About the Alumni Admissions Program

Since 1976, Wooster alumni have provided an invaluable service to the Office of Admissions by increasing the number of qualified students who consider Wooster in their college search. Our program is one of the oldest of its kind and is often used as a model for other colleges and universities.

Goals Of The AAR Program:

• Increase the number of qualified students who consider Wooster in the college search process and ultimately matriculate.
• Provide a local resource for inquiring students, applicants, matriculants, and their families.
• Assist the Admissions Staff with recruiting events in the AARs' local areas.
• Provide regional information to the Office of Admissions.

Opportunities for AARs:

College Fairs. In the fall and spring, AARs represent Wooster at college fairs which the Admissions staff is unable to cover. Collectively, AARs bring several hundred new student inquiries to the College each year from these fairs.

Receptions. The Admissions Staff plan two types of receptions every year. The purpose of Winter receptions is to encourage students to apply to Wooster for admission. Spring receptions are for admitted students who are deciding on which college to attend. Receptions are often hosted by AARs and are held in the areas having the largest concentration of potential matriculants.

Interviews. AAR interviews are offered in response to requests from students who have difficulty coming to campus. The AAR Coordinator works directly with the AAR to make sure the person has the appropriate information on the potential applicant prior to the interview. After the interview, the AAR completes an interview evaluation form and sends the report back to Wooster. All reports become part of the applicant's file.

Contact Calls. The AAR Coordinator will ask volunteers to call students from their region who have shown a high degree of interest in The College of Wooster. AARs are asked to field questions, recommend a visit to campus, and encourage the student's application. Often, more than one contact will be made with the same student as he or she moves from inquirer to applicant to admitted student to matriculant.

Referrals. AARs alert the AAR Coordinator of high school students in their communities to whom Wooster material should be sent.

News Watch. To increase the number of qualified applicants, AARs are encouraged to watch the newspaper for news of talented high school students. AARs are asked to notify the AAR Coordinator so that appropriate Wooster materials can be sent to the student.

Expectations of Volunteers:

• Stay well informed about The College of Wooster by reading all materials sent to you (this will assist you as you answer students' questions).
• If you don't know an answer to a student's question, call the Office of Admissions at 1-800-877-9905 and ask the AAR Coordinator or an admissions counselor for assistance.
• Attend AAR meetings or training sessions in your area whenever possible.
• Respond promptly to the Coordinator's requests for student contact.
• Send the appropriate paperwork back to the AAR Coordinator after contacting a student.
• Inform the Coordinator of changes in your contact information or volunteer status.
• Endorse Wooster in all appropriate situations.
• Have fun meeting prospective students and their families!