Thanks for sharing some of your favorite questions, Heather. I imagine you get a great deal of information from these questions that assists you in moving your students forward.
Great use of open-ended questions, Sharon. It looks like you probabl get a great deal of information from these questions. I would caution the use of the word "why" simply because in many instances this word implies judgment and could cause the student to be defensive (certainly not your intention). How might you tweak that last question?
Great way to start the conversation, Devin. It sounds like you also use this question to make a connection with the student based on where they are at. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for further clarifying, Elizabeth. It sounds like you do your best to give your student the space that they may need to feel comforatble to elaborate, which is great. I'm also hearing that you further engage your students in more of a discussion to better your understanding of where they are coming from, that's great. Keep it up!
If they answer yes I give a bit of information on how we support first time students. I then tend to throw in a question like "is that what you were expecting?"
If they answer with just a "no" - and after a comfortable second or two giving them space to elaborate - I bring in a bit of info on our liberal transfer policy. I may then ask for more detail like "how many credits have you taken already", etc.
Elizabeth,
I see that you utilize open ended questions to truly get a feel for what it is your student wants to accomplish. These questions help you to gather a lot of information for sure! I also sense that you work to get specific details from your students as well. One suggestion I have is to perhaps "tweak" why questions. In many cases, questions that begin with the word "why" can cause our students (or another person) to feel defensive. The word why tends to imply a judgment or a need to defend our thoughts and beliefs. Knowing that you are working to build that rapport and develop a level of trust with your student, tweaking those questions to begin with a "what" or "how" may get you the same information without the chance of breaking rapport.
It looks like you're able to get a great deal of information from this one question, Elizabeth. Questions are a really powerful tool to elicit information and help in moving your process forward. I'm curious, how would you respond to a student who simply answered the question with a yes or no?
Nanette,
What a great place to start! Think about it, how many of us get the opportunity to really talk about and explain our goals and dreams to another individual? What a special opportunity for you to have as an admissions rep! Keep up the good work.
Thanks for sharing your questions, Madelin. It sounds like you like to use a mix of open and closed questions, which is a great approach to gather information about your student as well as move them forward in a decision process.
Another question I like to ask is "what do you plan to do with your degree?"
This opens the conversation to future goals and gives me a clue to their current/real motivation. I can clarify which program would best match their goals, or I can confirm the "fit" of the one they expressed interest in. If they are vague I probe for motivation. "why a degree, why now, etc. . . "
I ask every new prospect "will this be your first college experience?" By asking it this way it is focused yet very open ended. It gives them ample room to answer with fears, hopes, as well as possible transfer credits. I can get clues for potential objections to overcome, clarify potential information errors, etc. I get life stories out of this question that helps me understand their motivation for going back to school now.
From that point I can provide helpful information directed at their specific needs. I then ask more specific questions based on what they've told me so far.
Inquiring about the individuals dream and passion and how getting the degree or certificate may help them to move closer to that goal.
what struck the interest in the program/school?
Are they employed yes/no and if so what's their schedule like?
How long have they thought about a career change?
How soon are they looking to make a change?
Have you taken classes at a college or university in the past?
Tell me about your previous college experience.
What are your goals for your college education?
What are you looking for in a college?
I try to stick with open ended questions because it encourages the prospect to talk more.
What got you interested in (Program of Interest)?
Why do you feel like now is the right time to go back to school?
What would getting a degree change in your life?
Can you tell me a little bit about your academic background.
Tell me a little bit about your academic goals and how they fit into your future.
What are you looking for in a university?
Why are you wanting to transfer from your current program?
Hello,
For me one thing that is helpful is asking where they are from and engaging in conversation about their place in the world.
Because I work with out of state students it seems to be a good ice breaker and introduction in building rapport.
This is a good place to start, Carlos. Based on your response, it sounds like you've created a conversation "flow chart" of sorts that helps you gather pertinent information. How might you adapt your questions for the student who doesn't provide information or answers to your questions?
How did you hear about the school?
depending on they answer i will ask the next question. If they heard it from a friend or a current student, I will follow up with? So how did your friend like the school? That will tell me a lot. I will build from there. I will ask them if they have a music background? Are they currently employed?this will tell me their schedule, and I will follow with if they want to come in and take a tour?
Great observations, Carolyn. It sounds like you make good use of a combination of open and closed questions. Keep up the good work.
