About the Episode
About the Episode:
In Episode 83 of Mission Admissions, hosted by Jeremy Tiers, listeners get a rapid-fire, high-impact breakdown of how to elevate accepted student events during yield season. Drawing from national conversations with admissions and enrollment marketing leaders, Jeremy shares 12 actionable strategies designed to help institutions create more memorable, student-centered experiences. With campus “feel” remaining the top decision-making factor in ongoing survey research, this episode is a must-listen for anyone refining their enrollment marketing strategy for student recruitment. If you’re serious about hitting your enrollment goals, this quick take delivers practical insight you can implement immediately.
Key Takeaways
- The campus “feel” remains the #1 factor influencing college decision-making.
- Memorable experiences—not just helpful ones—are the new baseline in enrollment marketing.
- Micro-frictions (parking, signage, registration) can quietly derail yield efforts.
- Personalization through session choices strengthens your marketing strategy for student recruitment.
- Interactive, differentiated student panels outperform traditional formats.
- Parents and guardians must feel seen, valued, and supported.
- Intentional follow-up in the hours and days after an event significantly impacts deposit decisions.
- On-the-ground observation is more powerful than generic post-event surveys.
- Celebrating deposits publicly creates emotional momentum during yield season.
Why Campus “Feel” Still Wins in Enrollment Marketing
Jeremy reinforces a truth many enrollment marketers know but sometimes underestimate: campus “feel” continues to be the most influential decision-making factor for students. Survey research consistently shows that emotional connection outweighs rankings, brochures, and even financial aid packages in the final stages of the college search. Accepted student events are where that emotional connection either solidifies—or slips away.
That’s why simply being organized and informative isn’t enough anymore. In 2026, being “nice, kind, and helpful” is table stakes. To stand out in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape, institutions must exceed expectations and create moments that students and families remember long after they leave campus.
This is where a thoughtful marketing strategy for student recruitment intersects with experience design. Yield season isn’t just an operational exercise—it’s a brand experience. Every interaction reinforces (or undermines) the story you’ve told throughout your enrollment marketing funnel.
Eliminate Micro-Frictions to Protect Your Yield
Before the welcome speech or campus tour even begins, families are already forming impressions. Jeremy highlights three common friction points: parking, directions, and registration. Confusing signage, construction surprises, and long check-in lines create unnecessary stress—especially for parents and guardians.
These seemingly small operational details directly influence emotional tone. When families feel frustrated in the first 10 minutes, it’s harder to recover momentum later. Strategic staffing—like parking attendants and extra registration support—can transform anxiety into relief.
For enrollment marketing leaders, this is a reminder that student experience is marketing. Operational excellence is brand equity. When you reduce friction, you increase the likelihood that families can focus on what matters: imagining themselves on your campus.
Make the First 10 Minutes Count
The opening moments of an accepted student event set the tone for the entire day. Jeremy challenges institutions to reconsider who speaks first—and how. Is the opening speaker relatable and authentic, or overly formal and information-heavy?
Consider inviting a current first-year student or recent graduate to share a personal story about their college decision or transition experience. Storytelling invites visualization. It helps students see themselves in your community, rather than simply hearing about programs and statistics.
In enrollment marketing, emotional resonance drives action. When students can picture their future on your campus, the deposit decision feels less abstract—and far more attainable.
Personalization = Smarter Student Recruitment Marketing
Every admitted student arrives with different priorities. Some care about dorm life and food. Others want to understand classroom dynamics, student success strategies, or how to compare financial aid offers. Offering session options empowers students to self-select content that matters most to them.
This level of customization strengthens your marketing strategy for student recruitment because it mirrors modern consumer expectations. Today’s students expect choice, agency, and relevance. A one-size-fits-all PowerPoint presentation simply won’t cut it.
When students feel like their unique interests are acknowledged, your institution feels more responsive—and more aligned with their needs.
Rethink the Traditional Student Panel
Student panels are common. Memorable student panels are rare.
Jeremy encourages institutions to go beyond surface-level questions and lean into real-life topics: navigating independence, managing roommate dynamics, building friendships, or balancing academics and social life. Consider specialized panels for out-of-state students, first-generation students, or commuters to create even deeper relevance.
Interactive formats—smaller groups or activity-based discussions—foster authenticity. When students hear honest, relatable stories, they gain clarity and confidence in their decision-making process. That confidence is a powerful yield driver.
Don’t Overlook Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians remain the top influencers in the college decision process. Yet too often, they feel like an afterthought during accepted student events.
Dedicated parent sessions—featuring current parents, faculty who are also parents, or financial guidance discussions—can address common concerns about investment, support systems, and transition challenges. When parents feel informed and emotionally reassured, they’re more likely to support the deposit decision.
Jeremy also highlights the “missing parent” challenge. When only one guardian attends, personalized outreach before and after the event can bridge the emotional gap. This intentional communication strengthens trust and removes hidden decision-making barriers.
Add Joy, Celebrate Decisions, and Capture the Moment
Yield season is emotional. Stress levels are high. That’s why adding a low-pressure, fun component—food trucks, music, games, competitions—can make your event feel energizing rather than overwhelming.
Celebration also matters. When a student submits their deposit, make it visible and meaningful. Ring a bell. Sign a banner. Offer branded gear. Public celebration creates positive peer influence and builds collective excitement.
Finally, document everything. Not every admitted student can attend your event, but strategic social media content and personalized follow-up emails can replicate key emotional moments. This is enrollment marketing amplified through content strategy.
Observe, Adapt, and Follow Up with Intention
Instead of relying solely on post-event surveys, Jeremy suggests deploying staff members to observe engagement patterns and friction points in real time. Proactive observation allows teams to identify issues before they impact future events.
Most importantly, build a structured follow-up plan. Research shows that student mindset shifts significantly in the hours and days after a campus visit. Personalized outreach during this window can clarify lingering questions and accelerate deposit decisions.
Intentional follow-up isn’t just good practice—it’s a measurable performance indicator in education. The institutions that win in yield season are the ones that respond quickly, thoughtfully, and personally.
Connect With Our Host:
Jeremy Tiers
https://twitter.com/CoachTiers
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