How to Write an Email to a College Admissions Office

Emailing college admissions offices can be a powerful tool in your application process. It not only helps you gather important information but also demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the school. The person who will be reading your application, making initial decisions, and presenting you to the admissions board is your regional admissions officer. They have a big control over your admissions fate - so it is very important that they like you! Did you know that their email address is publicly available and that you can email them directly? This is a little known secret tip that you can use to increase your chances of admission. There are three big reasons this can help your application. First, developing a personal relationship with your admissions representative can help them remember you (hopefully fondly!) when they are reading your application. Networking is always important - even in college admissions! Secondly, emailing your admissions representative is a great way to show your interest in a college. Admissions officers keep track of demonstrated interest (DI), which includes actions like visiting the campus, attending information sessions, and emailing them. Demonstrating your interest can significantly boost your chances of getting accepted since colleges prefer to admit students who are likely to enroll. And third, you can actually get your questions answered about a college! Use your admissions officer as a resource to learn more about specific programs, request to sit in on classes, and understand the academic profiles of students who are typically accepted. By taking the time to send a thoughtful email, you not only gather valuable information but also highlight your enthusiasm and proactive approach.

To find your admissions representative, simply Google “XX University Admissions Representatives.” This search will typically lead you to a page listing all admissions officers. Identify your representative based on your location and note their email address. Reaching out to the right person is crucial because this is the individual who will be reading your application.

When writing your initial email, it's important to be clear and concise while also demonstrating your interest and knowledge about the school. Start with a brief introduction about yourself and your interest in the university. Then, ask specific questions that show you have done your homework. Make sure not to ask questions that can be easily answered by a Google Search. Example email: Dear Ms. Smith, I am a junior at XX High School in Town, State. I am very interested in XX University and have a few questions that I hope you can answer for me: 1) I am very interested in being a biology major. Can you describe the academic profile of a typical student who is accepted into your honors biology program? 2) What research facilities and labs are available for biology students? 3) Is it possible for a biology student to study abroad? Thank you very much for your time. Sincerely, Your Name Follow-up emails are important to maintain communication and show continued interest. After receiving a response, thank the admissions representative and mention any further actions you have taken to learn more about the university. This helps build a rapport and keeps you on their radar.

After visits, webinars, or info sessions, sending a thank you email can leave a positive lasting impression. Express your gratitude and highlight specific aspects of the visit that excited you. This reinforces your interest and appreciation for the time the admissions staff took to assist you. Dear Mr. Smith, I am a junior at XX High School in Town, City. I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed my visit to XX College on Monday. Julie was an exceptional tour guide and your campus is truly beautiful. As someone who is passionate about [specific interest], I was particularly excited to learn about XX University’s commitment to [related program]. I was also very impressed by [another specific aspect]. After the tour, I attended an information session and really appreciated learning more about the admissions process. Thank you so much for a terrific visit. I will definitely be applying in the fall. Sincerely, Your Name

Writing emails to college admissions offices is a strategic way to demonstrate your interest, get your questions answered, and build a rapport with the admissions staff. By taking the time to craft thoughtful, specific emails, you can make a memorable impression that might just tip the scales in your favor during the admissions process. Remember to find your regional admissions representative, ask insightful questions, follow up politely, and always express your gratitude. These actions show that you are not only interested but also proactive and appreciative, traits that colleges value in prospective students. Happy emailing, and best of luck with your college admissions journey!