How to Speak to High School Seniors
When working in admissions, one will encounter a wide, diverse range of potential students in terms of age, work experience, ethnicity, socio-economic status, etc. I was wondering some of the best approaches to work with a potential student who is still in high school. I find these students tend to be very nervous and shy and don't have a confident vision of what they want out of an education. How do you connect with these students, learn their true ambitions, and minimize the tension and pressure within interviews so they can have an honest conversation about their needs?
Norma and Steven,
This is a great example of how the expertise and sharing of knowledge with others advances us closer to success and best practices.
Steven, that is a very good and valid question and very important when helping guide potential high school students to the right program and fit for them. In my experience when working with these students, you must reassure them first that they are not the only ones feeling this way, that 99% of students walking thru that door feel the same way, make them see what you see, paint the picture for them. Help them find their way. listen to what they want to do with their life. If they are still unsure, keep probing till they find out and share completely, once they feel confident you are their to help guide them in the right direction, include high school counselor, and a parent if necessary, but don't let the parent mislead them or interupt them, remind the parent this is for that students future, our job is to support and help in anyway we can. The ultimiate decision is the students and what they want to accomplish in their career path. Our job is to give the knowledge and tools to get there. once everyone is on board and then the student has a better understanding it is easier then. the shyness goes away they are excited to move forward because they know now if they want a 2 year/ 4 year /6 year degree. Understand all avaiable options for paying for college, this helps the parents as well. This may not be all done in one sit down interview. But probing is always key, and showing true concern and support always is a success with all parties involved. I hope this helps with your next encounter, I wish much success.
That is a very good point to consider, Chris - some parents may be completely out of touch with what their children's aptitudes/passions/interests are and/or the candidate may be ashamed about/nervous about revealing their interests if they aren't in line with parents' expectations.
This is where it is helpful to have a "village" approach and enlist feedback/assistance from other adults (teachers, counselors, etc.) that the candidate can relate to and that can also assure parents about the path the student may take.
Re: How to Speak to High School Seniors
by Christopher Driggers - July 13, 2011 - 09:05 AM (EST)
I find it very helpful to talk directly to the student. Including their parents is a must, but to many parents are pushing thier kids in directions they don't want to go. It is important, when determining the relationship between a student and institution, to understand what they (the student) want. If a student is forced into a particular journey, it is rarely finished.
Kevin - excellent point - just came back from a professional technology conference that highlighted the differences/changes in how today's students learn/network/use resources, etc. when compared to 10-15 years ago. It's important to make sure that the program/training methods will engage the student enough for him to be successful.
Re: How to Speak to High School Seniors
by Kevin Buskirk - June 21, 2011 - 10:46 AM (EST)
I feel that it is important to make sure that you understand who your customer is. This next generation of HS students are very tech savoy and with the age of text messages, we have to realize that some of these students do not have the best inter-personal and communication skills. So patience is a must. It is also encouraged to make sure that the parents are present and engaged in their childs future. But many times reps fall in the trap of talking to the parents and not focusing on the potential student and whats important to them.
Just out of curiosity how many of you do Collegen Career nights at your local High Schools? I have been invited recently and would like some feedback.
Christopher,
Parents can be very influential in the decision making and can be the support system they need.
I find it very helpful to talk directly to the student. Including their parents is a must, but to many parents are pushing thier kids in directions they don't want to go. It is important, when determining the relationship between a student and institution, to understand what they (the student) want. If a student is forced into a particular journey, it is rarely finished.
Carlos,
You are right on target! This is a big opportunity for them to invest in their future.
It is very important to acknowledge a High school students goals for their future. What their likes are, their interests, career goals, dreams and passions are. In life we lean into one of these areas and attempt to explode our potentials. Career planning for the future means smart planning. High school students are at their peek of discovering where their future is going to go based on their decision of study. Orient them on what they see them selves doing in the next two to three years and as well have an adult present, someone that is apart of their life, a parent if best. Then be a guide for them and help them throughout there journey.
Kevin,
It is aneasy trap to fall into especially ehenr then are commanding the dialogue.
Andrea,
Very true...they are influential.
Yuleika,
Very important to speak to the student directly!
Silvia,
We all live in a culture of immediacy.
I found that the generation of those graduating expect immediate information and thus I try to give them the appropriate information as briefly as possible.
I feel that it is important to make the student feel comfortable by give them all the tools to make the right decision for themselves. I feel it is proper to have at least one parent present as they are minors but try to have the conversation with the student.
I feel that it is important to make sure that you understand who your customer is. This next generation of HS students are very tech savoy and with the age of text messages, we have to realize that some of these students do not have the best inter-personal and communication skills. So patience is a must. It is also encouraged to make sure that the parents are present and engaged in their childs future. But many times reps fall in the trap of talking to the parents and not focusing on the potential student and whats important to them.
Absolutely! The most important part of enrolling high school seniors is involving the parents. I constantly remind the admissions reps here that before scheduling an appointment with the student, SPEAK TO THE PARENTS!!! In my experience, if the parents are not on-board, the student will never start.
Katherine,
The parents are an important part of the process from enrollment to financial aid.
