Congratulating Admitted Students

Twice a year we ask Admissions alumni volunteers to email, call, or send a card to accepted students, to congratulate them and to see if they have any questions. We want to be sure, to the extent possible, that students are sufficiently well-informed about Lewis & Clark so that whether they choose Lewis & Clark or not, this choice has been an informed one.

Requesting Names and Contact Information

Admitted student information is available starting in February. The first group of students to contact are those admitted under the College's Early Action admissions program. A second group of students, Regular Decision applicants, are notified at the end of March or their admissions decision. These names are available at the beginning of April. To request a list of names please complete a request form.

Contacting Admitted Students

When talking with students and/or parents, don't be concerned about spewing out a lot of facts about L&C. Instead, relate how features of L&C translate into benefits for the students and for you as an alum. Use personal examples.

1. While phone calls and personal notes are excellent ways to contact students, email is an increasingly effective and easy way to contact busy admitted students to say congratulations.
2. Messages should be focused on congratulating the student, offering to answer any questions, and encouraging them to continue their research about L&C.
3. Keep in mind that pressure tactics of any sort almost always backfire. We do not want to make disparaging remarks about other colleges. The student should be encouraged to visit campus and make his or her own comparisons.
4. If calling (versus emailing) don't just leave a message and hang up if the student isn't home and mom or dad answers the phone. Many times, they will be thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you. Let them know who you are and why you're calling; they may have questions of their own.
5. Financial aid will be a concern for many. Remember that financial aid policies vary widely from college to college and change regularly. Every student's situation is different. If a student has questions about financial aid, encourage them to call the Admissions Office at 800-444-4111. If we can't answer their questions, we will transfer the call to Student Financial Services.
6. The College's web site has pages of information for admitted students and their families. There is even a special password protected web site for admitted students called Inside LC. Encourage students to explore www.lclark.edu.
7. Always encourage students to contact the Office of Admissions if they have any questions.

Communicate with the Admissions Office

• Complete the Admitted Student Contact Report to let us know who you reached. This is also a great way to let us know if a student needs any follow-up contact.
• Follow up with the Admissions Office if you have any questions about contacting students or the Admissions alumni volunteer program.