I listen to what the prospect has to say, I listen to what they are looking for in a school. I think the most important conversation is when we are matching programs to make sure that the prospect finds something that is a good fit for them
I feel the admissions representative should be asking several open ended questions to the new enrolling student to make sure they have a full understanding of the process they are beginning with their post secondary education. I feel this is the most important conversation to have with prospective students.
The majority of my prospective students have tried other schools and failed. My number one objective in every interview is to help them figure out what it is going to take for them to be successful now and help them create a game plan. Regardless of wether they choose to go to my school or not.
Review of all policies and programs are a requirement in each discussion with students
I have seen that asking open-ended questions with the intent of understanding a prospective students needs, goals, and values helps the most. Nothing gets someone talking more than when someoen knows that you care about them. They will drill down to rock bottom and help you to uncover what's most important to them.
Anticipating the needs of the applicant can be the most effective way of ensuring they have all the information necessary to make the most informed decision. Actively listen to the concerns of the potential student and, based on experience, interject with ideas and topics of consideration for discussion even if the individual did not ask a specific question about the topic.
Fortunately, our University is majority working adults so they tend to know what areas they want to go into and which ones they don't. I still review all options with them.
As admissions representatives we want to make sure we are advising the student the most appropriate degree program for their needs. Asking them their motivations and what they want to do professionally allows reps to correlate their program of need.
Besides explaining all disclosures in detail including all tuition, fees, refund policies, placement services and rates from the past 3 years, and graduation rates; no student should be talked into enrolling or pressured in any way. They should be advised to feel free to ask any questions. In fact, it is important for the student to know they are passionate and sincere about the career they wish to pursue as well as the potential institution they wish to enroll in is the right college for them.
The "career game" is a great idea. We offer a specific degree program. During the admissions process we conduct an "admissions interview" to make sure the program is a good fit for the student. We ask what their career goals are, what they hope to accomplish, what challenges they may face. This is crucial in helping the student determine if the program we offer is the best fit.
I think including instructors or program chairs is an excellent idea. This also creates personability and credibility for the students, meeting thier future/potential instructors.
Jennifer,
I agree that it is important for admissions representatives to continuously be informed of changes happening on campus. Most of us work remotely and I make it a priority to get on campus and provide myself with any information on changes in programs or on campus in general.
What I do to assist students in making the most informed decision is provide them with all the necessary information. Not only do we do this, but we get to know the student and his or her goals. Knowing what they want to get out of the program and do in the future is very important to assist with thier success after graduation.
We offer one program, so it is very important to discuss what the student can expect. Our program is heavy in the sciences, so this is an are we make sure that they fully understand and know what can be expected from the student and the school. We also discuss how they see themselves after graduation and what their plans are, so we can better direct them to the correct program. This is really important for retention.
I find that a majority of the prospects that I talk to really have no idea what the industry is like. They see that there are a lot of jobs advertised and very good salaries. I try to explain the committment needed and what they can and might expect in the industry. I ask them what exactly they are looking for and expecting in a career and explain the options as best as I can. I also give them suggested websites, phone #'s etc. to assist them in making a decision.
We will also offer to let the student "sit in" on a class to see what their comfort level is. We do medical programs here and sometimes students can be a little leary about the clinical portion and the students are sometimes unsure how they feel about sticking people with needles and such.
We talk in great detail with the student about why they are interested in a particular program. What expectations does the potential student have as to where they see theirselves working and what the job entails. We address any physical limitations the student may have and also any background issues that could affect their job placement after graduation.
I always ask if the student knows anyone in the profession that they are interested in. I think it's important that they get this information if they can. I let them know that there are many professional organizations tht they can also contact for which they can contact someone in that industry. It's a great opportunity for the student!
To make sure a student is making the most informed decision it is important that they get accurate imformation and all information they request. If they have a question we should answer it. I think if we ask questions as well and listen effectively to their answers then we can be sure to provide them with what they need.
I agree that really listening to the students is important. If you really listen you can learn a lot about the student and what it is that they are really looking for even if they do not know themselves.
