Stop ‘Checking In’ With Students

A lot of admissions counselors like to email, text, or call and just “check in” with their students. On the surface that may seem helpful, but please understand that it’s a bad habit that needs to be broken.

Here’s the problem with that kind of outreach. When you use those two words students know what it’s code for – You want them to tell you something. But because you haven’t asked a direct question, they’re not really sure what they’re supposed to say, so most times they don’t know how to respond.

There’s no substance to checking in. It’s not intentional enough.

As I’ve shared in multiple recent blog posts, the best way to get an update on something or to figure out why a student hasn’t taken action is by asking a more direct and narrow question – not something they can say yes/no to, but instead a question that is casual, open ended, and gives them permission to share.

So, instead of checking in with inquiries who haven’t started their application, ask:

“How are you and your family deciding which colleges you’re going to apply to?”

Instead of checking in with students who have incomplete applications, ask:

“Can you help me understand what’s keeping you from finishing your application.”

And instead of checking in with newly admitted students, ask:

“What are one or two reasons why coming to be a student here feels like it might be the right decision for you?”

One final tip – Be prepared to ask some follow-up questions based on the feedback you receive. If you need some good follow up questions to ask, drop me an email… happy to help.

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