Kim, It's true that school may not be able to provide all the solutions. What can you as the admissions representative do to assist the student?
Dr. Jean Norris
I find the most difficult challenges are money problem, personal family issues and schedule. I think these challenges is most difficult for me because school can not provide everything for student when they attend to our school. Most every prospective student tell us about their financial issues and need school help by giving a discount or assist financial. Some prospective students do not understand that school can not give discount. We can not solve their family problem as well as their personal financial.
Nikeline, Cost is a common problem. You mentioned that sometimes it was hard to get this information from a student. What are some of the things you are doing to help the student open up?
Dr. Jean Norris
I think what's difficult sometimes is when the student is ashamed of his or her financial situation and gives every excuse but that. I find it challenging to get a student to admit financial difficulties. Once we astablish the problem I then can come up with a solution.
Humberto,
Thank you for sharing that point, why do you think it is difficult for you and what are some things you think you can do to overcome this challenge?
Dr. Jean Norris
Make the prospect excited about the opportunities
Thank you for your post Huichi. You bring up a challenge that many admissions professionals face, even those working at schools with Title IV funding options. Taking the time to build value with every student allows the opportunity to potentially outweigh the tuition challenge. What can you do to communicate value to your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
The most difficult question for our institution to address is the question in regards to Finance. We are a small private institution and we are not Section IV approved, so we don't offer any financial aid. We do offer Monthly payment option, but that's only for 3 months, and considering that our tuition starts in the low $5000, that's a big "chunk" of money for most students.
Yolanda,
The same approach we use for our students could work for their parents as well. When a student or parent communicates that the cost of tuition is more than they expected, a great question to ask is 'compared to what?' The answer they provide will give you a point of reference so that you know what resources you need to utilize to meet the challenge. As you point out, sometimes they simply don't understand and need additional information to bring clarity to the situation. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you.
Dr. Jean Norris
One of the most difficult challenges face and is difficult to address are dependent student with parents who doesn't understand the value of education or have fail to educate themselves on why school cost that much and why their child is making such choice. I sually have parents attend the initial interview but more often than not they just do not get it. Why should I have to Co-sign, Why does my child have to take out a loan etc...
If only we had a magic ball that allowed us to see where the student is in their buying cycle and to immediately understand the change they need to manage to attend school. Through the power of our questions we can 'see' into the magic ball to learn these things but it does take time. Enrolling the right students at the time that is right for them will likely result in better retention. Susan what types of questions do you ask to determine where your students are in the buying cycle?
I think one of the biggest challenges to student enrollment is time. We continue to be patient with the student and provide appropriate encouragement, but you also do not want to push the student into enrolling if the timing is not right for them. If this happens, they will not be successful and will get discouraged. It is better to help the student be aware of the situation so they know in advance the time they will need to commit to their studies. Although they may not enroll right away, they will remember that you cared about them and often times comes back when the time is right for themselves.
Jason, that's a very interesting challenge and I'm glad you shared it. Perhaps it's finding something in which you share interest. Keep us posted as to how you handle this situation in the future.
Dr. Jean Norris
By far the most challenging is the financial commitment. I have to agree with Stacey. It is heart breaking to hear the dreams and goals of students and what they want to do with their life and yet financially even with Financial Aid it is just not possible for the student to attend our university. I have had a situation where I was not sure if the student should take on the debt of attending school because of their age, the program they were pursuing (potential job opportunities later may not be enough for them to repay their loans and save for their future, let alone live on their income, as a single woman), their ability to be successful in an accelerated online program. I was very honest with her about what to expect, was she sure this is the path she wanted to take and she proceeded. When she started classes and struggled, I felt guilty even though I believe I did everything I could to educate and inform her of what to expect.
"Compared to what?" is an interesting question. I think I might try that next time, just to see what the student says. I think I usually just assume or guess at their rationale, but it might be good to probe a little more when we get a response like this. Thanks!
I agree but I think that as Enrollment counselors we can help them to be open to exploring their options. It doesn't help them to make a decision without the facts.
I think the affordability question can be one of the hardest questions to address with students because everyone has some many different views on what college should cost. Some think there should be enough scholarships and grants to cover the cost while others might not want to or be able to take out loans. Finding the balance of encouraging people to explore thier option and being open to learning what those options can provide has helped me guide people better. I have found it is helpful to let them know that they are not commiting to anything by looking at different options; has helped them to be more open.
Most diffcult Objection is when the student will not talk at all. Even with a open ended question. I try to keep asking and asking and even changing the subject to get them to talk. I love to hear what a student has to say. Most of the time it is awesome story or something they have over come.
The most difficult challenge for me is when I encounter a student who decides to attend another university because the tuition is lower. Also, many students I talk with come in with a pre-conceived notion that their education will be free or cost very little.
I am not sure this can be prevented. I try my best to sell the value of my school.
I think the most difficult questions pertain to finances, it is hard to question someone that does not want to attend if they can receive the degree cheaper else where.
