Admissions in Transition | Origin: AC101
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Understanding the Admissions Profession --> Admissions in Transition
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Friction is a real process-killer. I've learned that the best way to help reduce friction with students is to be transparent and honest with them. Its always important to ensure that you are serving your student's needs rather than simply selling them the program. A mentor once told me that you aren't simply finding out who our customers are, but we're finding out who they aren't as well.
I’ve learned that admissions today is about serving rather than selling—supporting informed decision-making with transparency, accuracy, and respect for student autonomy. I now understand the importance of recognizing the modern buying cycle, where students pause to reflect or compare options, and that reducing friction through clear communication and flexibility builds trust. I intend to apply this by listening carefully to each student’s needs, clarifying next steps without pressure, and adapting my communication style to match their preferences, so they feel respected, confident, and supported in their decisions.
This module reframed success for me , it's not just enrollment, it's whether students feel informed and respected, even if they choose a different path. The friction section hit close to home from my own experience as a student.
Going forward, I'll explain the "why" behind each step, confirm how students prefer to communicate, and always close with clear next steps. Curious how others are using the generational preferences piece without leaning on assumptions.
I would definitely need to be a better patient listening person, I have loads of empathy & I do put myself in peoples shoes and I do go home and sleep on it , but I try to resolve the problem before it starts , so once again I would need to be patient & listen , communicate SLOWLY { not try to jump ahead } . So the student feels heard not rushed , I would like to sit on many seasoned professional sales associates , so I could see , how when one tactic is not working how they switch to better communicate with the prospective student. The professionals I have worked with in the past, are very smooth, eloquently spoken & that is something I would strive to aim my goal at and or for.
From this module, I learned how Friction can impact decision making and the importance of reducing barriers that may prevent students from moving forward in the admissions process. The module reinforced the value of clear communication, active listening, adaptability, and providing relevant information that helps students make informed decisions with confidence. I intend to apply these concepts by identifying and addressing obstacles that prospective students face, simplifying processes where possible and, and tailoring my approach to meet individual student needs. I will use these insights to improve the student experience, support informed enrollment decisions, and help achieve the institutions enrollment and student success goals.
Basically, be an active listener and adjust to your prospective students' needs. People are going through different things at different stages of life, so adjust your responses and availability to their needs for the best results. Be open, informed and transparent.
Each generation brings a different challenge for admissions professionals. The perspective differs, and consequently, so do the challenges.
having communication is key
Communication is key, but the type of communication according the the prospect is more important.
Most of the time, students already have all of the information on pricing for our program. Typically when they call they are looking for reassurance and understanding.
Students are coming into our institute already knowing the information, but truly looking for a sounding board and someone to speak with to support their decision.
Students are coming into Admissions already being armed with research, peer recommendations and information that they found on the school website. Guidance, support, and student advocacy are much better than persuasion, urgency or closing techniques. Enrollment is a decision made BY the student and not FOR the student. Respecting the students pace communicated trust and professionalism. Also understanding general generational preferences and tendencies is greatly helpful in understanding how they like to communicate best. This was all very good information.
Admissions today is less about just providing information or meeting numbers and more about guiding students to make informed, good fit decisions. It requires communication, ethics, and adaptability.
I learned that attitude and continuous learning are just as important as skills and knowledge.
Going forward, I will focus on listening better, asking good questions, and making decisions that truly support students not just enrollment goals.
In this module I learned about how the admissions process and focus has changed over the decades. At one time the position was just transactional, then there was tendency to use sales tactics to get students to enroll. Now the focus is more on service - trying to answer questions, clarify information, and helping students find the right fit. With the internet and social media, students today come armed with lots of information (some accurate and some not). There are also differences between how different generations process information and like to communicate. Being aware of all these changes is importance so that students can have a positive experience.
I've learned that I must continue to support potential students decision not push or persuade. Knowing that this is a huge decision for them and I need to have patience to allow them time to process the information I'm giving them.
I learned that a service-oriented admissions approach is about supporting informed decision-making, not pushing urgency or persuasion. It’s also important to recognize that when prospects pause, it often means they’re reflecting or experiencing decision fatigue—not losing interest.
