Proven ways to stand out to admissions counselors now
Teege Mettille is an admissions consultant, author, and podcast host celebrated for his innovative, student-centered approach. With deep expertise as both an admissions professional and consultant, Teege has helped countless students and families navigate the complexities of the college application process. He champions alignment over prestige, encouraging students to pursue educational paths that fit their strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Through advising sessions, public speaking, and his podcast, Teege translates insider admissions knowledge into actionable guidance that enables students to make informed decisions. His transparent style empowers students and families to approach the process with purpose.
Table of contents
- How to build relationships with admissions counselors: 5 college admissions tips
- Key takeaways
- Introduction
- Admissions counselors and data overload
- How enrollment pressure is changing the counselor’s role
- Strategic communication can strengthen your application
- Best practices for communicating with admissions counselors
- Example email to an admissions counselor
- Advocate for yourself before and after you apply
- Continue engagement after applying
- At less-selective colleges, kindness and relationship-building matter
- Simple ways to stand out
- The big picture: Building relationships amid change
- Frequently asked questions
- Do admissions counselors really influence decisions?
- How often should I contact an admissions counselor?
- What is demonstrated interest in college admissions?
- Final thoughts
- Want more college admissions tips?
How to build relationships with admissions counselors: 5 college admissions tips
Key takeaways
- Admissions counselors are increasingly data-driven, making meaningful interactions more valuable than ever
- Demonstrated interest can influence admissions decisions at many colleges
- Strategic, thoughtful communication helps you stand out from similar applicants
- Self-advocacy means showing growth, not just listing challenges
- At less-selective colleges, kindness and relationship-building can directly impact outcomes
Introduction
Most students spend months perfecting their college applications, but overlook one factor that can significantly influence admissions decisions: their relationship with an admissions counselor.
The college admissions process has become more complex and competitive, leaving many students unsure how to stand out. While grades and extracurriculars are still the top priority, knowing how to communicate with admissions counselors and build genuine connections can give you a meaningful edge.
Today’s counselors are not just gatekeepers; they’re advisors, evaluators, and sometimes advocates. Understanding how they work and how to engage effectively can help you navigate the process with clarity and motivation and improve your chances of admission.
Admissions counselors and data overload
Over the last decade, technology has transformed how admissions counselors do their jobs. Online applications, analytics tools, and CRM systems make it easier to track and evaluate applicants, but they also create new challenges.
Many counselors now spend a large portion of their time on:
- Data entry and reporting
- Managing digital records
- Monitoring enrollment metrics
A 2022 Ruffalo Noel Levitz survey found that the majority of admissions staff cite data management as a top source of stress.
This shift has real consequences:
- Less time for one-on-one student interaction
- Higher burnout and turnover rates
- Reduced availability for personalized guidance
What this means for you:
Thoughtful, purposeful communication is more important than ever. When you respect counselors’ time and engage meaningfully, you stand out immediately.
How enrollment pressure is changing the counselor’s role
Colleges today rely heavily on tuition revenue, making enrollment targets critical. As a result, admissions counselors are often evaluated based on metrics like:
- Yield (percentage of admitted students who enroll)
- Application completion rates
- Deposit conversions
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), counselors now focus primarily on students most likely to enroll.
This creates a shift:
- Less time for students who need extra guidance
- More emphasis on efficiency and outcomes
- Larger caseloads with less personalization
What this means for you:
You need to show clear interest and engagement from the start. Counselors are more likely to invest time in students who demonstrate genuine intent to attend.
Strategic communication can strengthen your application
Strong academics should be part of your record, but how you communicate with admissions counselors can meaningfully enhance your application.
Many colleges track demonstrated interest, which includes:
- Attending campus tours or virtual sessions
- Sending thoughtful emails
- Asking specific, relevant questions
Nearly a quarter of colleges consider demonstrated interest in admissions decisions.
Best practices for communicating with admissions counselors
- Ask specific questions about programs, not generic ones
- Respond promptly and professionally
- Reference prior conversations or events
- Show curiosity and initiative
Example email to an admissions counselor
Hi [Name],
I recently attended your virtual session on [program] and was especially interested in [specific detail]. I’d love to learn more about opportunities for undergraduate research in this area.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
Key tip: Quality matters more than quantity. A few thoughtful interactions are far more impactful than frequent, generic messages.
Advocate for yourself before and after you apply
Self-advocacy is a critical, but often misunderstood, part of the college admissions process.
Many students feel pressure to highlight major challenges in their applications. While obstacles can be important, admissions teams are increasingly looking for:
- Growth and reflection
- Resilience and learning
- Contributions to others
Instead of focusing only on hardship, show:
- What you learned
- How you changed
- How you’ll contribute in the future
Continue engagement after applying
Your relationship with a college doesn’t end when you submit your application.
Strong applicants often:
- Follow up with updates or questions
- Attend additional events
- Respond promptly to requests
Students who maintain thoughtful engagement are more likely to receive offers from schools that track demonstrated interest.
Bottom line: Show both who you are and who you’re becoming.
At less-selective colleges, kindness and relationship-building matter
While highly selective colleges get most of the attention, less-selective and regional schools often take a more personal approach to admissions.
At these institutions:
- Demonstrated interest is often more important
- Admissions teams have smaller applicant pools
- Personal interactions carry more weight
NACAC reports that over 68% of colleges in the U.S. consider demonstrated interest to some degree, with it being a key factor at some schools with higher acceptance rates.
Simple ways to stand out
- Send thank-you emails after events
- Be polite and engaged in conversations
- Show genuine enthusiasm for the school
These small actions can make a big difference, sometimes even tipping the decision in your favor.
The big picture: Building relationships amid change
Today’s admissions landscape is shaped by data, enrollment pressures, and limited counselor availability. But one thing hasn’t changed: relationships still matter.
To stand out:
- Start early
- Communicate intentionally
- Show growth and self-awareness
- Treat counselors as partners, not gatekeepers
Even in a tech-driven process, authenticity and connection remain powerful.
Frequently asked questions
Do admissions counselors really influence decisions?
Yes. While they don’t make decisions alone, they evaluate applicants, track interactions, and contribute to holistic reviews.
How often should I contact an admissions counselor?
Focus on quality over quantity. A few meaningful interactions are more effective than frequent, generic outreach.
What is demonstrated interest in college admissions?
It’s how colleges measure your engagement (through visits, emails, and other interactions) to gauge how likely you are to enroll.
Final thoughts
Building a relationship with an admissions counselor won’t replace strong grades or test scores, but it can amplify your application in meaningful ways.
By communicating thoughtfully, advocating for yourself, and engaging with intention, you position yourself as a motivated and compelling candidate, no matter where you apply.
Want more college admissions tips?
Explore our complete guide to:
Stay informed, stay intentional, and make every interaction count.
