An admissions representative is an individual who works for a college, university, or school to help students and potential students get started in their studies. He or she may be responsible for signing students into classes, giving counsel on which classes need to be taken in order to achieve certain academic goals, and providing advice on issues like student housing or financial aid. Most colleges encourage students to seek the help of a trained admissions representative to make the most of their admissions process.
One of the main jobs of an admissions representative is to help students take the necessary steps needed to begin classes. This may include choosing a major, taking a placement test, figuring out if a particular course of study is offered, and deciding upon which classes to register for. Although these may seem like simple tasks, it can often be a daunting experience to figure out which courses are needed to graduate with a certain degree and which classes are needed as prerequisites. An admissions representative should be trained in all classes offered at the school in order to best assist students with important decisions.
Students may also need an admissions officer to help them actually sign up for their courses and to make sure all financial aid is in place. Although many schools have a separate financial aid department, the admissions representative works with them to ensure that all funds are in place so that students will be able to keep their classes, receive housing, and get books. This allows a smoother transition into school without having to go back and forth between different departments.
In most cases, the admission representative is the first person a student will meet from a particular school. He or she will welcome students, provide information on teachers and campus life, and sometimes give tours of the campus. Admissions officers may know many of the professors or instructors and can offer insight into which classes a student may best fit based on learning style and academic history. For example, a Spanish student may be placed with a teacher who teaches in the way that student learns.
Many schools encourage students to visit an admissions representative early to ensure they get the classes they need. This allows them to take only the courses they need before classes are filled. When this is not possible representatives may offer advice in ways to get the appropriate number of credit hours and sign up for classes earlier or later than usual to fill up his or her schedule.