Researching colleges is essential to the college application process, but how much do you know about connecting with admissions officers? Admissions officers, also known as admissions representatives, make up the admissions committee and are the ones reviewing student applications. The admissions team is (typically) assigned a territory, where they review the high schools within that territory. When students hear “connect with your local admissions officer,” we understand that it can sometimes be intimidating.  However, understanding how and why to connect allows you the opportunity to make a solid impression while also learning more about that college.  

Regardless of where you are in the application process, here are the top reasons to connect with admissions:

1. Learn more about a college and what it can offer you as a student. Admissions officers are the face of the institution to prospective students. This goes for ALL colleges. You are in the process of finding the best-fit colleges, so this is a good opportunity to make that connection beyond what you read on a website (or hear from a friend). 
2. Be more than a number!  Many colleges track demonstrated interest.  This means they are keeping track of how students are expressing interest in them, so when an admissions officer can put a face with a name, it benefits you!
3. You can build a relationship with an admissions officer by asking thoughtful questions and learning more about the culture of a school, the area, academic opportunities, and much more. Campus Bound counselors help students determine when to reach out to an admissions officer and how to approach this step to help relieve any uncertainty. 

So, how does a student make this connection?  Here are different opportunities to build the relationship:

1. Schedule a Campus Tour- getting to campus is a great way to not only explore the school more but stop by admissions
2. Email- You can always reach out to your admissions counselor if you have questions
3. Sign up for a Meeting- some admissions officers offer in-person meetings with students on Zoom or locally 
4. Interviews—If a college offers an optional admissions interview, take the opportunity! Campus Bound helps prepare students through mock interviews
5. College Fairs or High School visits– if the colleges you are considering are in town or coming to your high school, make an effort to go!

Making the the effort to connect as a prospective student is one of the best things you can do to not only allow the admissions officer to learn about you and what you will bring to their campus, but for you to learn about the college and why it might (or might not) be a good fit for YOU.  We encourage students to the extra time to seek out your admissions team, and we are here to help to navigate that!