Session 4 - 8/27/26

Yield and Retention

The work of music admissions does not end with an admit letter. This final lesson focuses on how admissions teams help admitted students become enrolled students — and how that work connects to student success after the deposit.

Participants will explore yield strategy, admitted-student communication, marketing, summer melt, orientation, and the handoff from admissions to the offices and people who support students after they enroll.


What this session covers

  • how yield strategy supports incoming class goals

  • how marketing and communication influence admitted student decisions

  • how faculty, admissions staff, financial aid, and student services contribute to yield

  • what summer melt is and how admissions teams can help reduce it

  • how the handoff to registrar, advising, orientation, housing, financial aid, and music faculty affects retention

Participants will leave with

  • how yield strategy supports incoming class goals

  • how marketing and communication influence admitted student decisions

  • how faculty, admissions staff, financial aid, and student services contribute to yield

  • what summer melt is and how admissions teams can help reduce it

  • how the handoff to registrar, advising, orientation, housing, financial aid, and music faculty affects retention

Help admitted students take the next step toward enrollment.

Series Overview

Session 1: Big Picture Basics

Start with the foundations: the admissions funnel, the rhythm of the admissions calendar, and the ethical responsibilities that shape student recruitment.

Session 2: Applications and Applicants

Explore enrollment goals, conversion strategy, and the data and marketing practices that help move prospects and inquiries toward application.

Session 3: Auditions and Decisions

Take a closer look at audition logistics, admissions decision-making, and the scholarship and financial aid processes that influence enrollment outcomes.

Session 4: Yield and Retention

Focus on strategies for yielding the incoming class, connecting marketing to enrollment outcomes, and understanding the handoff from admissions to student success and retention.