by Dan Christensen, Tudor Collegiate Strategies
For many coaches around the country, the spring is a waiting game. Recruits are receiving admissions decisions, getting their financial aid packages, and making trips to visit campuses.
And coaches are stuck waiting. Sound like your situation?
It seems like there is always something that is causing recruits to delay their decision. And it is frustrating.
But, I want to challenge you, Coach, to not just wait. Take action. Ask good questions. And ultimately get back in control of your recruiting class.
Here are two common excuses your prospect may give this time of year as to why they aren’t able to make their decision. As well as what you should do in response if you don’t want to just wait and surrender control:
1) “I still need to get my financial aid package”
Fair reason, right?
Sure.
But, do you have an idea of what they’re going to be getting? Probably.
Based on their grades, you know what academic scholarships they might be offered. And, if you’re really not sure, have them fill out the net price calculator on your school’s website.
If you have a ballpark range of what they’re going to pay, ask them something like this:
“If your final package ends up being what we expect it to be, give or take a few thousand, what other reasons might hold you back from committing to us?”
If they have some other concerns, that is fine! Now we know what they are and can address them.
If they don’t have any other concerns, it is fair to ask if that means that unless their package is way higher than expected, they plan on committing to you. If you can get them to commit to that, that is huge.
2) “I still have more visits to make”
If they have already visited your school but still have other scheduled visits, they might want to put off their decision.
Again, a fair reason. They might want to deeply explore all their options before making that choice.
But, do they really need to? If they like you and what your school has to offer, do they really need to keep exploring options?
No. They don’t. They don’t always know that though.
So, ask them something like this:
“What are some things you’re looking to find at these other campuses that maybe you don’t feel you found here at our school?”
If there are any hesitations they have, let’s figure out what those are and what is motivating them to keep looking.
If there are not any hesitations, let them know they can make that decision and don’t need to visit other schools if you’re the one they are ready to commit to.
Need help closing your recruiting class? Dan Christensen is part of the team of experts at Tudor Collegiate Strategies that help nearly 600 programs around the country finalize killer recruiting classes. Email Dan at danchristensen@dantudor.com to set up a strategy call to see how he and our team could help you.