Streamline & Manage the Student Application Process

Your educational institution can streamline and manage the student application process through Salesforce by utilizing its CRM capabilities, automation features, and seamless integrations. Here’s how Salesforce enhances the application process:

Centralized Application Management

• Salesforce provides a centralized platform where all application-related data is stored and managed. Prospective students can submit applications online, and all information is automatically captured and organized within Salesforce, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing errors.
• Institutions can create customized application forms tailored to different programs or student types. You can also dynamically configure these forms to show or hide fields based on the applicant’s responses, ensuring that students only provide relevant information.

Automated Workflow and Task Management

• Salesforce automates the application process workflow, from initial submission to final decision. Tasks such as application review, document verification, and approval can be automated, ensuring that each step of the process is completed efficiently.
• The system automatically assigns tasks to the appropriate admissions staff based on predefined criteria, such as program or applicant type. Salesforce also sends reminders and notifications for pending tasks, ensuring that applications are processed on time.

Document Management and Tracking

• Applicants can easily upload required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores, directly through the Salesforce portal. These documents are automatically linked to the applicant’s profile, ensuring all necessary materials are accessible in one place.
• Salesforce tracks the status of all submitted documents, allowing admissions staff to quickly identify missing items. Automated reminders can be sent to applicants to submit any outstanding documents, ensuring that the application process continues smoothly.

Real-Time Application Status Updates

• Prospective students can log into a secure portal to check the status of their application in real time. They can see which documents have been received, what steps are pending, and when a decision is expected. This transparency reduces the number of inquiries and keeps applicants informed.
• Salesforce can send automated notifications to applicants at key milestones, such as when their application is complete, when it’s under review, or when a decision has been made. This keeps applicants engaged and informed throughout the process.

Integration with Other Systems

• Salesforce integrates with other systems, such as Student Information Systems (SIS), financial aid platforms, and Learning Management Systems (LMS). Once an application is accepted, relevant data is automatically transferred to these systems, reducing manual entry and ensuring consistency across platforms.
• For programs that require an application fee, Salesforce can integrate with payment gateways to securely process payments. This integration allows the entire application process, including fee payment, to be managed within a single platform.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Salesforce’s robust reporting tools allow admissions teams to analyze application data. Your institution can generate reports on metrics such as application volume, conversion rates, and decision timelines, providing insights that help optimize the admissions process.
• Salesforce can leverage AI-driven predictive analytics to assess the likelihood of an applicant’s success or enrollment. This helps admissions teams prioritize applicants who are more likely to succeed and contribute positively to the institution.

Collaborative Review Process

• Salesforce enables collaborative application review by allowing multiple admissions officers to access and evaluate applications simultaneously. Advisors can share notes, comments, and recommendations within the system, facilitating a more coordinated review process.
• Admissions teams can use Salesforce to apply consistent scoring rubrics to evaluate applications. This standardization ensures fairness and transparency in the review process, and the results can be easily compared across applicants.

Continuous Communication

• Salesforce allows institutions to maintain personalized communication with applicants throughout the process. Your institution can trigger automated emails, SMS messages, or even direct phone calls at specific points in the application process, keeping applicants engaged and informed.
• For applicants who have started but not completed their applications, Salesforce can automate follow-up outreach to encourage completion. This might include reminders, offers of assistance, or invitations to speak with an admissions counselor.

Orchid Connect is a woman-owned Salesforce implementation firm with 30 years of experience serving associations, non-profits and small/medium businesses. We specialize in strategic and implementation services, go-to-market support, and ongoing support. To learn more, reach us at reachout@orchidconnect.com.