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May 27, 2020
How to Record Your On-Demand Learning Video
Not sure how to record your slides? This lesson will walk you through the steps.
May 27, 2020
Start Here: Guide for Speakers
Congratulations on being selected to present a workshop at The Enrollment Management Association’s Annual Conference!
May 14, 2020
Tips to Help Drive Participant Engagement in Your Next Virtual Meeting
Running an online meeting? Check out our best practices to encourage participant engagement.
May 7, 2020
Building Your Strategy For Enrollment Melt During COVID-19
Melt, from an enrollment management perspective, is the number of students, sometimes 5–10% of your newly enrolled, who pay a deposit in the spring, but exit the process and
May 6, 2020
Refresh Your School Storytelling During COVID-19
If you’re feeling scattered and unfocused as you try to conduct business as usual and simultaneously adjust to working from home, you’re not alone.
May 5, 2020
How to Create and Enhance a Virtual Campus Visit Now and in the Future
One of the most powerful tools in the Admissions’ toolkit is the in-person campus tour. These visits give school representatives a chance to show the personality of their campus and to highlight what
April 23, 2020
Envisioning the Schools of the Future
Every school leader in our industry should be prioritizing visioning work today. It is not just about the day-to-day anymore—it is about the future.
April 22, 2020
Member Minute: Video Call Pro Tips
Lights, camera, video call!
April 21, 2020
A Critical Marketing Tactic for Virtual Admissions
You know when you see an ad on Facebook that just … speaks to you? Even if it’s for a product or service that you’ve never heard of, and never thought about?
April 17, 2020
Vericant Poll Results: Impact of COVID-19 on Study Abroad
Sharing results from a poll of counselors and consultants working with #Chinesestudents applying to university or high school North America! #studyabroad #covid19
April 15, 2020
A Message From Heather Hoerle: Announcing the SSAT At Home
We are excited to share that beginning in fall 2020, EMA will offer large-scale, at-home administration of the SSAT.
April 14, 2020
10 Tips for Effective Family Communications
Outreach tips for families you find using Student Prospect Lists.
April 14, 2020
The SSAT at Home Is Coming in May — View the FAQs
We know that at-home testing will have a positive impact on the ways we serve our 1,300 members and the 70,000+ families and students who take the SSAT annually — especially those who are challenged b
April 13, 2020
Member Minute: New Student Prospect List Filter
April 13, 2020
Questions That Boards Should and Should Not Be Asking Right Now
Are you a head of school, enrollment director, or administrator hoping to help your board ask the right questions? This list is for you.
April 13, 2020
What Is Our New Normal? COVID-19 as an Opportunity to Build Resilience
It would go without saying that we are living through exceptional times, a kind of medieval experience in a time of technological wonder.
April 9, 2020
Member Minute: Zoom Security Update
April 6, 2020
Do You Have a Crisis Communications Plan?
Don’t panic — it’s time to talk crisis communications. The way you choose to communicate in a crisis reflects your school’s brand, personality, community, and so much more.
April 6, 2020
Virtual Admissions: Tips for Bringing Your In-Person Process Online
Independent schools are rushing to transform their admissions process to fit the new “normal” of COVID-19 social distancing. How can you bring such a complex experience online?
April 3, 2020
Member Minute: Keep your virtual events safe
March 30, 2020
Member Minute: Virtual Backgrounds
March 27, 2020
Member Minute: DIY 360 Tour
March 24, 2020
Who attended our virtual event: Zoom Meeting Reports
How to download attendee reports with (and without) preregistration.
March 24, 2020
A Comprehensive Communication Plan Aids the Successful Rollout of The Character Skills Snapshot at Marist School
At Marist School (Georgia), the admission team has long been focused on finding a way to measure character in the admission process.
March 24, 2020
Bringing Educators Together to Embed Character in Admission Practice [NAIS]
March 23, 2020
Member Minute: Three Design Principles for Online Learning
March 22, 2020
Member Minute: How to film a video of yourself
March 19, 2020
Online Learning Resources for Schools
March 18, 2020
Online Learning Resources for Parents
March 16, 2020
Zoom Tutorial: Breakout Groups, Polls & Other Features
March 13, 2020
Member Minute: How to run a great virtual meeting
March 12, 2020
A Case for Disruption: Streamlining Enrollment to Advance Chicago Independent Schools
If there’s one thing producing growth across diverse industries these days, it’s disruptive innovation deep and valuable change that redefines processes, markets, customer experience, and
February 25, 2020
Summer Camp as an Enrollment Driver
Does your school offer summer camps or programs? Chances are, the answer is yes. According to NAIS’s recent Survey on Non-Tuition Sources of Income, 84% do.
February 20, 2020
2020-2021 SSAT Standard Test Dates
Mark your calendars for the upcoming academic year!
February 7, 2020
Admission Leadership Council Seminar Series
January 30, 2020
Member Minute: Erosion of the Base
January 17, 2020
Member Minute: How to Post to the Member Community
January 14, 2020
Member Minute: Reading the Computer Based SSAT Writing Sample
January 9, 2020
Understanding SSAT Score Reports
Our testing team has developed score report primers to help you interpret test scores so that you can better compare students and track performance from year to year.
January 9, 2020
The Best Way to Prepare for the SSAT? Practice, Practice, Practice.
Test Innovators has teamed up with The Enrollment Management Association to provide official SSAT-developed content on the Test Innovators platform.
January 3, 2020
There Are Many Paths to Leadership
As Head of School at Massachusetts' Applewild School, Amy Jolly has been taking bold steps to build up enrollment with international students. Like many heads, she honed her skill set in admissions.
January 3, 2020
Open Houses Are Not Just for Fall
When you hear the words "open house," you may immediately think of fall. But many schools are finding that to attract new families in the area and mid-year applicants you need to hold open houses in
December 30, 2019
Member Minute: SSAT Scaled Score vs. Percentile
December 5, 2019
Three Exciting Character Skills Snapshot Enhancements You Need to Know
On Thursday, December 12, we will release the first Character Skills Snapshot results of the year.
December 2, 2019
Member Minute: Does Your Website Pass the Whofer Test?
November 16, 2019
Chip Away at Bias in Admissions One Step at a Time
Without us fully realizing it, implicit bias creeps into our thoughts and decision-making because it operates at the subconscious level. Unwittingly, we all bring our own slant or preference to work.
November 16, 2019
Seven Enrollment Trends You Should Know From the 2019-2020 NAIS Trendbook
October 28, 2019
Member Minute: Calculate ROI of Print Ads
How can you calculate the ROI of print advertisements?
October 14, 2019
Member Minute: Email Campaigns
Get started with Direct Email Campaigns
October 9, 2019
Member Minute: Video for Social Media
The best camera to use might be the one you already have.
October 4, 2019
If You Provide It, They Will Come: Welcoming Prospective Students to Campus
October 4, 2019
What Do You See When You Look Out Your Window?
When you look out your office window, do you see a verdant campus and a vibrant student body? Maybe you see your favorite building or a lovely tree.
October 3, 2019
Join the Conversation—Our New Member Community is Growing
It is our hope that our online community can become your go-to resource for finding and sharing information, raising questions, and connecting with other enrollment professionals.
September 24, 2019
Highlights from EMA’s 2019 Annual Conference
September 24, 2019
Entering Applicant Data Just Got a Lot Easier with Ravenna
The SAO (Standard Application Online) is now integrated with Ravenna to help you boost school enrollment and save countless hours spent manually entering applicant data into your system.
September 24, 2019
A Computer-Based SSAT is coming
Beginning September 30, a limited number of families registering for the Upper Level SSAT will be presented with the option to register for the computer-based SSAT pilot
September 4, 2019
Honoring Four Members with Awards for Excellence in Enrollment Management
It is our great honor to cast a spotlight on this group of stand-out professionals in our industry. As nominated by their peers, these four have made tremendous contributions to their schools and to t
August 26, 2019
The Challenges Ahead, The Path Forward
For nearly a year I have been laboring over the right way to communicate my deep unhappiness with EMA’s 2019 State of the Independent School Industry research findings.
August 5, 2019
The Importance of 'Why' in Our Mission
When I first started working in Admissions, I wondered why we were referred to as the Admissions Office yet my job title is Director of Enrollment.
August 5, 2019
25 Years to Life
Over 25 years after beginning my career in enrollment management as a liaison officer, I decided to embark on the Leadership in Enrollment Management Certificate program...
August 5, 2019
Non-Cognitive Variables in Crossroads’ Admission Process
During the first session of my CERPP Leadership in Management program, I was thrilled to discover readings about non-cognitive variables and the rise of these NCVs among college and university admissi
August 5, 2019
Scholarships Available for Enrollment Management Certificate Program
The Leadership in Enrollment Management Certificate program, offered by EMA and the USC Rossier School of Education, is accepting applications for the next session and a limited number of scholarships
July 26, 2019
First-Ever EMA Head’s Institute a Rousing Success
One of the highlights of the year for EMA was getting the go-ahead from our Board, with the support of the Edward E. Ford Foundation, to launch our first-ever Head’s Institute. We never could...
June 11, 2019
Join Us In Welcoming Our Newest Trustees
The EMA board of trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of three new trustees beginning their terms this July 1. We’re looking forward to their vision and leadership in the coming...
March 15, 2019
2019-2020 SSAT Standard Test Dates
Mark your calendars for the upcoming academic year! The SSAT Standard test administration schedule for testing year 2019-20 is below. Student registration for these dates will be available online...
February 26, 2019
EMA is Helping to Build the Next Generation of School Community Leaders
How can it be, in 2019, that admission and enrollment leaders are not seeing their influence grow inside of schools? I'd be disingenuous if I told you that I am excited by the findings in EMA's l
January 2, 2019
The Power of Inclusion. The Strength of Diversity
Last month, I had the great joy of visiting a relatively new school, Christina Seix Academy, in Trenton, New Jersey. Founded in 2012, the school enrolls just under 200 students
December 17, 2018
The Case for an Enrollment Manager and Admission Director
Allison Letourneau, Associate Head of School for Enrollment Management, The White Mountain School (NH)Peter Wickman, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, The White Mountain School (NH)There’s...
November 29, 2018
Announcing our 2018 Award Recipients
Congratulations to Our Award Winners! We are pleased to announce the recipients of our annual awards, presented at the 2018 Annual Conference this past September in San Diego. David Baker,...
November 28, 2018
ALC Focuses on Building Leadership Capacity
by Eric Barber and Heather Eckert, ALC co-chairs The Admission Leadership Council (ALC) is excited to have a new space in each issue of The Yield to share our work with you. The ALC just...
November 27, 2018
Access and Applications Q & A
The Yield asked three directors from community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide insight into the unique challenges facing students and families new to independent schools and how the...
November 27, 2018
Fairness in Testing
by Keith Wright, Ph.D., director of psychometrics, The Enrollment Management Association Given the heightened focus on standardized testing in today’s media, it is not surprising that...
November 27, 2018
In Perpetuity: Common Questions about Enrollment Contracts
by Debra P. Wilson, general counsel, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and incoming president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) As we once again enter...
November 27, 2018
The View from 30,000 Feet
Experts on the latest trends impacting enrollment management in our schools Sometimes to see more clearly, it helps to take a step back and listen to others’ perspectives. The Yield spoke with...
November 27, 2018
Member Spotlight: Ann R. Miller
Ann R. Miller, director of enrollment and financial aid, Greens Farms Academy (CT) Why do you belong to The Enrollment Management Association? I have been a member of The Enrollment Management...
November 27, 2018
School Profile: St. Timothy’s School
School Overview Location: Stevenson, MarylandEnrollment: 200Type of School: Girls’ boarding and day school for grades 9-12 Describe the attributes that characterize St. Timothy’s and make it...
November 27, 2018
Community Book Clubs: Breaking Down Barriers
by Nishant Mehta, head of school, The Children’s School (GA) Families choose K-12 independent schools to give their children a competitive advantage in life. We teach the whole child because...
November 14, 2018
The Future of Financial Aid
In the last year, I’ve noticed during my presentations – whether to enrollment leaders or business leaders or heads or trustees – that the audience wants to linger on slides connected to...
November 14, 2018
An Interview with LGBTQ Advocacy Pioneer Julie Mencher
Julie Mencher, MSW, is a psychotherapist, consultant, educator, and trainer in private practice. All students need a welcoming, safe, and supportive school environment to best develop...
September 26, 2018
Post-Conference Reflections #EMA18
As I stood in front of the registration table waiting for my name tag to print, I looked at the two options for ribbons to attach: Presenter and First Time Attendee. It had been over a decade...
September 11, 2018
Stronger by Association #EMA18
As we head into this week’s EMA annual conference, I am reminded of several important issues which speak to our theme this year, “Stronger by Association.” Indeed, since the school year began,...
August 8, 2018
We Are Not An Island
In September 2017, as I started the CERPP program, I was excited to take the next step in becoming an enrollment management “professional.” I entered this field only a few years ago and felt I...
August 8, 2018
The Politics of Enrollment Management
Office politics is a phrase often uttered with an air of disapproval, even distaste. At its core however, it is simply a way of building and leveraging relationships to help achieve professional...
August 8, 2018
Listening to Parents. Changing Perspectives.
Marketing guru Scott Stratten, this year's Annual Conference keynote speaker, asserts that today’s parents are loyal to one thing only—their children. His insights will certainly be useful as our...
June 20, 2018
They Said What?! Parents Get Real About Admission
Whether your school employs a process for collecting feedback from families who do and don’t accept an offer of admission, can you be certain you’re receiving honest responses? We decided to find...
June 20, 2018
Taking the Leap from Admission to the Head’s Office
by Patricia Kong Admission professionals are uniquely poised to lead. With deep knowledge of a school, its mission and programming, a natural ability to connect with children and parents, and...
June 20, 2018
Taking the Pulse: Understanding and Communicating with Millennials
Do you wonder how—and where—to best communicate with millennials about your school? MaryLeigh Bliss, editor in chief at YPulse, and her team decode and demystify millennials and teens for many...
June 20, 2018
Three x 3: School Videos
We have witnessed the evolution of the school video. Not that long ago, school videos were 20 and even 30 minutes in length and viewed on VHS cassettes. The tone was typically serious and the...
June 20, 2018
Character Counts and Counting Character: A New Way to Measure Skills
Assessing an applicant’s character may be one of the more challenging aspects of the independent school admission process. But The Character Skills Snapshot, a tool launched by the Enrollment...
June 20, 2018
School Profile: International School of the Peninsula (CA)
School Overview:Palo Alto, California Enrollment: 545 Type of school: Coed, pre-Kindergarten to grade 8 day school providing French and Chinese language immersion. Maile, when did you start...
June 20, 2018
Growth by Design
by Greg Bamford Four years ago, Watershed School faced a real enrollment challenge. Despite an innovative educational model, we had high attrition and a poorly understood identity in our market....
June 20, 2018
An Interview with Laurie G. Hurd
Associations serve as the front line in the collision of trends and tradition, as schools gather to share their experiences and collaborate on ways to meet current and upcoming challenges. The...
May 31, 2018
Using the Enrollment Management Spectrum to Drive Success – Three Brutal Facts
In recent speaking engagements, I have been asked by more than one head of school about the necessity of implementing a full enrollment management system. “Why can’t we just build a better...
May 29, 2018
Challenge Accepted!
Undertaking the USC CERPP Leadership in Enrollment Management certificate program during my first year as a director of admission and marketing was challenging …. and that’s exactly why I chose...
May 24, 2018
The Benefits of the Retreat
It’s that time again, we’re exhausted from filling the class but energized by the dynamic classes we are creating. Once we get over the hump, we need to debrief as a team and determine how to...
May 24, 2018
Without Mission: Impossible
While interviewing for my first admission job three years ago (and just one year out of college), I remember naively pondering a series of questions: is the field of “admission” one that can...
April 20, 2018
Four Skills to Master for Effective Leadership
When I decided to apply for the USC CERPP Leadership in Enrollment Management certificate program, lots of people asked why I would undertake the work of the program if I wasn’t considering a...
April 10, 2018
You're Accepted! Member Schools Share the Good News
This time of year can be fraught with nerves and stress, but one thing that always brings a smile is an acceptance video. We put out a call for examples from our member schools, and I'm pleased...
March 19, 2018
Join Us In Welcoming Our Newest Trustees
The EMA board of trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of four new trustees beginning their terms this July 1. Laurel Baker Tew, governance committee chair, said, “We had some tough...
March 13, 2018
Why They Apply: Highlights from the 2017 Ride to Independent Schools report
What drives families to apply to—and enroll their children in—independent schools? Which information and interactions impact their decisions the most? Three years ago, an EMA applicant parent...
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