The admissions process doesn’t end once the application is complete. In fact, what happens next can make or break the student’s experience, turning their acceptance into a meaningful connection with your institution. Here are five essential tips to help you yield admits and create a lasting, positive impression.
1. Let them know
Clear, timely communication is crucial. Be sure to notify admitted students through both digital and traditional mail. This is too significant to risk an email getting lost in spam or a student missing the announcement. Sending a personal, welcoming message across multiple channels ensures students don’t miss their moment to celebrate acceptance to their dream school.
In fact, a 2020 report by The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) found that clear communication from admissions offices significantly influences a student’s decision-making process, with 62% of students indicating that how quickly and clearly they were notified of acceptance was important to them.
2. Time it right
The timing of your admissions notifications matters more than ever. Gone are the days of waiting until April 1 to release an admission decision. Communicate clearly and quickly with students so they know where they stand. Batching admits? Keep dates and time of year in mind. Releasing admits ahead of a holiday or school closure can make a big difference.
A survey by NACAC shows that 77% of students report that they felt more comfortable making their final college decision when they received admission notifications early (before the traditional April 1 timeline).
3. Personalize it
Students have worked hard to get to this point, and a personalized experience is key to making them feel valued. Don’t wait for Admit Days to celebrate their success—roll out the red carpet as soon as they’re admitted.
In a survey by Inside Higher Ed, 68% of students reported that a personalized outreach—such as a video message from the admissions team or a personalized portal—made them more likely to accept an offer of admission, with those who received personalized attention having a 30% higher yield rate.
The sooner you show them they matter, the stronger their connection to your institution will be.
4. Keep it simple
To avoid overwhelming students, streamline the process by offering clear steps and helpful resources. Provide checklists, create easy-to-navigate student and parent communications, and keep everything organized in a centralized online portal. By simplifying their journey, you help students feel confident and excited as they prepare to join your community.
5. Be available
Students and their families will have plenty of questions—be ready to provide answers. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, 72% of students cited quick responses to questions as one of the top factors that influenced their decision to commit to a school.
Ensure that there is a dedicated point of contact and make sure they know how to reach you. Whether through phone, email, or even live chat, being easily accessible shows that you care about their concerns. Prompt, personalized support during this phase can make students feel secure in their decision to commit to your institution.
A “Waybetter” Admitted Student Experience
Successfully yielding admits is all about creating a positive, personalized experience that makes students feel valued and informed. By communicating clearly and promptly, timing your notifications thoughtfully, personalizing your outreach, simplifying the logistics, and being readily available to answer questions, you can foster a strong connection with admitted students. These steps not only increase the likelihood that students will commit to your institution but also set the stage for a lasting, meaningful relationship that extends far beyond their admission.
Curious how Waybetter can help you optimize your admissions strategy? Set up a time to chat with our team and let’s explore how we can work together to create a “Waybetter” experience for your admits!