I believe that a full disclosure of all financial obligation to enroll should be understood prior to a financial aid appointment is set.
Our multi media presentation presents the information in a direct and easily understood manner. Also, program matching is done during the presentation and that often helps students make informed decisions for themselves. Also, I encourage the prospective student to bring a support person--they often have good questions and can be helpful to the prospect.
I think we as admissions should listen to the students wants, needs and concerns and help advise them of the course they are interested in. For example, if a student is affraid of needles then a Medical Assistant program may not be a good fit. So just listen well to what a prospect student is telling you.
It is important to get to know a bit about the student. Thus you will be able to share how completing the program of interest will be beneficial to the student and their future.
Encouraging potential students to do their own research about salaries and job growth in specific career areas of interest. A student always makes the best informed decision on a school and/or program when they have researched and visited more than one school and utilized nonbiased research tools like Careerbuider.com, Salary.com or the U. S. Department of Labor and Statistics website (just to name a few)
I think it is most important to determine a students personal goals and motivation. Once the student understands their own motivation, they can grasp the investment, and also the return on investment. Understanding that education is an investment in future earning potential is key to being comfortable with costs.
I think that it is important for students to have a solid career interest before starting a program. They should also carefully consider the investment that it takes to not only pay for their education but the time it takes to complete their courses. I would say that each students should consider at least three schools before starting so that they can compare program, prices, and the institution;s academic culture.
To assist prospective students in making the most informed decisions possible, I feel that the admissions representative should provide the most information about his/her institution! Every conversation that the admissions representative has is the most important one, because each builds on the other. This leads to the prospective student making the most informed decision possible.
Admission reps can assisted student with making the most informed decision by being honest and clear about the information provided to a prospective student. One of the most important conversations to have with a prospective student would be about the future goals. Understanding a students career goals will allow one to best assist the student in his final decision.
I think that it is importatnt to share everything regarding the enrollment process wit hthe student and make sure that they fully understand everything regarding the enrollment process, the cost, the degree and their financial responsibilty and to always verify wit hthe student if they have any additional questions. Going to school is an investment that should not be enetered into lightly.
I think the key is to ask open ended questions to the students and discuss what their future goals are with a specific career. I want to make sure that the student knows what area of study they want to get into but also have an idea if they can see themselves working in that career in the future. The most important conversations with the students I work with is their career aspirations and what they want to accomplish with a degree.
Be honest. While it's not my place to tell a prospective student that they can't succeed in the program there have been times I've focused on the difficulties in the classes. I want them to know exactly what they are getting into and know that success will take time and hard work.
"Many times students will come in and say they want "more" or something "better" for themselves and their family, but many times they can't define what that is."
Quoting Allison's post. This is so true. It's very rewarding to help prospective students become aware of and consider specific career goals that spark their interest and review the educational commitment it may take to reach them.
I would love to see how your career game works. It sounds like an engaging way to help students find a career and program that fit.
The most vital aspect is to be up front on all regulatory and vital statistics that will impact the potential student when they are an active student and furthermore, when they graduate. The most important conversation to have with the potential student is what they are specifically looking to accomplish and whether the institution offers the needs and benefits that will accomplish their goals. How the student meshes goals with the institution is integral in their long term success.
I feel admissions representatives need to specifically utilize the questionnaire properly during the interview process. This is the most important fact finding task we can do to uncover the interest, motivation, needs and wants of the student. Once we have this information we can help the student make an informed decision about their future.
I agree, it is so improtatnt tht students know the exact schedule or expectations This can help the student to think about whether they can adjust schedules or manage certain issues or whether they just cannot attend and complete the program.
Most often when a student is unsure of the specifics for the career I advise them to job shadow prior to making a choice
I feel like admissions representatives can best serve students by being transparent. The most immediate impact I have seen is that students feel more confidence in their decisions. I believe that our honesty/transparency is evident in our conversations. This puts students at ease and allow them to focus on the information and not the pressure of the situation. They are about to embark on an important journey. This time of transition can be daunting. Determining the most important conversation with a student is difficult. In my experience, each student has unique needs. I try to treat the conversation I am having with a student as the most important one we will have.
Where I work we do all admissions interviews via telephone and our calls are monitored and recorded to help avoid those issues and to be able to provide training in areas that an admissions rep is struggling. However, I can understand the concern when face to face admissions interviews are conducted.
