RNL Study Provides Insights About the Role of High School Counselors in the College Planning Process

September 13, 2017: What do high school counselors want from colleges today as they support students during the college search process? How can colleges increase referrals from counselors? What information do they use when talking to their students about higher education programs and cost? A study from Ruffalo Noel Levitz and High School Counselor Marketing, presented at the NACAC Conference, explores these questions, based on a national survey of high school counselors representing 1,312 public and private high schools. The resulting buzz sheet, 6 Facts About Growing Enrollment Referrals From High School Counselors, provides insights to help colleges and universities connect with counselors and support their role in the college planning process.

The 2017 High School Counselor study was based on an online poll of high school counselors in spring of 2017. Among the highlights of the study:

• High school counselors’ referrals are most influenced by program availability, quality of academic programs, and financial aid, cost, and overall reputation of the college or university.
• Email is counselors’ preferred way to receive important college news.
• Counselors report that parent involvement in college planning activities includes talking with their students about college options, campus visits, internet searching for colleges that might be a good match, talking with counselors, and completing application forms.

“High school counselors play an influential role in advising students about their college choices,” said Raquel Bermejo, associate vice president of market research and planning at RNL. “This study helps colleges and universities learn more about counselors’ perceptions of their students’ college planning journey and what they do to help students find their way through the college selection process.”

For a copy of the 4-page buzz sheet, visit www.RuffaloNL.com/papers.

Ruffalo Noel Levitz will host a webinar featuring the research findings and a panel of four high school counselors on September 26, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. Register for the webinar, High School Counselors’ Role in College Planning, at www.RuffaloNL.com/events.

About Ruffalo Noel Levitz

Ruffalo Noel Levitz is the leading provider of higher education enrollment, student success, and fundraising solutions. Each year, more than 1,900 colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations rely on RNL best-in-class analytics, engagement technology, and industry-leading insights to achieve their mission. The firm is distinguished by its powerful portfolio of solutions focused on the entire lifecycle of enrollment and fundraising, assuring students find the right college or university, graduate on time, secure their first job in their desired field, and give back to support the next generation. In addition, Ruffalo Noel Levitz conferences, research reports, papers, and articles help clients stay on top of current trends. Visit www.RuffaloNL.com.