A director of admissions controls and administers the programs that determine which students are granted enrollment in educational institutions. She may work for a publicly-funded or private university or college. Private elementary, middle and high schools also commonly employ admission professionals.
When a student or parent chooses a school, the first step is commonly to submit an application. The director of admissions, in conjunction with guidelines established by the school’s board of governors or trustees, approves or rejects the application. This decision is normally based on a variety of factors, including grade point average, extracurricular activities, and character. The latter may be substantiated by letters of referral or recommendations by persons whose opinions and assessments are generally considered fair and respectable.
In addition to determining which students are eligible for enrollment, a director is normally expected to review the school’s curriculum and policies. She is generally required to make sure her school’s course offerings are on par with comparable educational institutions and accredited classes are held to the same scholastic standards. She typically consults on a regular basis with professionals in similar positions to compare conditions for admissions and guidelines for transferring credits among schools.
If an applicant requests special consideration for admission, the director of admissions is often the person who evaluates the situation and makes the final decision. If further evaluation is required, she ordinarily makes the necessary arrangements. When testing or interviewing procedures come up for review, this professional ordinarily has a significant influence on the approval of revisions.
When student orientations are conducted, or parents and students are personally interviewed, the admissions director is commonly the person in charge. She is typically the person who answers questions regarding the school’s educational philosophy, curriculum, and policies. If there are issues she is not qualified to fully address, she ordinarily refers them to admissions counseling personnel.
Financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants and work-study plans, are customarily administered by this person as well. She is frequently involved in studies involving the diversity and demographics of the student body and regularly contributes to discussions on how to successfully market the school to the most diverse population. Her community involvement commonly concentrates on publicizing amenities to attract new students to the school.
To apply for a director of admissions position normally requires a bachelor’s degree. A concentration in education, counseling, or public administration is normally preferred. Four years experience in the field of admissions is often required.