A director of admissions oversees and manages the programs that determine which students are admitted to colleges and universities. She could be employed by a public or private university or college. Admissions officers are frequently employed by private elementary, middle, and high schools.
When a student or parent decides on a school, the most common first step is to fill out an application. The application is approved or rejected by the director of admissions, who follows guidelines established by the school’s board of governors or trustees. A variety of factors, such as grade point average, extracurricular activities, and character, are usually used to make this decision. Letters of referral or recommendations from people whose opinions and assessments are generally regarded as fair and respectable may substantiate the latter.
A director is typically expected to review the school’s curriculum and policies in addition to determining which students are eligible for enrollment. She must ensure that her school’s course offerings are comparable to those of comparable educational institutions, and that accredited classes are held to the same academic standards. She typically consults with professionals in similar positions on a regular basis to compare admissions conditions and guidelines for transferring credits between schools.
The director of admissions is often the person who evaluates the situation and makes the final decision if an applicant requests special consideration for admission. If more testing is needed, she usually makes the necessary arrangements. When testing or interviewing procedures are up for review, this professional usually has a big say in whether or not the revisions get approved.
When it comes to student orientations or personal interviews with parents and students, the admissions director is usually in charge. She is usually the one who responds to inquiries about the school’s educational philosophy, curriculum, and policies. She usually refers issues to admissions counseling personnel if she isn’t qualified to fully address them.
This person is also in charge of financial aid programs such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. She is frequently involved in studies involving student diversity and demographics, and she frequently contributes to discussions about how to effectively market the school to the most diverse population. Her involvement in the community is usually focused on publicizing amenities in order to attract new students to the school.
A bachelor’s degree is usually required to apply for a director of admissions position. A focus on education, counseling, or public administration is usually recommended. Typically, four years of admissions experience is required.