November 20, 2024 • 10 mins
Unlock the secrets to standing out in the college admissions process with our latest episode! Have you ever wondered how building genuine relationships with admissions representatives can be a game-changer for your application? Join me, Clu Patra, on the East Coast College Admissions Podcast as we explore this often-overlooked strategy. You’ll learn how to identify and connect with the right admissions reps through staff directories, college fairs, and direct emails, boosting your chances of making a lasting impression. Discover how to craft communications that highlight your genuine interest and contributions to your desired college community.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Welcome to the East Coast College Admissions Podcast
, where we take you behind thescenes of the East Coast College
Admissions process.
I'm Clu Patra, and today we arediving into an often overlooked
but powerful part of thecollege admissions process
building relationships withadmissions representatives.
We are talking about how youcan connect with admissions
officers, the importance ofthese relationships and how to
(00:33):
use them to your advantage asyou navigate the competitive
world of college admissions.
Whether you are targeting anIvy League school, a public
university or a specializedprogram, understanding how to
engage with the people whoreview your application is a
game changer.
So let's get started.
First, let's talk about whybuilding a relationship with
(00:59):
admissions representatives is sovaluable.
Admissions officers are thegatekeepers of your college
dreams.
They review hundreds, if notthousands, of applications every
year, and they are looking forstudents who are not only
academically qualified but alsogenuinely interested in their
school.
But here is the thingAdmissions officers are people
(01:20):
too.
They want to get to knowapplicants beyond the numbers,
your JBA test scores andextracurriculars.
They are looking for thestudent who will contribute
positively to their campuscommunity.
Building a relationship allowsthem to see the human side of
your application and can makeyou stand out in a sea of
applicants.
For e-schools colleges, this isespecially true.
(01:43):
Many of these schools pridethemselves on their unique
campus cultures and they wantstudents who will thrive in that
environment.
By connecting with admissionsreps, you can demonstrate your
interest in the school andhighlight why you're a perfect
fit.
Now that we know why theserelationships matter, let's talk
about how to actually startbuilding them.
(02:06):
The first step is knowing who tocontact.
Admission reps are usuallyassigned to specific regions or
types of students, so findingthe right contacts for your area
or background is key.
Here is how you can get started.
Most colleges have a staffdirectory or an admissions team
page where you can find thecontact information for the
regional admissions offices.
(02:26):
They may also list which rephandles your area or demographic
.
Number two attend college fairsand information sessions.
Many East Coast collegesparticipate in college fairs and
most host virtual or in-personinformation sessions.
These events are greatopportunities to meet admissions
reps, ask questions and start aconversation.
(02:48):
Don't be afraid to introduceyourself.
Number three reach out via email.
If you are not attending anevent, emailing is the most
direct way to initiate contact.
Craft a thoughtful andpersonalized email expressing
your interest in the college.
Let admissions reps know whyyou are interested in their
(03:08):
school specifically and askinsightful questions about the
admissions process or campuslife.
A pro tip here when you reachout, be respectful of their time
.
Admissions officers are busy,so keep your message clear and
concise.
Make it easy for them torespond with the information you
are seeking.
So what to say when reachingout?
When you do make the firstcontact, it's important to be
(03:32):
prepared.
Here is a breakdown of what toinclude in your message.
Number one introduce yourself.
Start by introducing yourselfand stating what grade you are
in, what school you attend andwhere you live.
If applicable, mention anyspecific circumstances, such as
being a third-generation collegestudent or having a specific
(03:53):
academic interest.
Number two demonstrate yourinterest.
Talk about why you areinterested in this specific
college or university.
It's important to be specificMention programs, faculty
research or aspects of campuslife that truly excite you.
This shows you've done yourhomework and aren't just sending
(04:14):
a generic email.
Number three ask meaningfulquestions.
Admissions officers are morelikely to respond if you ask
thoughtful questions instead ofasking something easily found on
their website.
Ask about aspects of theapplication process that are
more nuanced or inquire aboutthe campus culture.
For example, what do you lookfor in an applicant for a
(04:35):
specific program?
How do students at your schooltypically balance academics and
extracurricular activities?
What are some of the traits ofstudents who thrive at your
college?
And, last but not the leastpoint, thank them for their time
.
Always close your email with athank you for their time and
consideration.
This shows professionalism andrespect for their busy schedules
(04:57):
.
Now let's talk about how you canmaintain this relationship over
time.
Building a relationship isn'tjust about sending one email or
having one conversation.
It's about maintaining anongoing connection.
Here's how to continue buildingrapport with admissions reps
over time.
Point number one follow upAfter the initial conversation
(05:18):
or meeting.
Send a follow-up email to thankthem again for their time.
Point number one follow upAfter the initial conversation
or meeting.
Send a follow-up email to thankthem again for their time.
Mention the specific insightsor advice they gave you and
express your continued interestin the school.
This reinforces that you valuethe relationship and are
genuinely engaged.
Number two keep them updated.
If you've made progress in youracademic or extracurricular
(05:39):
pursuits, don't be afraid toshare that with the admissions
rep.
Send them updates on any awards, leadership positions or new
projects you are involved in,for example, if you've taken on
a leadership role in a communityorganization or have published
an article, let them know.
Point number three showconsistency.
Consistently engaging with theadmissions rep is important, but
(06:02):
be careful not to overwhelmthem.
A couple of touch points asemester, whether it's a brief
update or a thoughtful question,will keep you on the radar
without becoming too much.
Last but not the least pointattend school events.
If the admissions rep isvisiting your area or attending
a college fair, be sure toattend and reintroduce yourself.
(06:22):
This gives the relationship alife and provides an additional
opportunity for face-to-faceinteraction.
Before we wrap up, let's go overquick do's and don'ts when
building relationships withadmissions reps.
With some of the do's beprofessional Treat every
interaction like a professionalconversation, whether it's
through email, phone or inperson.
(06:45):
Be respectful.
Understand that admissions repsare busy, so don't bombard them
with constant communication.
Be genuine.
Don't try to overly impressthem or fake enthusiasm.
Admissions officers can tellwhen you are being authentic.
Some of the don'ts Don't askquestions that are easy to find
(07:05):
online, because that can beannoying for anyone.
If the information is readilyavailable on the website or in
the college brochure, don't askfor it in an email.
Number two don't overdo it.
Keep in mind that quality ismore than quantity.
Chill, don't ask for it in anemail.
Number two, don't overdo it.
Keep in mind that quality ismore than quantity.
Engaging every once in a whileis great, but don't reach out
constantly for no reason at all.
(07:27):
Last but not the least point,don't treat them as just a means
to an end.
Building a relationship with anadmissions rep should be about
genuine interest, not justtrying to boost your chances of
getting in.
Building relationships withadmissions reps is an important
and often underutilized strategyin the college admissions
(07:48):
process.
Not only does it help you standout, it also allows you to get
a better chance of what eachcollege is really about, whether
it's a right fit for you.
Take the time to reach out,engage authentically and keep
the conversation going.
Admissions officers are peoplewho want to hear from you and
get to know you beyond yourapplication, so don't be afraid
(08:11):
to make that first step andstart building those
relationships today.
Thank you for tuning intotoday's episode of the eSchools
College Admissions Podcast.
For more tips on navigating thecollege admissions process and
making the most of your collegejourney, visit our website at
wwweSchoolsAdmissionscom.
Until next time, keep buildingthose connections and good luck
(08:33):
with your applications.
Welcome to the East Coast College Admissions Podcast
, where we take you behind thescenes of the East Coast College
Admissions process.
I'm Clu Patra, and today we arediving into an often overlooked
but powerful part of thecollege admissions process
building relationships withadmissions representatives.
We are talking about how youcan connect with admissions
officers, the importance ofthese relationships and how to
(00:33):
use them to your advantage asyou navigate the competitive
world of college admissions.
Whether you are targeting anIvy League school, a public
university or a specializedprogram, understanding how to
engage with the people whoreview your application is a
game changer.
So let's get started.
First, let's talk about whybuilding a relationship with
(00:59):
admissions representatives is sovaluable.
Admissions officers are thegatekeepers of your college
dreams.
They review hundreds, if notthousands, of applications every
year, and they are looking forstudents who are not only
academically qualified but alsogenuinely interested in their
school.
But here is the thingAdmissions officers are people
(01:20):
too.
They want to get to knowapplicants beyond the numbers,
your JBA test scores andextracurriculars.
They are looking for thestudent who will contribute
positively to their campuscommunity.
Building a relationship allowsthem to see the human side of
your application and can makeyou stand out in a sea of
applicants.
For e-schools colleges, this isespecially true.
(01:43):
Many of these schools pridethemselves on their unique
campus cultures and they wantstudents who will thrive in that
environment.
By connecting with admissionsreps, you can demonstrate your
interest in the school andhighlight why you're a perfect
fit.
Now that we know why theserelationships matter, let's talk
about how to actually startbuilding them.
(02:06):
The first step is knowing who tocontact.
Admission reps are usuallyassigned to specific regions or
types of students, so findingthe right contacts for your area
or background is key.
Here is how you can get started.
Most colleges have a staffdirectory or an admissions team
page where you can find thecontact information for the
regional admissions offices.
(02:26):
They may also list which rephandles your area or demographic
.
Number two attend college fairsand information sessions.
Many East Coast collegesparticipate in college fairs and
most host virtual or in-personinformation sessions.
These events are greatopportunities to meet admissions
reps, ask questions and start aconversation.
(02:48):
Don't be afraid to introduceyourself.
Number three reach out via email.
If you are not attending anevent, emailing is the most
direct way to initiate contact.
Craft a thoughtful andpersonalized email expressing
your interest in the college.
Let admissions reps know whyyou are interested in their
(03:08):
school specifically and askinsightful questions about the
admissions process or campuslife.
A pro tip here when you reachout, be respectful of their time
.
Admissions officers are busy,so keep your message clear and
concise.
Make it easy for them torespond with the information you
are seeking.
So what to say when reachingout?
When you do make the firstcontact, it's important to be
(03:32):
prepared.
Here is a breakdown of what toinclude in your message.
Number one introduce yourself.
Start by introducing yourselfand stating what grade you are
in, what school you attend andwhere you live.
If applicable, mention anyspecific circumstances, such as
being a third-generation collegestudent or having a specific
(03:53):
academic interest.
Number two demonstrate yourinterest.
Talk about why you areinterested in this specific
college or university.
It's important to be specificMention programs, faculty
research or aspects of campuslife that truly excite you.
This shows you've done yourhomework and aren't just sending
(04:14):
a generic email.
Number three ask meaningfulquestions.
Admissions officers are morelikely to respond if you ask
thoughtful questions instead ofasking something easily found on
their website.
Ask about aspects of theapplication process that are
more nuanced or inquire aboutthe campus culture.
For example, what do you lookfor in an applicant for a
(04:35):
specific program?
How do students at your schooltypically balance academics and
extracurricular activities?
What are some of the traits ofstudents who thrive at your
college?
And, last but not the leastpoint, thank them for their time
.
Always close your email with athank you for their time and
consideration.
This shows professionalism andrespect for their busy schedules
(04:57):
.
Now let's talk about how you canmaintain this relationship over
time.
Building a relationship isn'tjust about sending one email or
having one conversation.
It's about maintaining anongoing connection.
Here's how to continue buildingrapport with admissions reps
over time.
Point number one follow upAfter the initial conversation
(05:18):
or meeting.
Send a follow-up email to thankthem again for their time.
Point number one follow upAfter the initial conversation
or meeting.
Send a follow-up email to thankthem again for their time.
Mention the specific insightsor advice they gave you and
express your continued interestin the school.
This reinforces that you valuethe relationship and are
genuinely engaged.
Number two keep them updated.
If you've made progress in youracademic or extracurricular
(05:39):
pursuits, don't be afraid toshare that with the admissions
rep.
Send them updates on any awards, leadership positions or new
projects you are involved in,for example, if you've taken on
a leadership role in a communityorganization or have published
an article, let them know.
Point number three showconsistency.
Consistently engaging with theadmissions rep is important, but
(06:02):
be careful not to overwhelmthem.
A couple of touch points asemester, whether it's a brief
update or a thoughtful question,will keep you on the radar
without becoming too much.
Last but not the least pointattend school events.
If the admissions rep isvisiting your area or attending
a college fair, be sure toattend and reintroduce yourself.
(06:22):
This gives the relationship alife and provides an additional
opportunity for face-to-faceinteraction.
Before we wrap up, let's go overquick do's and don'ts when
building relationships withadmissions reps.
With some of the do's beprofessional Treat every
interaction like a professionalconversation, whether it's
through email, phone or inperson.
(06:45):
Be respectful.
Understand that admissions repsare busy, so don't bombard them
with constant communication.
Be genuine.
Don't try to overly impressthem or fake enthusiasm.
Admissions officers can tellwhen you are being authentic.
Some of the don'ts Don't askquestions that are easy to find
(07:05):
online, because that can beannoying for anyone.
If the information is readilyavailable on the website or in
the college brochure, don't askfor it in an email.
Number two don't overdo it.
Keep in mind that quality ismore than quantity.
Chill, don't ask for it in anemail.
Number two, don't overdo it.
Keep in mind that quality ismore than quantity.
Engaging every once in a whileis great, but don't reach out
constantly for no reason at all.
(07:27):
Last but not the least point,don't treat them as just a means
to an end.
Building a relationship with anadmissions rep should be about
genuine interest, not justtrying to boost your chances of
getting in.
Building relationships withadmissions reps is an important
and often underutilized strategyin the college admissions
(07:48):
process.
Not only does it help you standout, it also allows you to get
a better chance of what eachcollege is really about, whether
it's a right fit for you.
Take the time to reach out,engage authentically and keep
the conversation going.
Admissions officers are peoplewho want to hear from you and
get to know you beyond yourapplication, so don't be afraid
(08:11):
to make that first step andstart building those
relationships today.
Thank you for tuning intotoday's episode of the eSchools
College Admissions Podcast.
For more tips on navigating thecollege admissions process and
making the most of your collegejourney, visit our website at
wwweSchoolsAdmissionscom.
Until next time, keep buildingthose connections and good luck
(08:33):
with your applications.
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