools that have high success rates when it comes to getting people in and out of their classrooms in a four-year span of time.