Perfecting the Campus VisitDavid Pittman

Director of Recruiting Abilene Christian University

Introduction

IWhy?What? How?What can we do?

Survey Demographics

1-4 Years

5-9 Years

10+ Years

I am not a college or guidance counselor

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0% 50.0%

23.9%

23.2%

46.5%

6.5%

How long have you been a guidance or college counselor?

Survey Demographics

Public

Private

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0%

61.9%

38.1%

Public vs. Private Institutional Respondents

Survey Demographics

Lunchroom visit (admissions representatives set-up a table in your lunch area)

Classroom Presentation One-on-one visit0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

77.4%

57.4%

49.7%

Which forms of campus visits do you host?

• 98% of institutions surveyed host some form of college representative visit.

• 34% offered alternate forms of hosting representatives.

• 90.3% indicated that he or she have a good relationship with visiting college representatives.

• Scholarships, net cost & academic quality are most important discussion points.

Survey Results Lo

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0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%

Which of the following are the 3 most important things that stu-dents want to hear about that make a difference with their college

selection?

Pop Quiz for Admissions Counselors:When should you visit high schools to get in front of their students?

Pop Quiz for Admissions Counselors:When should you visit high schools to get in front of their students?• For seniors, fall visits are preferred 2:1 over

spring.• For sophomores & juniors, springtime is highly

preferred

Pop Quiz for Admissions Counselors:What is the most important thing to take into consideration when trying to schedule a visit?

Pop Quiz for Admissions Counselors:What is the most important thing to take into consideration when trying to schedule a visit?

According to college and guidance counselors, state-wide and regional testing are the most consistent barriers to hosting college representatives, and should be considered first.

Pop Quiz for Admissions Counselors:How far in advance should you schedule your visit to a campus?

Pop Quiz for Admissions Counselors:How far in advance should you schedule your visit to a campus?

Depends on the school for time frame and preference of communication. In addition many schools prefer you reach out to students prior to arrival.

Survey Results

7am-10am 10am-12pm 12pm-1pm (lunch only) 1pm-3pm Time of day does not matter at our campus

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

14.8%

34.2%

51.0%

14.8%

25.8%

Time of Visit Preference

• Preparation is key.• Communicate early & often.• Be on time (arrival & departure)!• Assume the students know nothing about your

institution.• Be professional & courteous.

• Have fun!• Answer the questions that are asked of you &

be ready to get away from your “elevator presentation.”

• Students & counselors still love swag.• Know your institution & know their institution!

Discussion

Discussion:What is an example of the best campus visit that you have experienced?

What is the most challenging opportunity that you have faced during a campus visit?

How can admissions counselors and college counselors work together to ensure the best access and opportunity for the next generation?

Conclusions:

We are on the same team.

Don’t just know where you’re visiting, “know” the school.

Communicate with students prior to visit

“Do what momma taught ya!”

Questions?

David PittmanAbilene Christian Universitydavid.pittman@acu.edu