Recruiting Intelligence

The use of commission-based recruiters by U.S. universities appears to be growing rapidly since the NACAC decision ending the ban on this recruitment channel. We suggest that you think of these counselors and agents as an extension of your admissions and marketing offices for your recruitment activities. You should consider them as part of your team. Hence, you should be mindful in how you select them. You want them to represent you well and be ethical in their practices. They also need to be motivated and in a position to deliver results for you. 

The definite answer is maybe. Commission-based student recruiters are not a panacea. They require support, monitoring and consistent attention to deliver results. 

Will the use of commission-based recruitment by U.S. higher education grow dramatically in the near future? We are wondering this, of course in part, because of the decision by NACAC to tolerate the use of commission-based recruitment by their members. Universities may feel less constraint to admit that they are using agents and encouraged to add this recruitment channel. Furthermore, more universities are increasing their emphasis on international enrollment as an additional revenue source. And yes, everybody is looking to diversify their student body as well. 

Every month the 2nd and 4th Thursdays will be devoted to highlighting our library of podcasts. While this is the 3rd Thursday we want to share this excellent podcast with out listeners prior to the American Thanksgiving holiday. We believe stongly that information can be conveyed in a number of ways. We hope that you will continue to read our blog and also take advantage of the opportunity to listen to our podcasts at your desk, the gym or during your commute. Through 20-30 minute podcasts we hope to introduce our readers/listeners to a variety of compelling topics related to international higher education. We hope you enjoy our podcasts and, as always, we welcome your feedback.

We have developed a unique university and college system as well as a unique admissions process in the United States.  This unique enrollment and application process appears arbitrary, opaque and difficult to master. As a result independent admissions counselors have become a critical intermediary in many countries, not to mention the United States. *For full disclosure, Lisa works as an independent admissions counselor.