Digitizing higher ed decision-making for prospective students

It’s no secret that prospective students preparing to enter the higher-ed journey are tethered to their digital devices. It’s how they communicate, find entertainment, shop, bank, schedule rides shares – need I go on? 

So when it comes to how they discover and decide upon their university of choice, it makes sense that they would lean into the platforms and institutions that embrace a digital experience at every touchpoint. 

The benefits of a digital journey are twofold for both prospective students and higher ed recruitment teams. Students expect a modern experience that replicates their habits and lifestyle. Recruitment teams need to automate and scale their efforts. A digital journey is just the ticket to accomplish both. 

Here are some ways we can create better digital higher ed journeys for prospective students at each step of their decision-making processes:

Digital aggregators reach more prospective students at research stage

This stage in the student journey may sound like it is already digitized by nature. After all, no one is checking out library books to search for universities. But standing out among the endless options available to students today is quite a unique challenge for universities. Those still banking on having the flashiest postcard in the mailbox are quickly being outpaced by the institutions taking a more digital approach. 

Students rely on trusted online aggregators to help them sort through the noise. These sites are a great place to establish your brand and get in front of millions of students – no stamps required. With Unibuddy Discover, for example, you can pick from a list of higher ed networks, like UCAS, Studyportals, Study in the USA, and educations.com, among others, for placement of your student ambassadors. Prospective students can filter and search these networks by region, location, course, and institution to connect with your student ambassadors. 

Related: Fisher College generates better leads with Unibuddy Discover

Your website also plays a big role in how students are digitally researching their options. 73% of gen Z students say a university’s website is the most common source for gathering information. This even beats out social media at 55%. It’s important to highlight the information they care about most in a prominent place within your site. Remember, you have less than 10 seconds to keep their attention before they bounce.

Enable student-to-student connections at validation stage 

Students want a human element in their higher ed search journey. They are rarely making this big life decision solely based on marketing materials, data, and website copy. They seek insight from both students who have been in their shoes and those who are currently experiencing university life. A whopping 92% of students agree that having conversations with other students is beneficial along their journey. 

Related: How to leverage the win-win of student-to-student connections

Enabling these connections to happen digitally is critical to a university’s strategy. Manually connecting prospects with current students isn’t scalable or as digitally native as students would like. Incorporating this experience into the places prospects are already interacting with your university, like your website, is a great place to start. And, if done correctly, with peer-to-peer, student-to-student, solutions, like Unibuddy Chat, you can set up asynchronous student ambassador programs which regenerate year-over-year.

Replicate campus visits with digital tours 

A campus’ “vibe” can be a game changer for prospective students. There is something about peeking into a dorm room or visiting a lecture hall that brings the whole experience to life. 

Sounds hard to replicate in a digital environment, right? 

Universities shouldn’t be so quick to write off virtual tours as an option that can be just as impactful to a student decision. As part of Unibuddy Connect 2022, Andrew Klotz, CEO of Circuit Virtual Tours, gave a mini masterclass on getting next-level results from virtual tours and his insights are spot on. 

Some of his advice includes:

• Putting as much emphasis on purpose as places. Sharing the purpose and passion behind what is happening in your buildings can bring out a human element in a digital tour that could otherwise fall flat. For example, instead of just virtually exploring a science building, talk about the life changing research that a particular student is undertaking. Human stories never fail to deliver a lasting impression. 
• Provide self-guided in-person tours. This is a brilliant take on a digital experience. Set up QR codes around campus that give details about each location, providing a self-guided way for prospects to explore campus. 
• Follow up with more digital engagement opportunities. Offer links to other resources, virtual event sign-ups, or even a place to ask questions of current students to keep prospects engaged in the mediums they prefer. 

See his full masterclass and more Unibuddy Connect 2022 content, championing tomorrow’s students, on-demand here.

Provide digital spaces for admitted students

Students’ top fear before arriving on campus is making friends. You can alleviate some of the anxiety about this process by providing a space, like those enabled by Unibuddy Community, for students to gather and connect ahead of stepping foot on campus. 

Sure students have endless social media platforms to meet others, but that is exactly the roadblock. There are so many channels, platforms, and chats that it’s next to impossible to know where everyone is, or if participants are even truly planning to attend the university. 

Related: The recruitment conundrum: How to scale higher ed culture to your growing digital brand

By building a digital space for admitted students – and even current students – to connect you can enable friendships to grow while providing a secure location to share important university information – all under your purview. 

Meeting this unique generation of students where they are is your key to standing out from the competition.

Learn more about how Unibuddy can help you digitize your strategy and help students move forward in their journey.