The Little Things Count in Student Recruitment

Posted on Wednesday, November 19th, 2014

Recruiting college students has become fiercely competitive as post-secondary institutes face the challenges of shifting demographics that have reduced the number of traditional age college students that are available to recruit. So, how do college’s position themselves as the right choice for a prospective student? When applicants are choosing what college to study at, they may have several offers on the table. If they are doing their research right, they will plan to visit each campus, and that’s where colleges can differentiate themselves from their competitors. The little things count when an applicant engages with a school’s campus tour guides who have a huge influence on where the student enrols. It’s all about first impressions, and it’s not only the prospective student that college representatives are trying to impress. They are often joined by family members who have significant influence on the choice they will make when choosing a college. At Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke, more than 45 percent of the close to 1,000 students that enroll each fall are from out of town. Many will travel several hours to visit our campus to check us out during the admissions process, and we appreciate the effort they have made to duly consider studying with us. That’s why we give each applicant that takes a personal tour of our campus a free “eat-sleep-Algonquin College” t-shirt, a small gesture of thanks for having our campus on their short list. We also ensure all of their questions are answered during their visit as we introduce them to key student services staff, faculty and if possible, students that are in the program they are interested in. Campus tours need to be thorough and by connecting applicants to students already studying at the campus, prospective students hear first hand about what another student’s experience has been at the Waterfront Campus. This interaction with current students can be very impactful and reassuring for applicants. Campus tours are always best taken on a weekday when there is lots of action on campus. It provides a much better perspective than a weekend tour when the campus is much quieter. Campus tours usually last about an hour. It is time really well spent and we know our guides will provide you with a great tour, because at the Waterfront Campus, we want you to study with us. Campus tours can be booked by contacting one of our Recruiters: Jodi Bucholtz: bucholj@algonquincollege.com Ellen Wong: wonge@algonquincollege.com Jessica Boldt: boldtj@algonquincollege,com Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community & Student Affairs

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