A well-planned visit can turn a prospective student into an enrolled one.
But getting students to show up isn’t always easy between busy schedules and competing priorities. The key? Make it seamless, engaging, and worth their time.
Here’s how to maximize your spring campus visits and turn them into a powerful enrollment tool.
- Set up registration early and keep it simple.
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- Open registration with plenty of time for students and families to plan ahead.
- Keep the registration form short—only ask for essential information.
- Make sure your confirmation email includes logistics like parking, check-in locations, and an itinerary.
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- Offer a variety of event options.
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- Host a mix of event types—admitted student days, spring open houses, and quick campus tours to reach students in all parts of the enrollment process.
- Consider focused events, like academic deep dives or financial aid workshops, to accommodate a range of interests.
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- Send timely reminders.
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- Schedule reminder emails and text messages leading up to the event. A text from an admissions counselor the day before your event can go a long way and provide a personal touch. (e.g., “Can’t wait to see you tomorrow, {{Preferred}}!”)
- Send a digital itinerary via text before the students arrive, allowing them to easily save and refer back to it throughout the event.
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- Offer incentives to drive attendance.
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- Make students feel special with giveaways like a free swag bag for the first 50 registrants or a visit grant.
- Offer to schedule personal financial aid meetings as part of the visit.
- Remember to promote these incentives in your outreach to increase early registrations.
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- Make it personal and valuable.
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- Offer personalized schedules based on student interests and create opportunities for them to engage with faculty, current students, and admissions counselors.
- Provide a customized welcome for students with name badges, digital itineraries, and notifications to guide them through their visit.
- Small touches, like a personalized welcome or thank you note, can make a lasting impression.
- Follow up with attendees and no-shows.
- Before students leave campus, include a QR code or touchscreen polls to gather feedback and engagement.
- Send a follow-up email thanking students for attending and reinforcing why your institution is a great fit. Include relevant links to apply, visit again, or connect with their counselor.
- Send a “Sorry we missed you!” email to no-shows and give them another chance to visit—linking to upcoming visit opportunities or virtual tour options.
A great spring visit season is about more than showing off your campus—it’s about making students feel like they belong.
Reach out to our team if you need a hand in optimizing your visit strategy.