Summary
Pre-Enrollment Assessment and TestingThe first encounter a college has with a prospective student can have a significant impact in determining that student’s success. Most schools selected for advanced stages of the research for this guide do not seek to immediately enroll potential students during their first encounters. Rather, during this period a number of activities may take place, such as career and financial counseling, and identifying barriers to learning, which are essential for ensuring student success. Schools that thoroughly screen potential students prior to enrollment appear to have higher graduation rates from their programs.
Effective pre-enrollment counseling typically includes evaluating an individual’s passion, aptitude, and academic ability. While passion and social skills can often be evaluated during an interview with the prospective student, aptitude and learning capacity are best measured through testing. Some colleges have developed their own tests over time, but many use a Wonderlic or Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) during the pre-enrollment phase.
Many colleges provide potential students with the opportunity to attend pre-enrollment information sessions to learn about the institution and possible courses of study. The Institute for Human Services Education in Truro, Nova Scotia, has dubbed their pre-enrollment information session “Try Us On”. It is a catchy phrase that encourages potential students to evaluate whether or not the college fits their needs. Being similar in scope to a “College for a Day” gathering, this event allows prospective students to interact with current students and faculty, and to attend classes for a day.
A small number of schools have developed a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process that recognizes both academic accomplishment and life experience. The PLAR process can be of significant benefit to students by decreasing the amount of time required to complete a course of study, thereby reducing student living expenses, tuition and, possibly, student loan indebtedness. Also, by virtue of a reduction in the time required to complete their training, students can enter the workforce earlier than otherwise would have been possible.
Case Study
Pre-Enrollment Assessment and TestingThe Academy of Hair Design in Saint John, New Brunswick offers a diploma in cosmetology. When Karen McManus, the Academy principal, first meets prospective students, she endeavors to learn all she can about their career interests. She also inquires about their health, particularly leg and back strength, and about any allergies since chemicals are used extensively in the cosmetology work environment.
Karen also inquires about the prospective student’s academic background. While she prefers students to be high school graduates, those over 21 years of age may qualify for admission if they have successfully completed the tenth grade. All students must successfully complete an aptitude and skills test that requires approximately 40 minutes to complete. The Academy also participates in a co-op program with local high schools, providing high school seniors with some exposure to their college and a cosmetology career. One student we spoke with was a co-op student as a high school senior and, because of this experience, was fully convinced that this was the ideal career choice for him.
Innovative Ideas
Pre-Enrollment Assessment and TestingHere are some pre-enrollment strategies and initiatives that your private career college might adopt:
- Arrange to partner with co-op programs at local high schools, providing work opportunities at your college for co-op students during their work term. Co-op students can be a great help to your college and the experience gives them an opportunity to discover whether a given type of career might be a fit for them. This benefits both the college and students and also fosters good public relations.
- Screen every applicant to determine their aspirations and desired career path. Only place students in programs that are a fit for them.
- Consider scheduling a “College for a Day” or “Try Us On” event. Plan the event to help students clearly understand the types of careers your college prepares them for, and the requirements for admission.
- During the pre-admissions process ensure that students’ academic ability and aptitude are assessed and are well matched to their chosen course of study. This is particularly important for students who have not completed high school, or who have been out of high school for more than five years.