Over the last decade or so, college attendance has been less about turning out productive citizens with career options and much more of a numbers game. Admissions departments often believe that if they can get a large number of applicants then they will be able to turn more of them down, thereby securing a higher rank on the US News list and other ranking lists. Initially, this may be true, but the ways in which many schools are going about this is wasteful and ineffective.
Wasted Spend looking for new students Most schools spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on man hours and direct marketing materials that go to an indiscriminate student population. Pamphlets and visitation booklets that promise things like waived application fees, one-on-one advising prior to admission and other costly items, which, if a student applies, is accepted and then decides to enroll, is a great investment. Let’s face it, ratings are great, but it’s tuition that pays the bills. Colleges that use this strategy actually see a far lower percentage of conversions (students who opt to actually enroll and attend the university). This, in turn, means a far lower amount of money coming in for tuition. To avoid big expenses, use an online assignment writing service when you need help in learning. The Need for a Marketing Plan If you have a very strategic marketing plan that pinpoints those students who are the best fit for your school, you will likely have a lower application rate and a higher acceptance rate, but you will also have a higher conversion rate which translates directly into more tuition to fund your school. When creating your strategy, you will need to keep this in mind and not let those initial numbers scare you away, especially if you are a school that has spent years using the “grab bag” method of sending direct marketing to everyone and their dog (it has actually happened that someone was sent college admissions information for their dog because of a mailing list error). When you focus your marketing you will also be saving money on materials and man hours, allowing you to spend more time working on finding those students who will truly shine at your institution and who will be a greater benefit overall (not just financially). When marketing to specific students, focus on those things that make your university special and stand out from the others. Focus on the quality of education that you will be able to provide them in their chosen field (if your university if one of the top research universities, focus on the student research positions available on campus). By targeting your marketing, you may receive a lower number of applications, but the applications you receive will be of the highest quality.
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