Reduce test-preparation course promotions

Sort test notices from course ads

1. Read each piece's sender name and return address. A notice about a test date, registration or scores goes in the keep pile. A flyer or postcard selling a class goes in the request pile.
2. For each course ad, note the company name, the course named and any branch address printed on it.
3. Find that company's contact page on its own website and check whether it offers an option for printed promotions.
4. Send each company a request that names the course it advertised.
5. If the student also wants to leave the testing programs' recruitment lists, use their official routes. ACT Recruit Me, formerly called EOS, is voluntary and has an opt-out form. College Board Student Search participation is also voluntary.

Why prep companies need their own request

College Board says organizations that already hold a student's information may keep contacting them after a Student Search opt-out, and it recommends contacting those organizations directly. ACT asks people registered with more than one physical or email address to submit each address in its opt-out. Neither opt-out cancels applications or score reports.

Don't close a test account or erase scores to reduce marketing.

Match repeat mail to a sender

When another course ad arrives, look it up on the worksheet. If the company is new, add a row and send it a request. If you already wrote to that company, contact it again and give the date of your first request.

Official sources

• ACT: Opting Out of ACT Recruit Me
• College Board: Student Search Service FAQ