Reduce graduate-school brochures after an inquiry

After an inquiry, write to that graduate program's admissions office and name the program. Ask the office to stop mailing viewbooks and event invitations. If you have an active application, ask it to keep sending the notices your application requires.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated October 2, 2026.

Separate the brochures from the file

Copy the program and department name from the viewbook along with the university's name. A graduate program may handle its own mailings.
Decide whether you have an open application, a started account or only an inquiry. State which applies in your request.
Use the program's official contact page instead of a link in the brochure. Check whether the page lists a preference for mailed material.
Ask the program to stop mailing viewbooks and event invitations. If you have an application, ask it to keep sending application notices.
If another program at the same university also mails you, send that program its own request.

Word it as a mail request, not a withdrawal

Brochures and application notices can come from the same office. Say clearly that you want to stop marketing mail. Do not write anything that could be read as withdrawing an application or closing an account.

Example program request

Example for your own use. Replace the bracketed details and review what you share.

Please stop mailing printed viewbooks and event invitations from the [program name] program to [name as printed] at [mailing address]. [I have / I do not have] an active application. Please continue any communication required for an application. This request covers postal marketing only.

Match leftover mail to a program

If brochures continue, compare the program and recipient details with your request. Follow up through that program’s published route, including any central preference office it directs you to. Name the earlier request and the specific publication that continued.

Official source

FTC: How To Stop Junk Mail

Reduce brochures after touring a campus Keep account notices while stopping promotions Keep email offers while stopping paper mail Sort recruitment brochures after a school decision Schools and student recruitment All practical mail guides

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Photograph one piece you are authorized to handle, with the sender and full mailing label visible. Review the details before submitting. The first request is free; the sender controls the response.

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