Eliciting Student Referrals
What methods of seeking student referrals from other students are appropriate, given the new restrictions?
Generating referrals is a wonderful way to grow your institution. It isn't uncommon for referrals to come in without asking for them however it is always a good idea to ask. Here are some ways I ask for referrals: when setting appointment ask them who will be attending their meeting with them or who they will be bringing; during application process- ask who they may know who is in a similar situation or may welcome info on the school; and last but certainly not least always ask your current student body.
Adele,
Thank you for sharing your college's best practice. Bringing a friend to an admissions interview sounds like a great idea.
Cindy Bryant
We offer the opportunity to bring a friend to our initial interview to help them ask the right questions and for moral support, Two heads are better than one for a decision this important.
Yassmin,
Word of mouth is the very best advertising. Community involvement is under-rated it is a great way to get your name out there and to allow people to get to know you and what you are about.
Cindy Bryant
The school I work for is actually kind of small and is just starting to expand. Some employees actually go around and leave flyers in business's where we know there is a lot of people going in and out. A big way we have gotten around in the community is actually through word of mouth.
Simone,
It is wonderful to hear that a school relies completely upon it's reputation especially in such trying times.
Cindy Bryant
Our school do not advertise, all our students are referral from former students. We do not ask them to do it. We have about 10 instructors that are working with us for more than 15 years and some since the school has been open... 30 years! In our case I think the tradition are our strong value, everybody knows somebody who study there.
Toni Ann,
Hi! I am not sure that I am following you, what does RGR stand for?
Cindy Bryant
The University that I work for currently has many students come to our school through students themselves referring our school. We do not actually have in place any kind of specific referral process.
But if a student does not want to receive any more notifications we do remove them from the listings. We do comply with the regulations if the students contacts us for information.
This is exactly what we encourage. A good portion of our new students are referred by current students and or alumni. We encourage them to invite them to an event on campus and we let the experience speak for itself.
I think this is a excellent way to receive referrals and opportunity to connect new prospective students.
Terri,
I think it is very smart to wait until the students are invested in their education before asking for referrals.
Cindy Bryant
We do ask if our students know any like-minded people that would benefit from a conversation. We usually ask in the enrollment/financial aid process, and then once again when they have started School. After the first week or two they have such an excitement for what they are doing it is a great time to ask them if they know anyone else we could help!
Word of mouth, alumni referrals, and friends and family. As much as 50% of enrollment is returning students, or those who have been referred.
Tony,
Creating a bond with students or any individual leads to trust which always will lead to a positive outcome.
Cindy Bryant
if you bond with them they will bring names and #s to you because of trust
Barbara,
These are all good responses. Would you agree that the most cooperative students are those that are referred by current students?
Cindy Bryant
Asking current students when you see them on campus.
Asking a prospect when on the phone with them.
Asking when I am out in the public, if for instance, I am a lunch.
