“Although the vast majority of schools cannot improve their performance in terms of input measures (they can’t build an endowment from scratch or simply attract twice as many National Merit Scholars for next year’s freshman class, they can influence the experience of the students.”
— Nicholas Confessore (West UCLA College Board)
Listed below are 21 ways you can create differentiation (apathy killers and difference makers) between your school and the competition. They are listed taking into consideration the wants of parents and school counselors first:
Parents
- Unique Net Cost Calculator operating within the parental budget and in their favor. (Trinity University tells prospective parents that their endowment is so large that besides meticulously manicured campus grounds, all student get an immediate 20,000 discount on tuition just for attending school – it’s a matter of perspective but of course great for parents to hear)
- A Special Writing Center, Outstanding Advisory Center, Statistics Center, Health Center, Exceptional Reading Resource Center (what used to be called a Library). The expected minimum hours students allocate for studying, reading, writing, and statistics. Also, an active accountability system to reassure parents, that real work is getting done.
- Outstanding Safety Program and Track Record – A well thought out program with not just proper but exceptional precautions to protect students.
- Social Life Under Control — An enforced code where partying is allowed but carefully monitored. A campus ban on Greek life – no epic parties or hazing.
- Graduation Assurance Program – A monitoring program that assures parents that their student is on track to graduate and if not, there is immediate intervention by advisors and/or counselors with notification and involvement of parents. This program is holistic and goes beyond grade point averages.
Students
- Lots of Quality Social Life – For instance, an incomparable Campus Concert Line-up. Exceptional, student-driven, on Campus social meet ups, events and participatory sports.
- Fantastic Gym and Recreational Facilities – A fine place to play, make friends, stay in shape.
- Great Food – A great cook or cooks, non-cafeteria plan, several millennial favorite eateries on/off campus to choose from. Student discount card.
- Exceptional Living Facilities – Roomy spaces with unexpected amenities, extra privacy, cable TV, swimming pool, national forest next door.
- Extreme Roommate Match Program – Early Computer match ups with facilitated meetings prior to orientation. All roommate requests are honored without exception as long as roommates mutually approve.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities – First rate recording, video, digital, art studio equipment and programs for students interested in the arts.
- Plentiful Internship Opportunities – Highly organized with measured results. Even liberal arts students can expect an internship with a forward looking company.
- Job Guarantee – The school has a defined relationship to be an employment pipeline to several companies.
- Work Study Programs – Job position may be engaged before attending orientation so student is assured of having an income stream.
- Free Laptop (or iPad or other relevant gadget or equipment) Program — The school provides a free laptop to every incoming freshman pre-programmed with software, apps, online resources and interconnectivity designed to make the student’s life easier.
- Cooperative Student Approach – Students work together on projects and help each other to learn and study. Note: A well-known American school is known for its cut throat culture where students have been known to sabotage the projects of other students to gain a better grade on the curve.
- Help or Advantage in Getting into a Masters Program – This could take many forms; preference for certain undergraduates, advisory assistance, tutoring on graduate testing etc.
- Try Before You Buy Program – Summer program where students visit campus for a celebrated workshop to preview the real campus educational experience.
- One-of-a-Kind Program – A special Flagship program that cannot be accessed on any other campus due to the uniqueness of the subject matter, instructor, location or equipment.
- Real Research Participation – Hands-on participation in significant research for undergraduates.
- Unique Student Culture – Your school is Disneyland for nerds, conservatives, liberals, hippies, hipsters, urbanites, country folk, aggies, athletes, techies, outdoorsy types, or even a diverse collection of all the above.
The above listing is brainstorming fodder as you continually look for ways to separate from your competition.