���۴�ý

Are you curious about a day in the life of a college admissions director? You may be surprised to learn that the role requires much more than simply processing applications. Discover what this role entails and the steps to prepare for this leadership position in postsecondary education.

A college admissions director can be defined by the duties they practice. While these can vary depending on the school, they generally include:

• Serving as the head of student recruitment
• Evaluating potential applicants
• Managing overall admissions processes

A director of college admissions also plays a fundamental role on the front lines. This professional may be called upon to market their school and act as gatekeeper to ensure accepted students embody the institution’s mission and values. At times, a director of admissions may also be called upon to comfort and provide direction for recently enrolled students.

The college admissions director must determine how many new students the school can enroll each year. This decision is based on factors like the current state of the student body and projections of how many students will graduate, transfer or leave for other reasons. They also assess the completed applications and make the final decision on whom the school admits. 

As the manager of the process that prospective students experience from interest to enrollment, the director of admissions is tasked with a number of key responsibilities, which include:

Reviewing and approving graphics, pamphlets, brochures, videos and other materials that promote the school

Recruiting students by contacting prospects who have expressed interest in the school

Attending recruiting events like college and career fairs where students are informed about the educational value of institutions

Reviewing candidate applications, which may include a student’s extracurricular activities, grade point average and other factors

Optimizing the process of admissions in terms of time, money or resources

Communicating with students throughout the process to ensure a happy and successful start to their academic careers

As the head of their department, a college admissions director should demonstrate exemplary leadership skills. These professionals must inspire their team to reach goals through assigned tasks as well as create and implement strategic objectives.

They must exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills since solid relationships should be cultivated with colleagues, students and parents. Their marketing endeavors likewise require building strong relationships with local businesses, hospitals, high schools or government entities that may draw future students to the school.

Someone interested in pursuing such an administrative role should have general computer program competency to manage student and school records. Organizational skills may also help when it comes time to prioritize processes and coordinate with staff. Problem-solving skills are helpful since directors may be called upon in stressful situations. A calm and creative response can be advantageous. 

As of May 2024, postsecondary education administrators, which includes college admissions directors, earned between , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to , about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 15,200 openings for postsecondary education administrators are projected each year on average during the decade, according to BLS.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of ���۴�ý. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. ���۴�ý does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2023-2033 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ���۴�ý students or graduates.

Some smaller colleges and universities may require that a candidate for college admissions director hold only a bachelor’s degree. However, a master’s degree is typically required for this role.

On the work front, the first step toward leading an admissions team may begin in an entry-level role in the admissions department or within another area of an academic institution. The experience gained in such roles can potentially help strengthen an individual’s understanding of strategies for marketing a school, recruiting students and meeting other organizational goals.