As students sort through countless emails from colleges, many are beginning to reflect on the true intent behind the messages. SCHS students expressed their attitudes toward their inboxes being filled daily from several common colleges, such as state universities and University of California schools.
Some, like senior Isabel Abrigo, are starting to feel like the emails are not sent to them because the college wants them specifically to apply but because of some other ulterior motive.
“I think that when they are worried that they’re not gonna get enough people to apply, they just start reaching out to everyone because they might as well try to get their name out before people start applying,” Abrigo said. “It’s just kind of like a business transaction.”
Students are realizing that emails flooding their inboxes are not about their talents but, rather, are driven by other incentives. Financial motives from different colleges are clear to senior Amit Gat. The money-oriented intentions make him less inclined to apply to certain schools.
“I think it discourages me to apply because it seems more like they just want my money and less of the academics themselves,” Gat said.
Academic counselor Oscar Martinez believes the idea behind college is genuine and universities truly do care about their students. Regardless, he emphasized the significance of being aware of where our money goes.
“They (colleges) want to give students and individuals an opportunity to use education as an engine to be successful in life,” Martinez said. “I believe the thought behind it is important, and sometimes we get so lost in the process of the ongoing tuition hikes, the ongoing cost of college, that we start realizing, ‘Well, where’s this money going?’”
Junior Natalie Vo believes college is an important step for people. According to Vo, college allows students to further their education and attain jobs that have higher requirements.
“The specific career I want to go into, med, requires a lot of education. You have to go through all these years of training and education to get your degree and job,” Vo said.
Finance is a major factor in determining many students’ commitment to college. For Abrigo, however, choosing what is best for the individual and one’s career weighs more than financial decisions.
“Don’t let others influence what you are trying to accomplish, especially if it comes down to money,” Abrigo said.
Another perspective of the emails is that the large quantity of mail makes the colleges seem less exclusive. As students realize their peers are receiving the same emails they are, they feel even more discouraged to apply.
“I get a lot of what almost feels like scam emails from all these different colleges, and it doesn’t make them feel as credible, which is why when I get emails from other schools that I don’t get as many from, it feels more special,” Vo said.
Martinez advises students who are unsure of the true intentions behind college marketing tactics to be cautious of the information they receive.
“Never 100% devote to one little thing that you get online or through mail because we live in a world where there’s a lot of spam, unnecessary individuals that try to take advantage of vulnerable people,” Martinez said.
The business-like nature of colleges makes students question more than just the emails. Some students believe that spending so much money on university seems like a large ask when colleges seem to be less focused on the educational side of things.
“I know that it’s a lot cheaper going to community (college) and then transferring. I feel like a lot of people talk really badly about community college, but recently I think a lot more people have been going to community (college),” Vo said. “It doesn’t sound as bad as people make it seem, so I’ve definitely considered it.”
Martinez said colleges should not cost so much. He believes public colleges should have more funding so they can become more accessible.
“When it comes to our country’s budget, there’s just so much money allocated to certain things that could be redirected,” Martinez said. “I truly believe education should always be fully funded, especially if the whole purpose behind education is to prepare young generations for the developing new world.”
While tuition and other financial decisions weigh heavily on students’ decisions, some expressed their feelings toward how college preparation impacts their decisions. Vo believes there should be more of an equal opportunity for all students to receive the same experiences and create an even playing field.
“Some people don’t get those same opportunities as the people who are able to afford it, and then that creates the imbalance,” Vo said.
Similarly, Abrigo mentioned how schools should offer optional classes for students to take in order to feel prepared for their lives ahead.
“I know that some high schools have classes that specifically prepare you for the future. They help you apply to colleges, and they help you get scholarships,” Abrigo said. “They teach you how to do certain things that will help you in the future.”
In addition, Gat would like each student to be more of a priority for colleges. He believes schools should care about each student’s unique goals and challenges.
“It would be nice if they (schools) kind of cared a little more about the individual student rather than the money or the student body as a whole,” Gat said.
When it comes to educational accessibility and opportunity, students and staff took on different views. Martinez emphasized that many students have certain goals that motivate them to pursue higher education and ultimately achieve their dreams.
“There’s enough money, to be honest, in this country and in our world to make education accessible for everybody,” Martinez said. “But the reason they’re putting themselves in a position where they’re living with a high amount of people, making certain sacrifices in their life, is because they do believe in that dream, which exists, that education is a bridge to bigger and better things in life.”
During the college application process, financial and invasive marketing strategies put pressure on students. Abrigo advised her peers to make the best choice for themselves.
“Don’t sign your life away. Don’t be in debt for the rest of your life just because you want to go to a nice college,” Abrigo said.
Additionally, Martinez highlighted the importance and significance behind receiving education despite the pressures students are faced with. He emphasized that education is more than just academic achievement, that students should prioritize civic engagement and follow their passions.
“If you’re willing to learn and willing to help your community become a better place, take advantage of resources to move us in the right direction in the future. I think education should be free for everyone,” Martinez said. “It makes you more selfless, and it allows you to be creative with the ideas you have to make, and like I said, make your community a better place through these innovative ideas and innovative tasks.”