Automating In-House Direct Admissions

Colleges and universities are constantly seeking innovative ways to streamline admissions processes and improve student experiences. 

One institution leading the way is our very own partner Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), which has embraced Element451's data, automation, and communication features coupled with its own in-house capabilities to revolutionize its direct admissions approach. 

Join us as we delve into SEMO's Engage Summit session on automating in-house direct admissions and uncover the secrets behind their success.

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What is Direct Admissions?

Direct admissions is the process of extending an admissions offer to incoming college students based on a simplified application or test score evaluation. This shortened process eliminates some of the extra steps often required, such as a series of essays or interviews.

At some colleges and universities, direct admissions may also look like accepting students into a general education program instantly but reserving their participation in more in-depth academic courses until sophomore year. For example, a pre-med student might be accepted directly into a general education program but still have a more tailored application process to complete before they can begin pre-med coursework. 

The Power of Automation

At SEMO, the focus is on delivering a seamless and efficient admissions experience for prospective students. By implementing the Element 451 platform in 2020, the university prioritized enhancing the user experience and eliminating barriers to entry. 

Through this automated system, they eliminated patient fees and switched to self-reported admissions, simplifying the application process for students. With scholarships offered based on self-reported GPA and test scores, SEMO extended a helping hand to aspiring students and made higher education more accessible.

The Campus Community Unites

At the heart of SEMO's direct admissions success is the collaboration and support of the entire campus community. The university took a holistic approach, involving various departments to simplify the admissions process. 

By reducing the number of transcripts requested, the workload for school counselors was drastically reduced, enabling them to focus on providing personalized guidance and support to students. 

This united effort created a student-centric environment where every individual played a vital role in making the admissions process seamless and stress-free.

The Strategic Action Plan Unveiled

SEMO recognized the need for a strategic action plan to achieve their desired outcomes. By developing a comprehensive plan that focused on tactics and goals, they were able to implement their direct admissions approach effectively. 

The plan not only aimed to streamline processes but also fostered an environment of innovation and open-mindedness. The campus community embraced the need for different approaches and set the stage for a new era in admissions.

The Direct Admissions Process in Action

SEMO's in-house direct admissions process involves several crucial steps. Firstly, a segment of students is built based on their existing population in Element451 using email matching. 

To prevent duplication, data is reimported from the population, ensuring a clean and consolidated process.

SEMO's self-reported admissions for new first-time students require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, which opens doors for aspiring individuals. Official transcripts and ACT/SAT scores are requested as a follow-up, providing a more detailed snapshot of the student's academic achievements. 

Admissions counselors play an invaluable role by regularly following up with students, sending reminders, and ensuring a smooth transition to higher education.

Element451 also plays a crucial role in SEMO’s ability to effectively communicate with these prospective students in a timely and personalized manner. With Element451, the admissions team can automate emails and SMS messages, ensuring that no student falls through the cracks. This allows for consistent and timely follow-ups, providing important information and reminders throughout the admissions process. 

The platform's advanced segmentation capabilities enable the team to tailor their communications based on the specific interests and needs of each student, creating a highly personalized experience. 

Current and Future Successes with Direct Admissions

SEMO's direct admissions process has yielded remarkable results in terms of speed, efficiency, and scholarship offers for students and they anticipate even better results in the coming year.

By starting the direct admissions process earlier than planned, SEMO has tapped into a market of early college students who had not yet applied, providing them with an opportunity to fulfill their higher education dreams.

The institution acknowledges the importance of engaging with students who are already connected to their organization and those who may be unaware of their offerings. By leveraging Element451, SEMO remains committed to creating an automatic acceptance experience for specific student populations, thereby further improving accessibility and inclusivity.

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