The Week in Review: Top Five Admissions Stories

April 13, 2012  —  

As some wait-listed applicants are biting their nails until they hear from their schools, we saw some articles this past week that can help pass the time. There is a new tool to help students and parents calculate financial aid offerings, the dominance of the iPad, for now, colleges trying to get social on Pinterest, the increase in certificate programs and much, much more.

Before we get into this week’s top stories, check out our video of the week!

Colleges Try to Find Their Voices on Pinterest

As Pinterest’s popularity increases, admissions offices are incorporating the social media site into their marketing platform. There are differing opinions as to whether or not the site makes sense for universities. Alumni, ages 25-34 make up the majority of Pinterest users, current and prospective students that fall into the 18-24 age bracket only account for 17% of total users. Which pool schools are targeting with Pinterest remains to be seen.

A New Tool to Compare Financial Aid Offers

Families no longer have to sit down around the kitchen table to crunch numbers, there is an appfor that. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau put out a tool this week that helps compare finical aid packages from schools. All you need to enter is the name of the school, the estimated cost to attend, the average number of grants and scholarships handed out to students, and the estimate of debt post graduation and, voila! Financial Aid made easy.

Gartner Projects Apple iPad to Dominate Tablets Through 2016

It’s all about the iPad, at least until 2016 according to Gartner.  While iPad sales have already sky rocketed with the release of the new iPad, sales are projected to quadruple in the next four years. An estimated 169.7 million iPads will be sold to consumers by the time the year rolls around. Even with sales numbers rising rapidly, stock numbers are suspected to begin to lag over time.

More Universities Offering Professional Certificates Over 4-Year Degrees

Universities are jumping into the business of providing professional certificates that were once the domain of community colleges and for-profit institutions. Certificate programs are easily accessible to students, as their flexibility allows students to schedule around work/life schedules. Schools that offer these degrees will see an increase in revenue from “mid-career students” who can pay full tuition with out financial aid.

College Waitlists Offer Little Hope

The waitlist is no longer a beacon of hope for students. In fact, students are less excited about a maybe and would almost prefer a hard no. The rejection ends the waiting game; whereas a place on the waitlist keeps the student on the edge of their seat for at least another month. Schools are increasing the number of applicants that they place on the waitlist each year to increase their yield and maintain their ranking.