Prospective students
How aggressive, or assertive, should an admissions representative be when attempting to enroll existing prospective students?
Sandra,
Being aggressive gives many students a different direction in the enrollment process. Many times I've spoken with students who have felt pressured into signing or taking a program which is against what we are trying to do inadmissions. There needs to be the right mix of pressure and understanding.
Patty Aronoff
Jaclyn,
I would agree! It's finding the right mix of when to push a little and when to back off a little. This is where getting to know your student in a more in-depth level will assist you in the interview process.
Patty Aronoff
I stay upbeat and positive during the interview and give all information. Potential students usually feed off my energy and excitement! Being too pushy is not going to work because you want the student to complete the program and it takes their own willpower.
I believe that when a student is interested in a program, there's no need to be aggressive, just assertive. It's always important to make sure not to force any enrollment since it's more important to enroll the right student.
I agree with your position completely Shawayne, we who have been in the industry for any length of time know that "admission counts" paly a very important part of one's viability in this industry. I think that we should be aware that in most cases students who show to the admissions area have some level of interest in attending school. One of the main things i take into consideration is what brought them to the school. Generally, if they came on heir own or were referred by a past graduate; the intent and underlying need is there. However, if they show because of what we know as that hard sell on the phone, we have to be extra aware of being compliant and transparent.
I agree. Focusing on getting just any and every interested student enrolled doesn't help much if you aren't enrolling the right student- the right student being the one that completes the program. Narrowing your hard-sell focus to a tried and true category of applicant would be the best way to ensure a filled class stays filled.
Mercedes,
That is why we need to ask questions and peel back the layers. In order to find the right fit we need to have the information.
Patty Aronoff
Ofcourse we want to enroll the prospective student, but it is important to know what is that person looking for, vocation, abilities. It is our responsavility not only enroll students but help them to finish the program to be able to find a job on the field.
Kathleen,
I like the term"tour guide" as admissions staff we are showing them the path to their future.
Patty Aronoff
Caterina,
When they are determined, nothing than stand in their way. The belief in themselves and their goal will survive challenges.
Patty Aronoff
I understand exactly where the question stems from. there is an strong urge to fill the schools. However you have to ensure that the student is properly prepared for such a move. It can cause strong conflict at times and cause one to be aggressive. however I agree that one should be enthusiastic opposed to aggressive
It is all about motivating the student to change their life. I think an admissions person is like a tour guide and shows the potential student the features and benefits. Aggressive? No enthusiastic absolutely.
I think the important factor is to build imagination and the enthusiasm of that student. You need to build desire, and align that students wants and needs. It's not about selling anything. It's about what the student wants to accomplish and how to make them see how they can achieve that goal. The admissions representative should always be assertive, but lead the right individual towards enrollment.
Guy,
There are many opinions regarding the hard sell versus the soft sell. Knowing your prospective student is your best directive.
Patty Aronoff
