The Phones Will Be Ringing

Telemarketing, or as some in education like to call their calls, telecounseling, has become a vital component in the college recruitment process. I previously worked in an institution that placed a heavy emphasis on the fact that admission counselors and student callers should call the students we were recruiting on a regular basis.

I do not think it is possible for students who receive average grades and scores on their preliminary or standardize test make it through their college search without being contacted by at least one institution over the phone. But as many of you will find out, your phone may not stop ringing because so many institutions are calling you.

When many students start receiving calls they are flattered by the attention. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for student’s to talk to admission and student representatives. The conversations can be very informative, as well as allow you the opportunity to “hear” what a college has to offer.

As a means to make the most of the phone calls that you will most likely receive from different schools, I would strongly advise you to prepare questions ahead of time. Having general questions you would like to know from any school can help you have more control over the conversation. With you taking a more participatory role in the conversation requires the other person to concentrate on communicating the information that would be important to you, rather than you relying on them telling you what they think is important or having a short conversation because you can’t think of any questions off the top of your head.

Also, having questions readily available when schools call will make the caller believe that you are serious about your college search, which will hopefully improve the impression the school is forming about you. Just so you know, most institutions require their callers, both admission representative and student callers, to keep notes about the conversation, and the notes are likely added to the information the college is maintaining about you. (Yes, schools have information about you even if you have not officially applied, how else do you think they had your phone number and knew your name?) The information also may come into play if you do decide to apply to the institution.

By asking the questions that are important to you, you may end up considering a school you had never heard of or one you may not have initially. Take ownership of your admission search process by preparing for those phone calls that are likely coming your way.

Until next time,
Chrystal