What does an Admissions Advisor do?
Published 4 min read
An Admissions Advisor helps potential students with the college admissions process. This can include everything from choosing the right school, to filling out the necessary paperwork, to preparing for interviews.
Admissions Advisor job duties include:
- Act as the primary point of contact for prospective students throughout the admissions process
- Develop and maintain relationships with high school counselors, principals, and teachers to ensure a pipeline of qualified applicants
- Plan and implement recruitment events such as open houses, information sessions, and college fairs
- Give presentations to large groups about the admissions process and requirements
- Read and evaluate student applications to determine whether they meet admissions criteria
- Make decisions on whether to admit or deny students based on their applications and supporting materials
- Write letters of recommendation for students who are applying to colleges
- Serve as a liaison between the admissions office and other departments within the college
- Keep up-to-date on changes in the admissions process and requirements at colleges nationwide
- Help develop and implement new initiatives to improve the admissions process
Admissions Advisor Job Requirements
An Admissions Advisor typically needs a bachelor's degree, although some jobs may require a master's degree. Many community colleges and technical schools also require certification from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Some employers may also require experience working in admissions or counseling.
Admissions Advisor Skills
- Patience
- Good listener
- Empathetic
- Organized
- Persistent
- Resourceful
- Confident
- Enthusiastic
- People-oriented
- Detail-oriented
- Good at multitasking
Related: Top Admissions Advisor Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Admissions Advisor
There are many steps that one must take in order to become an Admissions Advisor. The first and most important step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. A degree in education or counseling is preferred, but any degree will suffice. The second step is to gain experience working with students in some capacity. This could be through teaching, coaching, or working as a guidance counselor. Once you have obtained a degree and have some experience working with students, you can then begin the process of becoming an Admissions Advisor.
The first step in becoming an Admissions Advisor is to contact the admissions office of the school or schools you are interested in working for. Many times, Admissions Advisors are hired on a contractual basis. This means that they are only hired for a certain period of time, usually one year. After the contract is up, the Admissions Advisor may be renewed for another year or let go. The advantage of being hired on a contractual basis is that it allows the school to evaluate the Admissions Advisor’s performance before making a decision on whether or not to keep them on staff permanently.
Once you have made contact with the admissions office, you will need to submit an application and resume. The resume should highlight your experience working with students as well as your educational background. The admissions office will also want to see a writing sample, so be sure to include one with your application materials.
If you are selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your experience working with students and your educational philosophy. The admissions office will use this information to determine if you would be a good fit for their school. If you are offered the position of Admissions Advisor, be sure to ask questions about the job so that you fully understand what is expected of you.
Related: Admissions Advisor Resume Example
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