Maximize yield by reviewing completed applications in a timely manner.
- Set admission/enrollment targets early based on recent data trend analyses and growth goals.
- If possible, consider aligning your application deadlines and admissions decisions with the Graduate School’s fellowship/assistantship cycle for admitted applicants beginning in early January.
- If an admissions/review committee is utilized, recruit and train faculty reviewers early.
- Consider using rolling review and admissions to cultivate top applicants whom competitors will also be recruiting.
- Set reasonable, timely deadlines for review completion and adhere closely to them.
- Submit decisions to Graduate School quickly so that they may complete the admissions process.
Maximize yield by converting accepted applicants to enrolled students.
- Encourage admitted students to accept offers of admission:
- Follow official offers of admission from the Graduate School with detailed programmatic information, including offers of financial support from your program (assistantships, awards, tuition waivers, etc.) using Graduate School offer templates. Be sure to adhere to the April 15 Resolution for offers that include funding.
- Encourage admits to officially accept admission using the link provided in their acceptance letters from the Graduate School.
- Continue outreach via email or postal mail to admitted students who have not yet accepted offers, address their concerns as soon as possible. Hold information sessions for admitted students (in-person or remote).
- Couple these sessions with other student-focused events when possible, such as an admitted students visitation day or a research symposia.
- Incorporate the Graduate School’s “Information for Admitted Students” slide deck into your outreach strategy.
- Project a sense of community and belonging:
- Stay in contact with admitted students and students who have accepted admissions by providing information about welcome receptions, new student orientations, course registration, etc.
- Encourage admits to visit the Graduate School’s “New Student Resources” page. This site provides links to several important programs for new students including GradFIRST, New Student To-Do Lists & FAQ, Financial Aid, Health Insurance, etc.
- Encourage incoming students to view the Graduate School’s online Orientation & Welcome Fair once they receive notification from the Graduate School. For fall admits, the updated orientation is usually available after August 1.
- Offer assistance with course selection/registration and mentor selection/assignment.
- Encourage faculty mentors to communicate with their new, incoming mentees and welcome them. For instance, they could arrange a virtual group meeting, especially if more than one new student is joining their research program.
- Utilize current graduate students as welcome ambassadors. They can offer insights about courses, places to live, transportation, and parking.
