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We have already explored how the IA it has helped companies such as insurance companies or e-commerce companies, but educational institutions such as universities are also taking advantage of these tools and not only for their administrative processes, but also for increase the attraction and enrollment of new students.
Specifically, chatbots are at an inflection point in their adoption in higher education, where they are already gaining ground as one of the channels of interaction most expected by students and as a standard student experience. According to a Gartner report on the technological trends that are impacting higher education, it reveals that almost The number of institutions that have invested in artificial intelligence chatbots has doubled over the past year.
Chatbots for university students frequently asked questions
The start of a new school year is always the peak of efforts and investment for universities. Candidates are exploring options, visiting websites, downloading study programs, asking about fees and more. The admissions department, most of the time, finds it challenging to respond to the huge flow of questions that come to your hands, leaving a percentage of those interested unattended and reducing the number of potential new registrations.
Un Frequently Asked Questions Chatbot or FAQ bot, is a great solution to this problem. These chatbots can handle a wide range of inquiries, from admission requirements and deadlines to information about academic programs and costs. Most importantly, the FAQ bot can respond to multiple repetitive queries, freeing admissions staff to focus on more complex and personalized inquiries.
A chatbot can answer several questions instead of a human agent, such as: What are the tuition fees for the Computer Engineering program? , What is the deadline for uploading my documentation? , When does the 2024-2025 school year start? , What is the list of teaching staff for the second year of Industrial Design? , Can I request a guided tour of the campus? and What extracurricular activities are available to students?
In addition, if any questions are not found in your database, the Bot can raise its hand and approach a human admission agent to answer the applicant's question. For example, if an international student has a question regarding the scholarship application process, and this topic was not in the frequently asked questions, they can turn to the agent to give the student complete information without cutting or hindering their communication.
Chatbots assisting in the admission process
Another usage scenario is that chatbots, in addition to being assistants for human agents, work to guide students through every step of the admission process. From gathering documents to scheduling entrance exams, chatbots can provide reminders and personalized guidance at every stage.
If the chatbot is integrated with a CRM, admissions executives will have real-time notifications when a candidate has completed the requirements, all the information in the profile and even, if connected to a lead qualifier, get immediate feedback on the likelihood that the candidate will register as an active student.
In addition, the benefit of the chatbot is not only found on the university side, but also benefits the user experience. For example, it could provide status of the student's application: if it was received, if it's being reviewed, accepted or rejected, or more information is needed. This solution helps reduce student concerns and provide quick feedback at a potentially stressful time.
Chatbots to encourage pre-admission engagement and increase enrollment
A slightly less conventional application is that it serves as a support in the emotional involvement of the student in your admission process. If we look at it from the marketing side, it actually serves as a lead nurturing tool. While chatbots are incredibly useful for providing information and answering frequently asked questions, they cannot replicate the human connection and personal experience that the Human touch can offer.
However, they can support this process from behind. This innovative approach will help students to feel more connected to the university community right from the start. For example, the chatbot could be programmed to send the university community's latest Instagram or TikTok post or allow it to connect with other potential students or alumni for a more informed view of their decision. A current student can provide insights and advice that go beyond facts and figures, offering a real glimpse into life experiences on campus or academic offerings.
In addition, chatbots can also be an effective tool for student retention once students have been admitted. They can offer ongoing support, answer questions about student services, connect students to academic and guidance resources, and even provide reminders about important dates, such as the start of classes or the deadline for paying for tuition.
If you still have doubts about How to implement a chatbot for your business or how to customize it for your operation or particular objective, do not hesitate to contact us, we can guide you and talk about one of our bot success stories.
