When it comes to getting new students, universities can learn a lot from marketing ideas, especially the "4 Ps" of marketing: Product, Price, Place, and Process. Today, we will focus on the last one—how universities can make their application processes easier and more appealing for students.
One way to improve the application process is by making it simpler. A long and confusing application can turn away potential students. Universities can use a marketing approach by asking students—like high school seniors—what is important to them during the application.
Example: A university might discover that students prefer shorter essays or fewer recommendation letters. By reducing the number of required documents or using a simpler online form, they can help applicants feel less overwhelmed. This idea fits with the marketing principle of understanding what customers need and shaping the product to fit those needs.
Good communication is key in any marketing plan. For universities, this means giving clear and simple information about the application process. Future students should easily find all they need to know—like application deadlines, required documents, and financial aid options—through different sources.
Illustration: Imagine a university that makes a fun video series to explain the application steps. This visual guide can help reduce stress and make the experience feel more friendly. Sending personal emails to remind students about deadlines can also make them feel supported during the process.
Thanks to new technology, universities have many tools to make their processes better. For example, they can use chatbots on their admissions websites to provide quick answers to common questions.
Example: A chatbot could respond to questions like, “What are the GPA requirements?” or “How do I apply for financial aid?” This not only helps avoid confusion but also allows staff to focus on more complicated issues, making everything run smoother.
Understanding that students have different needs can also improve the application process. Some students might like to fill out a traditional paper application, while others prefer using their mobile devices.
Illustration: By offering different ways to apply—online, on paper, or through a mobile app—universities can reach more people. Also, having rolling admissions can ease the stress on students, allowing them to apply whenever they are ready instead of all at once by a set date.
After making changes to the application process, universities should ask applicants for their thoughts. This includes both those who decided to enroll and those who chose to go elsewhere.
Example: A university can send out surveys to find out what was confusing or difficult for those who applied. This feedback can help them make even more improvements, showing the importance of adapting to meet what students want—an important marketing idea.
In summary, by focusing on the "Process" part of marketing, universities can greatly improve their application systems. Making applications easier, communicating clearly, using technology effectively, offering flexible options, and seeking feedback can make the process more attractive to potential students. Thinking of the application process as a product that needs to be marketed can help universities draw in and keep more students in a very competitive environment.
When it comes to getting new students, universities can learn a lot from marketing ideas, especially the "4 Ps" of marketing: Product, Price, Place, and Process. Today, we will focus on the last one—how universities can make their application processes easier and more appealing for students.
One way to improve the application process is by making it simpler. A long and confusing application can turn away potential students. Universities can use a marketing approach by asking students—like high school seniors—what is important to them during the application.
Example: A university might discover that students prefer shorter essays or fewer recommendation letters. By reducing the number of required documents or using a simpler online form, they can help applicants feel less overwhelmed. This idea fits with the marketing principle of understanding what customers need and shaping the product to fit those needs.
Good communication is key in any marketing plan. For universities, this means giving clear and simple information about the application process. Future students should easily find all they need to know—like application deadlines, required documents, and financial aid options—through different sources.
Illustration: Imagine a university that makes a fun video series to explain the application steps. This visual guide can help reduce stress and make the experience feel more friendly. Sending personal emails to remind students about deadlines can also make them feel supported during the process.
Thanks to new technology, universities have many tools to make their processes better. For example, they can use chatbots on their admissions websites to provide quick answers to common questions.
Example: A chatbot could respond to questions like, “What are the GPA requirements?” or “How do I apply for financial aid?” This not only helps avoid confusion but also allows staff to focus on more complicated issues, making everything run smoother.
Understanding that students have different needs can also improve the application process. Some students might like to fill out a traditional paper application, while others prefer using their mobile devices.
Illustration: By offering different ways to apply—online, on paper, or through a mobile app—universities can reach more people. Also, having rolling admissions can ease the stress on students, allowing them to apply whenever they are ready instead of all at once by a set date.
After making changes to the application process, universities should ask applicants for their thoughts. This includes both those who decided to enroll and those who chose to go elsewhere.
Example: A university can send out surveys to find out what was confusing or difficult for those who applied. This feedback can help them make even more improvements, showing the importance of adapting to meet what students want—an important marketing idea.
In summary, by focusing on the "Process" part of marketing, universities can greatly improve their application systems. Making applications easier, communicating clearly, using technology effectively, offering flexible options, and seeking feedback can make the process more attractive to potential students. Thinking of the application process as a product that needs to be marketed can help universities draw in and keep more students in a very competitive environment.