If you are brand new to independent school admissions, congratulations! You are about to embark on an incredible journey! Working at an independent school offers a unique and very rewarding experience. Particularly as a member of the admissions team, you get the chance to play a part in envisioning the makeup of the student body that will define your school! As you embark on this new adventure, here's a guide to help you navigate your first 90 days.
Understand Your School
Although you probably spent a lot of time learning all about your institution for your interview, now is the time to make sure you learn everything you need to accurately and enthusiastically represent the school as an admissions representative.
● Learn your school’s mission and values: This will guide your work and interactions with prospective students and parents. The mission of a school should be the touchstone every employee goes back to when facing challenges and opportunities.
● Familiarize yourself with the academic offerings: What differentiates your school from others, what specific programs are unique, what is it like to be a learner at your school? Know these things by heart and be able to share them with prospective families.
● Immerse yourself in the campus culture and life of the students: Independent schools are known for their diverse, vibrant, and welcoming communities so hopefully you will jump right in. Get involved and learn about what makes your school special. What kind of student thrives in your school, what is the diversity like, what do the students like about their school? Take advantage of opportunities to coach, become an advisor of a club, or chaperone activities.
Learn the Admissions Process
Knowing the ins and out of the admissions process and cycle is crucial. Ask your manager to sit in on interviews, learn all the relevant deadlines, and how students are assessed for admission.
● Understand the admissions cycle, requirements, deadlines, etc.: Does your school have a specific application date, is it rolling admissions? What applications does your school accept? What fees are associated with applying and attending?
● Familiarize yourself with application review criteria: Know what you're looking for in an applicant. What are the qualities most valued in applicants? How are applicants assessed? Are there specific goals that the team is reaching for?
● Learn about financial aid: Even if you are not directly involved in financial aid decisions, it is important to know what is available to families and how decisions are made on awards (i.e. need based grants, merit awards, etc.)
Build Community Connections
Getting to know your colleagues will serve you well as an admissions professional.
● Schedule departmental “lunch and learns” to learn all about the academics, athletic, arts, and student life offerings at your school. Your manager can help set these up!
● Network with faculty and staff by attending school events, meetings, and social gatherings.
● Begin to connect with your applicant pool. If you have a specified region or group of families, begin to connect, introduce yourself, and be available to answer questions.
Develop Your Skills
Whether you have been working for years or are brand new to the workforce, building your skills is always an important goal, especially if you are in a new position or at a new institution.
● Take advantage of professional development opportunities. Many independent schools have generous PD budgets that are designed to elevate their employees. Make sure to seek out opportunities to attend institutes and conferences with AISAP, EMA, NAIS, TABS, and regional offerings in your area.
● Enhance your communication skills: Effective communication is essential in admissions.
● Improve your time management: Juggling multiple tasks is a common challenge in independent schools.
● Understand your inherent biases and keep them in check: You'll need to make informed decisions about applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Find a Mentor
Many schools offer a mentoring program, but if yours doesn’t there are many resources to help you find one!
● Ask your boss. Although your direct manager might be a good option for mentorship, allow them to also suggest other seasoned admissions professionals who might be a good match. It is always great to have a support system outside of your current school that you can lean on and learn from.
● Engage with admissions organizations. Many of our professional organizations can help to match you with a mentor or suggest someone who might be a good fit for you.
● Don’t be afraid to ask. Did you meet someone inspiring at a conference? Did you attend a great PD session with an experienced admissions professional? Do you just really connect with someone in the field? Don’t be afraid to ask them to be a mentor - they will be flattered and will gain just as much as you do from the experience!
Enjoy the Challenge
Starting a new job or entering a new field can be daunting, but it should also be a time of great excitement.
● Be open to learning: The admissions world is constantly evolving and even the most seasoned professionals learn something new every day! Stay up to date on admissions trends by subscribing to professional networks, list-servs, etc.
● Stay positive: Your attitude is everything. Even when things seem hard, remember that you were chosen for this position because of the incredible gifts you bring to the table!
● Remember that you are making a difference: Your work impacts students' lives every day. You are making a positive dent in the universe just by the good work you are doing.
Starting a new career can be both exciting and scary. This is the time to explore your passions, challenge yourself, and grow. Embrace the challenge and most importantly, know that you’ve got this!
Kristen Mariotti
Head of Enrollment Management
Emma Willard School