<p>From all these responses, one can conclude that what is considered excessive is subjective. You could have joined a mailing list, visited a school’s website, and perhaps contacted your regional representative. I wouldn’t consider this excessive and shows interest. “Simple and straightforward.” Of course, doing any of this will not help you get into a certain college. However, gaining information about a college through these methods will help you see what you can get from a college and if that matches what you want from a college. Now that you have an interest in a college, that passion will surely be conveyed in essays, etc.</p>