It seems that our potential students are rushed through the admissions process in order to get enrolled into the program. In the past I have heard admission reps give the students misinformation about the program in order to speed up the process. The other instructors and I have now taken steps to stop the spread of misinformation about our program by letting the admission bring the students to us if they have questions and by educating the reps themselves. While it seems to be getting better I think that the admissions reps see the students as numbers more than they see them as people. I think that if the company could look at the human factor and just not at the numbers then maybe we would not have to worry about retention as much.
I do believe our school has a great admissions process. However, there is always room for improvement. I believe that informing the prospective student of the different opportunities available in the area, and the steps required to reach their goal in their selected field, is vital. They need to know that their interest is met with opportunity.
Because I am an instructor, I do not have anything to do with the actual admissions process, however, I do know that they take the prospective students on a tour of the classes in the area that the student is interested in. If I am teaching when the prospective student is touring, I will stop and ask if them if they have any questions they would like to ask either myself or my students. That way they have the opportunity to speak with someone who is actually in the program, and not just the admissions rep.
Dawn,
Yes, I love the fact that you take the time to talk with touring students. This is important. Why? Students really want to ask you questions. Do anything that you can to build a relationship early on.
Dr. Larry Banks
One of the best tools I use is a check list,prevents me from over looking important information that will benefit the student.
As an adjunct instructor, it is difficult to address the admissions processes with sufficient knowledge to comment. My experience with the admission staff has been excellent to date and my experience has indicated that they are committed to continual improvement. I don't feel I'm in a position to suggest improvements but may ask staff members what steps they may be considering and how they measure their effectiveness.
Our current process includes an in home visit and a scheduled visit to the campus to view the program and view activities in the lab. I feel the prospective student is well informed as to what he/she needs to be successful. The home visit pre-screens the applicant to determine if this is the direction and career the individual wants to pursue. I think there could be more at campus involvement for the prospective student giving them an opportunity to better understand what is involved not only in the training program to be successful, but also in what it will take to be successful in the industry they will be training for.
Stephen,
Very interesting idea. Yes, do all that you can to get the campus involved. Retention is the business of the entire school.
Dr. Larry Banks
I feel that overall the admissions process at our school is well maintained. The admissions team receives product knowledge on a regular basis. However, I do believe that more could be done to let the prospects know what they are getting into. I like the detailed checklist included in this section. If more time were spent with the prospects letting them meet with the instructors or program directors, sitting in on classes, and asking questions to make them really think about what they are getting into, retention would be better.
We have an interview checklist that Admissions gives to prospective students in our program. I have to agree with some of the other posts that the interview checklist should be reviewed on a regular basis because of the constant change in the field.
Joshua,
The key is to link admissions with academics early in the process. The team effort will ensure that the same stories are being told about the programs.
Dr. Larry Banks
I know that when prospective students come thru our front door, the Admissions reps make them feel at home. They give them a tour of the school and they also get to meet their teachers.
I think the Admissions Reps at my school do an outstanding job.
Kimberly,
Wonderful. Suggest that teachers connect early in the process as well. That way, all of you are involved in retention activities.
Dr. Larry Banks
We are just now beginning entrance exams, which I believe will help out tremendously. I do plan on bringing up the checklist to see if that's a possibility. I do believe that the admissions team should have the prospective students talk with our career development coordinator. Students need to have a real understanding of what it takes to make it in the field. They need to understand the importance of internships, working your way up, etc. I feel as if a lot of them coming in with the expectation that we will place them in a job as soon as they graduate, and that's just not realistic. We have had a few prospectives sit in on classes before, which I think is a great idea. I do feel that the admissions process should be longer and more extensive.
No, our admission process includes everything listed about our training programs to job opportunities.
amber,
Perfect, Amber. You are on the right track.
Dr. Larry Banks
Yes, admission process could improve student retention by using many ways not limited to 1- Clear explaination to nature and skills required to comlete the course 2- What exactly student need to enjoy and complete the course?
Michel,
Perhaps the most important is to lay out expectations and to match the program with career goals.
Dr. Larry Banks
Yes Larry, set up clear and realistic expectations are very important to the success of any program.
Michel,
Important for sure. Not all that easy to do sometimes.
Dr. Larry Banks
