Taking time
To listen!! I think it is very important in the roll of the admissions counselor to listen what the potential student is truly looking for. Making sure that the program is the right fit and not being afraid to spend the extra time to determine that this is the case. It is better to have the right program for the right student than to have the wrong program and lead to loss of the student and another failure in their eyes.
Linnie,
Is there a concern that students are rushed?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
They last thing a student wants is to be rushed. The financial and personal commitment is difficult enough without having to be pressured into something you are not entirely sure of.
Bette,
Hopefully, someone asks the student early on, "What is it about the field that your friend likes and is that something that interests you?"
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
So often young people who are looking for a career do not know what they want so they pick a career that someone they know is in. I think it is important for the prospective student visit the program, see the courses they have to take, determine if their aptitudes fit, and hopefully they have chosen the right field.
Many times, a program may be very expensive and the student takes the plunge to enroll and then they decide the program does not suit their expectations. Now they have incurred expenses, as well as time. Plus, they have taken a position in a program that maybe someone could have taken and it would be perfect for them.
I agree. We need to listen to what the student wants. If a student is placed in a program that isn't what they wanted that could lead to the student dropping out.
i absolutely agree with you, i have several students that just dont look happy what so ever. they come in inquiring about one program but get pressed into a different program.
Absolutely!!!! You have to find out what motivates the student for them!!!!! This will enable a committment factor to begin to build and ultimately they see what is in it for them and thus improve the overall retention. Going to school for "my family", etc will easily fall apart when "their family" needs their help and doesn't support them in their need to study.
Hilary,
Program fit is important. Students that come into school with an "I will give this a try" or "My family thinks I will be good at this" perspective may not have given the program all the proper consideration.
Dr. Ron Hansen
