<p>This little school in the land of the useless nuts (buckeyes:confused::eek:) is incredible. Since dd has received her acceptance, she's gotten calls from student, alums, parent, mailings on 4 consecutive days ... including a postcard from "Buzz" the turkey buzzard who got lost on his way to Hinckley ... 2 emails, an invitation to come for an overnight visit, etc. Gotta give this school credit, they really know how to make a student feel wanted and welcomed.</p>
<p>I've gotten similar contact, though I don't look at it the same. Most of the stuff they are sending is pointless waste of paper just so Denison's name keeps popping up and staying in my head. It almost seems desperate. Send me something with substance, Denison!! I liked the business card mailing about the alumni -- but 1/2 of those people are from the 80s. What are last years graduates doing right now? Graduates from 5 years ago? Obviously it takes time to work up the ladder, but I'd like to know where I'll be in the short-term years after graduation.</p>
<p>And send me my financial aid packet!</p>
<p>P.S.: It would be better if I had never even heard of Buzz. That does not make me want to go there.</p>
<p>My! Lighten up Francis and enjoy this moment. There are few like it. </p>
<p>Personally, we found Buzzie sorta cute. ;) Would you prefer a Trojan? :eek: And we LOVED the video. :cool:</p>
<p>My guess is they've learned this is crunch time and the contacts are anything but pointless or a waste of postage. Cheap at any price to garner $200K, give or take. We likey! :)</p>
<p>Luckily this is still America where everyone has a right to their opinion.</p>
<p>As a prospective student, I would like to see the $45,000 put towards something of more substance. I don't think that's asking for much. One mailing of high quality information will leave a long-lasting impression and eliminate the need for constant flow of less-informative material just to keep Denison's name in my mind.</p>
<p>On another note: I received my financial aid award today. I'm contemplating going to one of the overnights in April to ask my remaining questions about double majoring and study abroad's impact on financial aid and the options for doing those two things.</p>
<p>Hopeful2012 ... as a prospective Denison student, you can be doggone happy your parents don't use the same logic you seem to have. Or you'd be matriculating at the local community college or Western New Mexico State. Why in the world should they spend $45K on your frosh year when they could get away for $2,500 or so?! I'd bank on the notion that the DU powers have a whole lot more thoughtful idea of how to spend that $$ than your "substance." Here's hoping you get an internship in the Admissions Office.</p>
<p>btw, Cowbell, American's privilege, or "right" to a free opinion and expression has nothing to do with "luckily." It has a whole lot to do with a whole lot of men and women who've fought and died to allow you that privilege. And I assume despite your observation, mine too?</p>
<p>Honestly Whistle Pig, your point is completely unclear. What are you trying to say?</p>
<p>My point Hopeful is that DU has a very specific, defined strategy and communications plan targeted at impacting yield. I'm confident they are NOT sending a post card to you from Buzz simply because they think it's cute or to tank off candidates like you.</p>
<p>My point about you and your fine parents is they are seemingly not making the same kind of judgements apparently that you are. Otherwise you'd be headed to the local community college where, like DU, you can take Intro to Psych, Creative Writing 101, Espanol 100, Calc I and Organic Chem probly taught from the same text books for ... a pittance of the cost. </p>
<p>Now back to the communications strategy and plan ... today brought a letter from the chairman of the Phillies, another DU alum. Nicely transparent, most impressive (it was even mailed in Philly), and seemingly effective in keeping DU top of mind, in the evoked set. Tonite came a call from a local alum and an email from an associate provost. They certainly grasp the world's 2 universal motivators, it seems ... we love being chased/romanced, and we all like being part of worthwhile associations.</p>
<p>I get their strategy -- I simply don't completely like it.</p>
<p>"Same kind of judgments" .. what? Why would I go to a local community college? I still do not know where you're coming from.</p>
<p>You see DU's strategy, simply because you don't value Buzz, or whatever, as being wasteful. Some might and many would see your parents spending $45K for you to take those courses as same. Get it?</p>
<p>FWIW -- Hopeful 2012er, my S (applied/accepted ED) found his conversations with DU students and alums last fall to be critical in making his decision. To add some facts that might be of interest to you, the senior he talked to last Nov is now choosing from an impressive list of law school acceptances and the alum (graduated in 2007) is working on Wall Street in a job he loves and got through DU networking. </p>
<p>DU knows that it is well-suited for those who value such personal contacts, before, during, and after the undergrad yrs. This is something that distinguishes DU from other (often larger) "cross-admit" schools. So the "yield marketing" strategy makes perfect sense -- they are "walking the walk" of offering a very personal admissions experience, and hoping that those who value that same quality in their liberal arts education will say yes, while realizing that those who do not care as much about such personalization may not be as persuaded.</p>
<p>Actually, I am very disappointed that I have not yet received a postcard from this talking turkey......:(</p>
<p>[bold]And the beat goes on ...[/bold]</p>
<p>Last 2 days ... letter from George Bodenheimer, prexy @ ESPN/ABC and DU '80</p>
<p>and ...</p>
<p>Mailing to parents re: billing, payment plan, actual fees, etc.</p>
<p>Unbelievable communication ... they're practicing what they're preaching ... and what they're promotional messages say re: "We're personal and in touch ... often."</p>
<p>Of course, bear in mind the reason behind this kind of communication. Colleges have to estimate their yield to determine how many to accept. If they want 1000 in their freshman class and they anticipate a 33% yield, they accept 3000. They want all 1000 in that class, but they don't have enough beds or English 101 seats for 1100. If they're getting vibes that the yield may come in under the estimate, accepted students will get lots of attention and communication. If the deposits are coming in fast and furiously, the attention will be less.</p>
<p>And? So are you suggesting those institutions NOT communicating don't need to? If so, you could be correct from the standpoint of getting matriculated bodies, but the yield figures from among those we've been engaged with would suggest more omission than commission.</p>
<p>Of course it's a stategic marketing and communications plan. Not sure if you're suggesting this is "tweaked" day by day, which seems like intriguing theory, but I'd guess not at all the case. This is a well conceived plan that's executed in pursuit of the right number of the best types DU can attract from within its accepted-but-not-yet-enrolled candidates.</p>
<p>But in the end, I'd argue the same ... DU does it exceptionally well in comparison to many others, and notably those we've most immediately experienced in this rat race of college/university admissions.</p>
<p>My daughter is finishing her first year at Denison (clas of 2011). She applied and was accepted at Kenyon, Emerson, Alleghany, Occidental, and Claremont McKenna. She wouldn't change her decision for anything.<br>
As for the communication, everything you are describing mirrors our experiance and will not drop off "If the deposits are comming in fast"
Denison over communicates with the students and the parents. If that makes you uncomfortable, or bothers you, maybe Denison is not the environment for you. Denison is for real, they are committed to creating a committed community of students, parents, and alumni.</p>
<p>Just my $0.02</p>
<p>I agree with plhdad. DD1, class of '11, loves it there. I am now a member of the Denison parents council and contacting local students to congratulate them on gaining admittance to DU. I figure it's the least I can do for DD1's scholarship. :)</p>