Mongoose Research

Yesterday, St. Mary's University sent out a text campaign inviting students to Sleeping Bag Weekend (a key recruiting event).  Many students responded 'thank you' or asked simple questions.  The student below engaged in a conversation about the admissions process, transcripts, application and transportation to sleeping bag weekend.  After all his questions were answered, he replied "..all of this texting helps a lot..".

So nice to hear positive student reactions!

I've included a screen shot (with personal information hidden) of a section of the conversation. 

(click for larger version)
 

Champlain College's mobile site is a finalist for 'Best Mobile Site' ranked by EDUStyle.  Our client is up against Harvard and USC.  The winners will be announced at EDUWeb (which starts today) in San Antonio, TX.

For a quick view of Champlain's mobile site:

To experience the site on your personal smartphone, go to: m.champlain.edu.

The Admission Office at St. Mary's University (TX) began offering Text Updates to prospective students in October 2009.  Of the 35,000 inquiries only 1451 students (Fall 2010 students) sign-ed up for text updates.  However, (and this is the outstanding part) virtually all of those students (80%) converted to applicants.  Additionally, 50% of their deposits had previously signed up to receive Text Updates.

Application Conversion:
  

Deposit Yield:
 

St. Mary's can now:

• identify the most likely future students as easily as possible so they are not lost among 35,000 total inquiries.
•  use the service to better cultivate the St. Mary's brand with those students. 

Our first partner institution - St. Mary's University - is experiencing record enrollment and excellent results related to delivering mobile updates to prospective students.

St. Mary's has realized a 53% increase in applications for Fall 2010 (compared to Fall 2009).

Additionally, 'highly interested' students are opting in for mobile updates at rates as high as 67%.

Results: 67% of attendees at key event were active mobile update subscribers.  

St. Mary's University recently held "Sleeping Bag Weekend".  Historically, the event is a key indicator of likelihood to enroll.  Mobile Updates were sent to bolster attendance / awareness.  Two examples of the messages below.

Sent a week in advance:
 

Sent less than a day in advance:
 

Imagine you are a prospective student - packing/preparing for an event.  New text message: it's the institution reminding you not to forget your toothbrush!  Now that's a positive brand experience!  Great work, StMarysU!

Results: 67% of attendees at key event were active mobile update subscribers.