As the excitement of upcoming events and conferences sets in, my mind immediately jumps to travel logistics—packing the right electrical adapters, ensuring my wardrobe is conference-ready, and, of course, making sure everything still fits after the holiday indulgences.
That’s when it hits me—I need a new blazer. My wife’s legendary buckeye chocolates may have played a role in my current predicament, and now I’m debating sizes, styles, and whether off-the-rack will work or if I need something more customized. The traditional shopping methods might not cut it this time, and I’m left wondering where to start.
This whole dilemma reminds me of a recent conversation in our Enrollment Collaborative—a free and supportive group of admissions professionals (including Janice, who always brings great insights). Just like finding the perfect blazer, admissions teams are constantly evaluating whether their current approach fits their needs or if it’s time for a more tailored strategy.
The Rise in First-Time Families with Unique Needs
Admissions leaders are seeing an increasing number of first-time families disclosing that their child has special needs, learning challenges, or requires specific accommodations. This shift has sparked important discussions about how schools can appropriately assess whether these applicants are a mission fit while ensuring a fair and supportive admissions process.
A key question emerged: How do admissions teams balance empathy with due diligence when determining fit?
Balancing Empathy with the Right Questions
During our discussion, admissions professionals agreed that approaching families with empathy is critical. Creating a welcoming and supportive environment helps families feel comfortable sharing their child’s needs. This involves:
● Actively listening to families' concerns
● Validating their experiences
● Providing a safe space for open dialogue
However, empathy alone is not enough. Schools must also ask the right questions to thoroughly understand the child's specific needs and determine if they can provide the necessary support. The group suggested that admissions teams should develop a list of 11-14 key questions to assess mission fit while ensuring compliance with privacy and anti-discrimination standards.
Admissions is a School-Wide Conversation
One of the biggest takeaways from our discussion was that determining fit is not just an admissions office decision—it’s a school-wide effort. Admissions teams should collaborate with school leadership, learning support specialists, and administrative teams to:
● Define clear criteria for mission-fit students
● Identify students who could succeed with additional support
● Establish transparent guidelines for conversations with families
These discussions ensure alignment across departments and help schools make informed student-centered decisions.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Admissions & School Choice
With school choice expanding in many states and more families seeking specialized support, these conversations will only become more common—both in the U.S. and internationally. Admissions leaders must refine their approach to balance empathy with structured decision-making, ensuring that every student admitted aligns with the school’s mission and has the best chance for success.
As for me? I still need to figure out my blazer situation. And if you’re interested, I’m happy to share my wife’s buckeye recipe—it’s worth every extra measurement!
Scott Delleville
Team Leader
Finalsite Enrollment