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About the Episode
About The Episode:
Co-hosts Kevin and Emma Cavanagh dive into the value of pre-college programs through a personal lens. Emma shares her recent experience attending the prestigious School of The New York Times summer program, offering enrollment professionals a raw, first-person account of what students are really getting out of these experiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how these programs influence student perceptions of college—and what that means for enrollment strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-college programs aren’t just resume boosters—they’re real testing grounds for academic interests and independence.
- Students are drawn to programs like The School of The New York Times for prestige, location, and authentic learning experiences.
- Pre-college programs provide a unique form of qualitative data for enrollment marketers seeking to understand Gen Z behavior.
- The peer community and residential life component are just as impactful as the academics.
- While programs can enhance applications, the real value lies in confidence-building, exploration, and student self-discovery.
Episode Summary
Main Questions Answered in This Episode
What is High School to Higher Ed all about?
High School to Higher Ed: A Father-Daughter Perspective is a pulse-check mini series from Enrollify hosted by longtime enrollment professional Kevin Cavanagh and his daughter Emma, a current high school student. Together, they document the college search process in real-time—offering enrollment managers a window into how students and families are actually experiencing it. Now in its third season, the show enters Emma’s 10th grade year and continues to offer unfiltered, in-the-moment reflections on what’s resonating—and what’s not—with prospective students.
What makes this episode unique?
This episode zeroes in on Emma’s recent experience at the School of The New York Times pre-college program in New York City. Unlike typical episodes that center around big-picture observations or data-backed trends, this one offers a narrative deep-dive into a single student’s summer experience. Emma’s reflections provide enrollment marketers with rare access to the mind of a Gen Z student evaluating opportunities through a personal and emotional lens—something data dashboards can’t always capture.
Why did Emma choose The School of The New York Times?
The brand name and prestige of The New York Times instantly caught Emma’s attention—especially as an aspiring journalist. For her, the draw was twofold: learning from real-world professionals in her field of interest and doing it in a city she’s always dreamed of living in. The opportunity to stay on Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus was the cherry on top. It wasn’t just about college prep—it was about curiosity, exploration, and validation of a possible career path.
What did a typical day in the program look like?
Emma’s daily schedule was structured and immersive. She began her mornings early, grabbing coffee and preparing for class, which ran from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and resumed again from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Classes were taught by active New York Times journalists, and afternoons often included site visits around New York City—like live concerts in Bryant Park or impromptu interviews with strangers in Central Park. Evenings included social activities and looming story deadlines. The entire experience mirrored the life of a real reporter.
What did Emma learn beyond academics?
Living away from home for two weeks brought new lessons: how to navigate public transportation, manage time with tight deadlines, and put herself out there socially. She bonded with students from across the country and the world, including roommates from Switzerland and Massachusetts. For Emma, the program helped build confidence in both her personal independence and her academic interests. The experience clarified that a city-based college—and a journalism degree—might be exactly the right fit.
Are students attending pre-college programs just to boost their college applications?
Emma’s take? While the prestige and resume appeal may play a small role, most students she encountered were genuinely curious and passionate about the subjects they studied. It wasn’t just about checking a box for college apps—it was about leaning into an area of interest, testing their comfort zones, and living the college life temporarily. That said, Emma agrees that the true value of these programs lies in the growth and learning they facilitate, not just their perceived value to admissions offices.
How should enrollment marketers think about pre-college programs?
For enrollment leaders, this episode offers a powerful reminder: pre-college programs are more than revenue generators or marketing fluff. They are lived experiences that can shape how a student sees your institution, your brand, and even their own identity. Emma’s story illustrates how immersive, well-executed summer programs can build early brand affinity, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, and serve as pipelines for future enrollment. And most importantly, they help students see themselves—literally and figuratively—on your campus.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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