AHSS Prospective Graduate Student Touchpoints I created this document in my previous role as a Graduate Recruitment Specialist at the University of Denver. The goal was to achieve a holistic understanding of the graduate student journey at DU, anticipate the kinds of content that would be relevant to prospective students, and identify gaps in our current communication with prospective graduate students.
Grad Student Journey
Pre-consider
Questions students are asking at each stage in the process
Consider
Should I commit to grad school?
Content Ideas for Addressing Questions
- Overview of cost/time - Reputation - Location - Value stories and testimonials - Infographics about outcomes
Shorten the List
Deep Dive
Do they have my program?
Will I like living in Denver?
When can I start?
- Easy-to-read searchable program list
- Things to do in Denver - culture, arts, outdoors, etc.
- Empahsize when apps are accepted per dept, esp. if more often than fall
Can I talk to or email a human? - Name - Title - Contact info
Do I qualify for financial aid? - Career stats - List of alumni careers
- Credit hours - Time-tocompletion estimate
- Clear instructions - Outline who is likely to qualify
Are there scholarship opportunities?
- AHSS community - Facebook group - Welcome breakfast/ lunch
Will my partner be able to find a job there?
- Talk to current students - Facebook group
- Industry in Denver - Airport accessibility - Growth in Denver - Culture/arts
- Resources - Campus amenities - Transit
- "Visit us" landing page (like Korbel) - Emphasize grad tours with Meghan
- Career counseling - Alumni networking - Prof Dev
What perks will I have? - Resources - Campus amenities - Transit
- Rankings - Summary of value - Denver - Outcomes
Can I visit?
- Testimonials of students who worked during school - Links to employment opps - Benefits such as night classes, flexible schedule
Where can I find resources?
Will I fit in?
Is this my top choice?
Can I work while I am in school?
Current Student
Will I be able to get a job when I'm done?
- Step-by-step instructions
- Career placement stats - Networking opps - Alumni stories
How will I meet people?
- We want you!
How do I apply?
- Scholarship database - How to apply
Will I be able to get a job when I'm done?
Pre-Arrival
Where will I go?
- Cost of living info - Competitor schools comparison (see Santa Clara theology)
- Admission offer - Scholarship offer
- Clear app requirements
Is it a good school?
- Rankings - Famous alumni - Outcomes-based stats
Finalize Decision
Can I afford to live there?
Did I get in?
- Response email with thank you & timeline
What are the requirements?
- Research opps (under faculty profiles?) - Publications - Stories of student-prof collabration
- Simple tuition info - Cost calculator
When will I find out if I got in?
Compare Choices
- App tips from faculty decisionmakers
Will I have research opportunities?
How much will this cost?
Admission Decision
Can you give me advice on applying?
What sort of job will this qualify me for?
How long will it take me to finish?
Submit Application
Take Action
Where will I live?
- Housing - Facebook group - Moving information - Neighbor-hoods - Denver info
What does it mean if I'm waitlisted?
Will I be able to complete the program?
Did I make the right choice?
Can I get in? - Welcome - We're excited! - Faculty - we want you!
- Recap time to completion, costs & benefits
Do I know anyone else who went there?
- Match-makng language - Snapshot demographics for each dept?
When should I apply?
- Overview of admissions timeline / prep at each stage
Shorten the List
Consider
Deep Dive
Submit Application
Take Action
Admission Decision
Compare Choices
Finalize Decision
Pre-Arrival
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Preconsider
Prospective
Applicant
Inquiry
Admit
Decision
Decline
Accept
Touchpoints Who is responsible for maintaining this communication? Faculty Departmental Assistant AHSS / Student Services Coordinator
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Current Student