Important Communication Tips to Interact with College Admission Officer

Our previous article discussed What type of question to ask the college admission officer? The purpose of this discussion is to discuss communication tips for interacting with the college office. If you’re considering applying to college or have already started the process, you probably have a lot of questions. It is also possible that you are wondering how to communicate with an admissions counselor. The following are the tips:

Important Tips for Meeting Admissions Officers in Person

When you are able to meet in person, this will probably be the most impactful interaction for you. Practice beforehand and prepare a small list of your most important questions.

• Please don’t be shy. Introduce yourself by saying, “Hi, I’m _____.”. It will help them remember that you were there to help them.
• Be confident and make eye contact.
• Send a thank-you note a couple of days after you meet. Anything that was particularly enjoyable or interesting that you didn’t know before.

Important Tips for Speaking with College Admissions Officers on the Phone

The goal of speaking with an admissions officer, whether in person or electronically, is to leave a positive impression. In addition, it is imperative to make sure they are familiar with your full name.

• Make sure you have your questions written down before making the call so that you won’t forget what you called to inquire about even if you get nervous. 
• Don’t forget to write down the answers they give between questions so you won’t have to ask them again. If the question is worth asking, the answers should be worth saving. 
• Immediately after the phone call, send a thank-you note. Please let them know you appreciate their time in answering your questions, whether it is written or emailed.

Important Tips When Emailing College Admissions Officers

There is a temptation to be casual with digital communication. However, in this context, formality is preferable. In writing an email, you should have had plenty of time to prepare what you are saying, so you should hold yourself to a higher standard than speaking “off the cuff”. It is an opportunity to stand out among many students who don’t realize why and how to formally and concisely compose an email. This shows how seriously you take your education. 

• Make sure you use the correct pronouns. The preferred pronouns of admissions officers are usually listed on their websites. Whenever possible, you use their full name rather than guessing. 
• Stick with Mr. or Ms. If you see your admissions officer’s name is Dr. Elvis Aaron Presley, you’ll call him Dr. instead of Mr. or Ms. Never call them Mrs. unless that is how they have introduced themselves.
• Try to be as straightforward as possible with your questions. Always re-read what you have written to check for typos and clarity. 
• Ensure you include your full name when signing off (Sincerely, Best wishes, thank you, Kind regards).