Admissions personalisation: tailoring each applicant's experience

The admissions process in higher education is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalised and student-centred model. This shift is driven by the growing recognition of the diverse needs, preferences, and backgrounds of prospective students. Personalisation in admissions not only enhances the applicant's experience but also significantly improves the alignment between students and institutions, leading to better educational outcomes.

Covered in this article

The Importance of Personalisation
Strategies for Personalised Admissions
The Impact of Personalisation
A Tailored Experience
FAQs about Admissions Personalisation

The Importance of Personalisation

The move towards personalisation in admissions is a reflection of a broader trend across industries to meet individuals' expectations for services and interactions tailored to their unique needs and preferences. In the context of higher education, this shift acknowledges that prospective students are not just applicants in a sea of data but individuals with distinct aspirations, backgrounds, and learning styles.

A Response to Evolving Expectations

Today's prospective students, raised in a digital world of customised content and responsive technology, anticipate a similar level of personalisation in their educational journeys. They seek institutions that recognise them as individuals and demonstrate an understanding of their specific academic and personal goals. This expectation extends to the admissions process, where personalisation can significantly impact a student's decision to apply or accept an offer.

Building Meaningful Connections

Personalisation in admissions goes beyond the mere customisation of communication; it's about building a genuine connection between the prospective student and the institution. By tailoring the admissions experience to reflect individual applicants' interests and priorities, institutions can forge stronger relationships that extend beyond the application process, fostering a sense of belonging and community even before a student sets foot on campus.

• Enhanced Engagement: Personalised admissions strategies, such as targeted emails or tailored campus visit experiences, increase engagement by resonating more deeply with individuals' interests and aspirations.
• Improved Recruitment Outcomes: By addressing the specific concerns and preferences of prospective students, institutions can improve application rates and yield, attracting students who are a good fit for the school's programs and culture.
• Increased Student Satisfaction: Personalisation can lead to higher levels of satisfaction among admitted students, as they feel seen and valued by the institution from the very beginning of their academic journey.

Strategies for Personalised Admissions

Here are a couple of exciting strategies that could be implemented to not only streamline admissions but to personalise them as well.

• Customised Communications: Utilising data analytics to understand the interests and behaviours of prospective students allows institutions to send personalised emails, messages, and content that resonate with each individual's preferences and aspirations.

• Dynamic Website Content: Implementing adaptive web content that changes based on the visitor's profile and past interactions can significantly enhance the prospective student's online experience, providing them with information that is most relevant to their academic and career goals.

• Virtual Events and Tours: Offering personalised virtual experiences, such as webinars, Q&A sessions, and virtual campus tours, can help prospective students connect with the institution and envision themselves as part of the community.

• Advisory Services: Providing personalised advisory services, where prospective students can discuss their educational and career aspirations with admissions counsellors, can help tailor the application process to their individual needs.

The Impact of Personalisation

Personalising the admissions process not only improves the recruitment experience for prospective students but also benefits institutions by:

• Increasing Application Rates: Tailored communications and interactions increase engagement and interest among prospective students, leading to higher application rates.
• Enhancing Student Fit: By understanding and addressing the specific needs and aspirations of each applicant, institutions can improve the alignment between students and their offered programs, enhancing student satisfaction and success.
• Building Stronger Relationships: Personalised interactions foster a sense of belonging and connection, laying the foundation for a strong and enduring relationship between the student and the institution.

A Tailored Experience

As the higher education landscape becomes increasingly competitive, personalisation in admissions is becoming not just a preference but a necessity. Institutions that embrace this approach will not only enhance their appeal to prospective students but also build a more engaged, satisfied, and successful student body. The future of admissions is personal, and by adopting these tailored strategies, institutions can ensure they are prepared to meet the evolving expectations of the next generation of students.

Contact Velocity today to find out more about how HubSpot CRM can personalise your admissions process and streamline administration in higher education. 

FAQs about Admissions Personalisation

1. What is personalisation in school admissions?

Personalisation in school admissions refers to customising the application process to meet the unique needs, preferences, and backgrounds of each applicant, enhancing their overall experience.

2. How does personalisation benefit prospective students?

Personalisation makes prospective students feel valued and understood, improving their engagement and connection with the institution. It also helps them receive information relevant to their specific interests and aspirations.

3. Can personalisation improve application and enrolment rates?

Yes, by providing a tailored experience, institutions can increase engagement, making prospective students more likely to complete applications and choose the institution if accepted.

4. What are some examples of personalisation in the admissions process?

Examples include customised communication plans, adaptive website content, personalised virtual tours, and one-on-one advisory sessions tailored to the individual's interests.

5. How do institutions implement personalisation strategies?

Institutions leverage data analytics to gain insights into applicant behaviours and preferences, enabling them to tailor communications, content, and interactions to individual needs.

6. Does personalisation in admissions require advanced technology?

While advanced technology can enhance personalisation efforts, even simple adjustments to communication and application processes can make a significant difference in personalising the admissions experience.