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