How to Communicate with College Applicants
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A new survey could help college admissions officers reach applicants. A Chronicle of Higher Education article describes the results as "complicated," but I think most students would say they make perfect sense. Students want to receive texts for timely information, such as application deadlines and events, but they don't want general information blasts. Students are also open to one-on-one texts with admissions counselors.
Differences among students may show their willingness for assistance. First-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minority students were more open to receiving texts.
When asked which communication channels were helpful, students rated letters 46%, emails 65%, and the college website 52%.
Discussion Starters:
- What about the survey results, if anything, surprises you?
- How do you think the results may have changed in the past 5 years? 10 years?
- What should admissions officers do with this information?
- How well does this work as an infographic? Compare the image to principles in Chapter 9.
