Sample Messages
POSTCARD MESSAGES FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS
At Carleton teaching is the first priority of the professors. When I attended Carleton, I got to know my professors personally and I could always reach out to them for support.
Carleton believes strongly that any admitted student who wants to attend Carleton should be able to do so, regardless of financial situation. The college meets 100 percent of a family’s demonstrated financial need. If you have any questions about financial aid, never hesitate to email financialaid@carleton.edu.
Carleton brings together many driven and motivated students who have a vast array of interests. There is something for everyone! I took classes in _____ (e.g., geology, history, theater), which was something I had never learned about before.
Traditions like Late Night Breakfast, a 10 pm pre-finals meal of waffles and eggs, and Spring Concert, an outdoor BBQ concert extravaganza, are some of my best memories at Carleton. At Carleton we studied hard but also had a lot of fun.
At Carleton my favorite activity was _____ (put any activity you enjoyed, e.g., clubs or sports), which was something I had never even tried before college! Come to Carleton to explore and discover new passions inside and outside the classroom. Happy spring! At Carleton you are surrounded by friends. Whether you’re studying at the library, going for a walk in our arboretum, or taking a dance class, students are always engaging in the environment around them with their peers.
Carleton’s trimester system provides students with the opportunity to explore classes in a wide range of fields. I loved having 10-week terms because they were fast-paced and allowed me to make progress toward my major while also taking new and unrelated courses.
Northfield, Minnesota, will always have a special place in my heart because of how wonderful my experience was at Carleton. I encourage you to sign up for a tour—either in-person or online—and check out all the ways to get more familiar with Carleton.
Carleton is a warm and supportive academic atmosphere. Students are collaborative and passionate about learning, yet they also bring a diverse set of perspectives from around the country—and the world. It was a wonderful place for me and I think it would be wonderful for you, too!
We recommend signing off with “Email me if you’d like to learn more!” followed by your name, “Carleton Alumni,” class year, and email.
SPRING CONTACT DRIVE ALUMNI ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES
Carleton’s AAR Objectives
BE CURIOUS
Reflect and connect with prospective students. You have wisdom about Carleton to share, but a first step is to listen to whom prospective students are, what stories they bring, and what they are seeking in a school.
BE A TRUSTED RESOURCE
Your note sets Carleton apart.
• Students rarely receive personal notes from colleges.
• These postcards stand out and are very effective.
• Parents also see these postcards and they are “key influencers” in the college search.
What to say?
• Introduce yourself as a local Carleton alumni admissions volunteer who is willing to share your own experiences.
• Include your email (or phone number if you wish) as a way for the student to contact you.
• Encourage them to check out all the options to get to know Carleton, including both online offerings (student-led virtual tours, interviews, info sessions) or in-person visits.
2. Login and select “Juniors to Contact” tab. Search by name, city, state, or school.
3. Return to the “Home” tab to get the student’s contact information.
4. Write and mail the postcard; see sample messages on the reverse side.
5. Remember to report any students you contact.
For assistance or to request additional postcards, contact us at aar@carleton.edu or 507-222-4190.
These personal touchpoints make a big difference— thank you for your help.
Contact prospective students and, upon request, provide a conversational interview experience to help them evaluate whether Carleton is a good fit. Be candid in your depiction of Carleton. Acknowledge the biases implicit in your perspective and work to compensate for them.
REPRESENT CARLETON
Attend college fairs to represent Carleton and share with prospective students the many opportunities at Carleton. Additionally, organize, host, or attend gatherings for prospective students and their families in order to recruit and offer information in a warm, personalized setting.
RECRUIT WIDELY AND INTENTIONALLY
Provide additional support to underrepresented students and offer to connect them to additional information about Carleton. Consider putting them in touch with alums from similar racial, geographic, or socioeconomic backgrounds who may be able to answer some of their questions in an even more nuanced way.
STAY UPDATED
Educate yourself about what Carleton is like today, paying special attention to what has changed since you left and aspects of Carleton life that you may never have known or known well.
Stay engaged: go.carleton.edu/aar
