By this point, the students you are trying to attract have already had the college experience. They have lived through what people say is their prime; pulling all-nighters, eating pizza 4 days a week and making memories they'll never forget. So, you need to attract them differently than you would incoming freshmen.
No more using all the campus food options as a selling point. Here are some ways to attract upperclassmen in your graduate school:
Seek and Promote Your Accreditation
Let applicants know that your school is accredited. This can be a big selling points for some degree programs, such as law. If your school is not accredited, talk about how great the departments are.
Create Exceptional Programs
The first step to attracting upper-class students to your graduate school is to offer programs that capture their interests. Create programs that focus on building their skills and knowledge in a particular subject or industry, and don't hesitate to challenge them to think outside the box. Also, make sure your programs are flexible enough to accommodate their schedules, especially if they are working or have other commitments.
Location
Location is usually a factor in choosing schools. Tell possible students about the surrounding community. Give them a preview of what the culture is like. Is it laid back, high-strung, lively?
Offer Career Assistance
People attend graduate school to be able to get a great job afterwards. Talk about your school's placement rate after graduation and where some students end up being an employee. Let applicants know how helpful the school is with career assistance.
Provide Networking Opportunities
Networking is crucial to many upper-class students. They are looking to connect with other professionals in their field or industry. Offer events and opportunities for them to network with alumni and industry experts. Provide students with career counseling and job placement services, and ensure that they have access to the latest job opportunities available.
Help Them Find Financial Assistance
Many upper-class students are also concerned about the financial aspect of attending graduate school. Develop financial incentives that are tailored to their needs. Consider offering scholarships, grants or tuition waivers to attract the best and brightest students. Also, make sure to provide them with information on financial aid opportunities and access to alternative funding options if needed.
Attracting the Best Instructors
Students will be spending lots of time around their professors and they will enjoy that time more if they like the professors. Advertise how great your school's instructors are; you could include testimonials from past students.
Next Steps: Graduate School
Lastly, emphasize the benefits of attending your graduate school. Highlight the unique features that set your school apart from others, such as innovative programs or internships that allow students to gain real-world experience. Show potential students the opportunities that await them upon graduation, such as high-paying jobs, access to industry experts or groundbreaking research work.
Attracting upper-class students to your graduate school requires a strategic approach that takes into account their unique needs and interests. It is essential to offer programs that captivate their interests, promote your school's reputation, provide networking opportunities, offer financial incentives, and emphasize the benefits of attending your school.
These are just a few starting points; you could attract students countless other ways. Find out what applicants are looking for in a graduate school and use those factors to pull them in. Good luck!
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