Students know that researching colleges is vital to the college application process, but how much do you know about connecting with admissions officers? Admissions officers, also known as representatives or counselors, make up the admissions committee and review 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 can sometimes be nerve-wracking.  However, understanding how and why to connect allows you the opportunity to make a solid impression while also learning more about a college.  

Whether you are a senior in the middle of your application process or a junior/underclassman starting your college research, 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, 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 town, academic opportunities, and so much more. Campus Bound counselors help students determine when to reach out to an admissions officer and how to approach that step to help relieve any uncertainty. 

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

1. Campus Tour- getting to campus is a great way to not only explore the school more but stop in admissions
2. Email- You can always reach out to your admissions counselor if you have any 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 human connection 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.  We encourage students to the extra time to seek out your admissions team, and we are here to help to navigate that!