How do you maintain consistent admissions standards?

It is essential that parents tell the truth about themselves, their students and their goals when applying to everything from preschool to college: about themselves and their applicant students. This is the core of admissions standards. Do not try to impress or even play down expectations. Just the truth. We emphasize this nonstop with our over 1600 parents clients a year with brilliant results.

One common misconception about admissions, which I certainly had applying to college & grad schools, is that behind a door is this beautiful cherrywood table where an admissions committee dressed in suits is reading and fervently debating your application. It doesn’t happen like that — it is usually an admissions officer alone often at home with the TV on or dog running reading application after application. Sometimes in a great mood, sometimes tired and beleaguered. There’s a human factor we often forget. To counterbalance this it’s not just in training, procedures and protocols, which all matter. It’s to never rely on one reader, not even the admissions dean. Always have two per applicant and if they don’t align, send right to a third.

In addition to evaluating existing policies and practices, it is crucial for academic institutions to align their admissions standards with organizational partnerships. Recognizing the need to match standards with industry expectations, academic institutions can establish a pipeline that improves graduation and employment rates. By considering the motivations of prospective students, the goals of the institution, and industry demands, the admissions process can be optimized to attract qualified candidates who are not only academically excellent but also possess the potential and fit required for success in their chosen programs. This provides a holistic foundation that offers solid accountability.

In light of recent events, it is important to emphasize that consistent dedication to holistically diverse admissions decisions should exceed government policies. The recent Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of regulatory and industry changes. Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN has long adopted life skills as admissions and credit granting criteria for recruiting diverse students. This is in addition to accepting other pre-college coursework, such as AP and CLEP. It has proven to establish a culture focused on promotion and career production, rather than admissions and academics. I have witnessed the positive outcome this future-focused admissions process provides.

Admissions staff may be pleasantly surprised by gaining feedback from parents regarding their engagement with the university. Parents’ perception of a university is strongly influenced by their level of engagement prior to being asked to support their child’s decision or pay for tuition. Parents who feel valued and engaged before any financial obligations are placed upon them are more likely to view the university as an ethical and trustworthy institution. They perceive the university as genuinely caring about students’ success and prioritizing effective communication with families. Including feedback from current and prospective parents provides constructive guidance for admissions staff.

In my experience, maintaining consistent admissions standards involves having clear and fair criteria for evaluating applicants. Regular training for admissions staff helps ensure everyone follows the same guidelines, and periodic reviews keep the process up-to-date and in line with our educational goals. This ensures a transparent and equitable admission process for all candidates.

Facilitating the process, assisting in all required inquiries, and achieving what you want to inquire about. A very important and powerful role from the beginning to the end. No need to write more and more just soft skills, Educational Skills ,more information ,Good listener, smart work , organized person is so suitable for Admission.

I would add that, you have to align the Company culture to what your standards are. I believe also that one of the most important things is to evaluate if your environment, market and your standards are achievable. Sometimes we set a very good scenario in theory, but in practical terms is no so perfect, because it doesn't match when comes out of the paper. Also guarantee that you are very close and aware of the Leadership Team and global strategy decisions. And, if possible, analyse your admissions feedback, so you can improve wherever it's need to be improved.

I agree. You must constantly review your admission standards and processes. The world is changing fast and so is your competition and your applicants. I have worked with many teams and individual readers are fine but I like a committee perspective. Yes, it takes more time and coordination but when you have a committee each student is reviewed by several very different staff and faculty. They have varying perspectives which is important to the outcome of the class, and the staff and faculty on the committee fully understand the admission process and protocols. They also support the mission of enrollment which becomes even more critical in difficult economies and fast changing markets. It takes patience and coordination but worth it!

I would add that, in addition to training, admissions staff need to know emerging technologies which could improve their processes.