Thick Envelope: How to Get an Admissions Counselor to Notice You

By Patrick Lorenzo
Associate Director of Admissions
Saint Mary’s College
 
As I reflect on my first week of travel this admissions season I wonder what kind of impression I left with students. Did my message come across authentically? Did I enlighten or confuse them? Did I ease their concerns?
 
On the flip side, students might be wondering about their interactions with me. Did they make a positive, lasting mark? Did they ask the right questions? Did they get my contact information?
 
The dynamic between the prospective student and the admissions counselor is a worthwhile dynamic. Though time compressed, it doesn’t have to be only transactional in nature. It can be an engaging, productive dialogue.
 
If you’re seeking a meaningful way to connect/reconnect with your admissions counselor here are three things admissions counselors love to see from students while on the road:
 
1)Proper Communication – Use a professional email address, not a funny, cute, or clever one. I’m sometimes shocked at the amount of strange/confusing email addresses I see every year. Address us with formal lingo. No LOL or HAHA please. Keep the text talk between your confidants. Email is considered formal communication. We’re not your friend or classmate. Though using Mr./Ms. might bruise the ego of younger counselors, it’s safer to be proper than casual.
 
2) Thoughtful Questions – Be open ended with your approach. Simple questions often have answers available online or in the brochures. Pose big questions and provide plenty of context. The more specificity the better the response. The better the response, the more likely a positive conversation can commence. Show that you’ve done some research and be specific as much as possible.
 
3) Consideration – During travel season, admissions counselors need a bit more follow up time to respond. If you’re looking for an overnight response you might be pushing your luck. You are better served to call their mainline. Immediate gratification is not always possible.
 
If it’s more than three days feel free to follow up. Don’t worry, we won’t be offended. In fact, we’ll appreciate the effort. Trust me. By both acknowledging our busy lives on the road and demonstrating courtesy beyond your years, you’ll leave a good impression. It will likely spark a thorough and quick response.
 
Relax, we’re here to help. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or to say hello again.
 
(About the Author: Thick Envelope is a new monthly column that can be read exclusively on AsAmNews. Patrick Gabriel Lorenzo is a San Francisco Bay Area native and a graduate of both a University of California campus and a regional private college. He has nearly 15 years of experience in higher education spanning public and private institutions. He is a firm believer in access, against the notion of college acceptances being a prize to be won, and promotes the idea of searching colleges from the inside out. Patrick can be reached at [email protected] for further questions.)
 
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