Finding and hiring the right admissions team can be a challenging task for any higher education institution. The admissions team plays a critical role in attracting prospective students to the institution, and if the wrong team is in place, it can lead to declining enrollment rates and a damaged reputation. Hiring admissions reps with the right skills, experience, and personality to fit the institution’s culture is crucial, but determining if they are the right fit can be challenging. In this blog, we will explore six ways that higher education institutions can tell if they have hired the right admissions team.
How do I know if I hired the right admissions reps?
It is crucial to have the right admissions team in place to attract the right students to the institution. The following are some ways that universities, colleges, and higher education institutions can tell if they have hired the right admissions team:
High Conversion Rates
One way to determine if you have hired the right admissions team is to measure their conversion rates. Admissions reps should be able to convert prospective students into enrolled students. High conversion rates indicate that the admissions team is effectively communicating the institution’s value proposition and is successful in engaging with prospective students. Institutions can track conversion rates by monitoring the number of applications received and the number of enrolled students.
However, it is crucial to note that high conversion rates do not necessarily mean that the admissions team is bringing in the right students for the institution. Institutions should also consider the quality of the students being enrolled.
Student Retention Rates
Another way to determine if you have hired the right admissions team is to monitor student retention rates. A good admissions team should be able to bring in students who are a good fit for the institution and are likely to succeed academically. High student retention rates indicate that the admissions team has done an excellent job of identifying and enrolling students who are a good fit for the institution.
Institutions can monitor student retention rates by tracking the percentage of students who return for their second year and beyond. High retention rates also indicate that the admissions team has done an excellent job of setting the right expectations for the institution and the student experience.
Diversity and Inclusion
Having a diverse student body is crucial for any higher education institution. Admissions reps should be able to attract students from diverse backgrounds and make them feel welcome and included. If the admissions team is successful in bringing in a diverse student body, it is an indication that they are doing an excellent job.
Institutions can monitor diversity and inclusion by tracking the percentage of underrepresented minority students enrolled and their overall representation on campus. However, it is essential to note that simply having a diverse student body does not necessarily mean that the institution is inclusive. Institutions should also monitor the experiences of underrepresented students and their sense of belonging on campus.
Positive Reviews and Feedback
If the admissions team is doing an excellent job, students and their families will leave positive reviews and feedback. Positive reviews and feedback can be found on the institution’s website, social media, and third-party review sites. Reviews and feedback are an indication that the admissions team is effectively communicating the institution’s value proposition and is doing an excellent job of engaging with prospective students.
Institutions can monitor reviews and feedback by regularly checking online platforms and engaging with students and families to gather feedback. However, it is essential to note that negative reviews and feedback do not necessarily mean that the admissions team is not doing an excellent job. Institutions should also consider the context and address any concerns raised.
Alignment with Institution’s Goals and Objectives
The right admissions team should be aligned with the institution’s goals and objectives. They should be able to understand the institution’s culture and effectively communicate it to prospective students. If the admissions team is aligned with the institution’s goals and objectives, they are more likely to bring in students who are a good fit for the institution.
Institutions can monitor alignment by regularly checking in with the admissions team to ensure they understand the institution’s goals and objectives. They can also evaluate the messaging and marketing materials used by the admissions team to ensure they align with the institution’s mission.
Admissions Team’s Success with Alumni
Maintaining a relationship with alumni is crucial for any higher education institution. A good admissions team should be able to engage with alumni and keep them connected to the institution’s mission. If the admissions team is successful in engaging with alumni, it is an indication that they are doing an excellent job of communicating the institution’s value proposition and culture.
Institutions can monitor the admissions team’s success with alumni by tracking the number of alumni events attended and the overall alumni engagement rate. They can also gather feedback from alumni on their experience with the admissions team and use it to improve their approach.
Improve your admissions team’s capabilities today
Hiring the right admissions team is crucial for any higher education institution. The right team can attract the right students, increase enrollment rates, and help the institution grow. To determine if the admissions team is the right fit, institutions can monitor conversion and retention rates, diversity and inclusion, reviews and feedback, alignment with goals and objectives, and success with alumni. With the right admissions team in place, institutions can achieve their enrollment and growth objectives.
One tool that can help institutions build a successful admissions team is the EnableU Sales Excellence platform. The platform provides training that is patterned after an institution’s best-performing admissions advisor. The training can help admissions reps develop the skills, experience, and personality needed to fit the institution’s culture and achieve its goals. With the right training and support, admissions reps can become successful in attracting the right students to the institution.