By Jeremy Tiers, Director of Admissions Services
Asking the right kinds of questions not only helps you stand out from other schools, but it also increases the level of engagement that you receive.
A lot of schools we’ve worked with have found that when you’re able to get and keep back-and-forth conversation going with prospective students and their parents, the admissions process typically moves faster.
Right now, most of the admitted students that you’re trying to convert will be more than happy to share all kinds of useful information if you simply ask them personalized, targeted questions.
I also want to point out that at this point in the process it’s less about “selling your school” to admitted students, and more about getting them to provide insight/answers into their decision making process and current mindset…their fears, concerns, likes, dislikes, etc.
Today I’ve got seven questions that I want you to ask your undecided admits, if you haven’t already. These would be great to ask in-person during an upcoming Admitted Student Day event, or you could ask them over the phone, or via email.
Here they are:
- What’s the biggest thing you’re scared or worried about right now?
- When do you see yourself making a decision?
- What’s the most important thing in your final decision?
- Is there anybody else besides your parents that you’re leaning on to help you?
- What are your parents saying about all this right now?
- Do you see a difference between <Your School’s Name> and other schools you’re still considering? (If the answer is “yes,” “no,” or even “I’m not sure,” then go ahead and ask a follow up question like, “Talk to me about that and help me understand what you mean.”
- What do you think the best part of living on campus here will be?
If you ask one or more of these questions and then aren’t sure where to steer the conversation next, go ahead and drop me a note and I’ll provide you with some quick feedback. Happy to offer advice if you’re looking for it.
One final note about something I’ve been encouraging a lot of admissions teams to do over the past six months – Create a list of effective questions. Anytime one of the counselors or even a tour guide or student ambassador asks a question that produces great feedback, add it to the list so that others in your office can use it at a later date.
Good luck, and check out the rest of this week’s newsletter for more tips, strategies, and news designed to help you grow!