Admissions Officers, Prepare for the Summer Melt

As high school comes to a close each year, colleges and universities across the country face a recurring challenge known as the Summer Melt. Despite being accepted to college and expressing intent to enroll, many high school graduates fail to follow through, resulting in a significant decline in fall enrollment for some institutions.

The Summer Melt particularly affects low-income students, who may encounter obstacles such as insufficient financial aid, missed administrative deadlines, or lack of support from family and friends. These challenges can derail students’ college plans and lead to a higher likelihood of not enrolling in the fall term.

Understanding the Summer Melt:

Research shows that a significant number of admitted students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, struggle with logistical challenges and emotional barriers during the summer months. Tasks such as understanding financial aid packages, obtaining transcripts, and managing the anxiety of starting college can be overwhelming without adequate support.

The Role of Support Networks:

While school systems and collegiate admissions guides provide some level of support, a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the Summer Melt effectively. Colleges and universities must implement ongoing marketing and support programs to keep admitted students engaged and excited about enrolling in classes.

The Importance of Ongoing Marketing and Advertising:

It’s apparent from studies that colleges and universities should institute an ongoing marketing and advertising program to keep their admitted students excited about enrolling in classes. These programs can include:

  1. Social Media Campaigns: Engaging admitted students through social media platforms can help maintain excitement and keep them informed about upcoming events, campus news, and important deadlines.
  2. Email Newsletters: Regular newsletters can provide valuable information about campus life, academic programs, and resources available to students. They can also serve as a reminder of important dates and deadlines.
  3. Virtual Events: Hosting virtual events, such as webinars, Q&A sessions, and virtual campus tours, can help admitted students stay connected and engaged with the institution.
  4. Personalized Outreach: Sending personalized messages or making phone calls to admitted students can show them that the institution values their enrollment and is committed to their success.

Statara’s Solutions for Combatting the Summer Melt:

  • Personalized Communication: Statara can help institutions develop personalized communication strategies tailored to the needs and interests of admitted students. From email campaigns to social media engagement, we can assist in maintaining a strong connection with students throughout the summer
  • Data Analysis: Utilizing data analytics, Statara helps institutions identify students who are at risk of melting and tailor interventions to support them. By analyzing student engagement data, institutions can gain insights into the effectiveness of their summer outreach efforts and make adjustments as needed.
  • Alumni Engagement Strategies: Engaging alumni can play a crucial role in combating the Summer Melt. Statara offers services to enhance alumni lists and create digital audiences for targeted outreach. Leveraging alumni networks can provide valuable support and encouragement to admitted students, increasing their likelihood of enrolling in the fall.
  • Impact Measurement: Statara can help institutions measure the impact of their summer melt prevention efforts. By tracking enrollment rates and student engagement metrics, institutions can assess the effectiveness of their strategies and make data-driven decisions for improvement.
  • Continuous Support: We provide ongoing support which ensures that there are resources and strategies in place to address the Summer Melt. By maintaining a strong partnership with Statara, institutions can stay ahead of challenges and ensure that admitted students successfully transition to college.

Summer Melt may present ongoing challenges to higher education enrollment, but with the right support, it can be overcome. Statara stands ready to assist institutions in maintaining enrollment momentum and ensuring that admitted students successfully transition to college. By implementing personalized communication, data-driven interventions, alumni engagement strategies, and impact measurement, institutions can effectively combat the phenomenon and support their students’ journey to higher education.