Ever wondered what makes a student choose one university over another? Let’s explore this through Caridad’s journey to Ca’Foscari University of Venice, one of DreamApply’s 300 clients, and see what reseach has to say about this.
Caridad says that the personalization she experienced on DreamApply’s student enrollment platform has played a key role in attracting her to apply to Ca’ Foscari.
“I was able to select what country I was from, and the system tailored the information to my needs. It showed me the documents I needed to upload, the tuition fees I neede to pay and the tests I needed to take as a Zimbabwean, which was amazing. I never had to leave the platform to go to the Ca’Foscari website to get any extra information because all of it was on DreamApply”, says Caridad.
Why does personalization play such a vital role in cultivating relationships with students?
The answer is found in the academic research on influence. According to the principle of reciprocity coined by Dr. Robert Cialdini, we feel a greater desire to give back to others in the form of behavior, service or helpful information that we have received first.
If you represent a university, you can leverage this by being the first to provide meaningful information, but here is the subtlety. The power of reciprocation is magnified when the “gift” is unexpected and customized to the recipients’s current needs and preferences.
DreamApply has many personalization features that serve as evidence-based tools to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with applicants. You can tailor content delivery based on applicants’ preferences, demographics and level of intent, directly on the application portal, helping them feel welcome well before they are admitted.
Curious to witness how it works? Discover how DreamApply’s all-in-one student enrollment software can help you recruit 30% more students in 40% less time.
The role of personalization in increasing student retention rates
The importance of personalization extends beyond the initial application process and deeply influences student retention rates. Universities that continue to engage with students on a personalized level throughout their educational journey are more likely to see higher satisfaction and completion rates. For instance, personalized academic advising and tailored communication strategies can make students feel valued and supported, leading to increased engagement with the institution.
As technology continues to evolve, the potential for even more refined personalization in university admissions and student services grows. Advanced analytics and machine learning can predict student preferences and success factors with greater accuracy, enabling institutions like Ca’ Foscari University to not only meet but anticipate the needs of future applicants. This forward-thinking approach could redefine traditional admissions strategies, making them more adaptive and responsive. By integrating these technologies, universities can create a more dynamic and inclusive educational environment that adapts to the changing demographics and expectations of incoming students, ensuring that they remain competitive in attracting global talent.
About DreamApply
Founded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply is an innovation-driven EdTech organization improving access to education around the globe. DreamApply’s application management software helps more than 300 educational institutions across 40 countries to improve admissions, marketing, financial and other internal processes.
DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software increases student enrollment by 30% and reduces application processing time by 40%. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort.
Continue exploring by requesting your free, personalized demo.
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