From Getting In to Showing Up Institutions that close this gap recognize that admission is not the finish line, it’s the transition point. What makes the difference is consistent, proactive outreach through multiple channels – meeting them where they are – to keep students engaged, paired with simplified steps like clear checklists and deadlines that reduce friction. Financial clarity is equally critical, with transparent communication around aid and costs that helps ease anxiety before it derails enrollment. At the same time, students need messages of belonging that affirm they are expected, supported, and capable of succeeding. And for those who pause their studies, re-engagement pathways provide a warm invitation back, making return feel less like starting over and more like continuing a journey already begun. “We’ve heard time and again from schools two main themes from their teams. They spend so much time getting the perfect messages to attract new students and welcome them, but the middle space between admitted and enrolled doesn’t get the same attention; and their teams are stretched thin, they don’t just need to make more calls, they need to make more connections and it takes time they don’t have,” said Sue Downing, Senior Vice President & Officer.
Best Practices to Close the Gap Closing the admissions to enrollment gap takes a targeted timely effort. Best practices include:
Proactive outreach: Timely phone, email, and text outreach keeps students engaged.
Simplified steps: Clear checklists and deadlines reduce friction.
Financial clarity: Transparent communication around aid and costs reduces anxiety.
Messages of belonging: Students need to hear that they are expected, supported, and capable.
Re-engagement pathways: Warm outreach makes returning after a stop-out feel natural.
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