The College T: A ‘Neutral Zone’ For College Connections
The College T is one of the newest Web sites where students can talk up college with college students. Originally founded to help Connecticut high school graduates during the pandemic, The College T’s outreach has now extended beyond The Nutmeg State. The current concept of the site is simple. College students and graduates register for no charge to be ambassadors for their school. High school students register at no charge to interact with the ambassadors.
The College T is a useful site for those want to learn more about a school, but do not want to be solicited by marketers. Different college sites such as College Confidential, Niche and Unigo have different business models. Parents get involved in discussions on College Confidential. Niche and Unigo collect data and reviews, but also provide scholarships and scholarship information, and send marketing information. Colleges set up Facebook pages for accepted students to chat amongst themselves. Colleges have also set up admissions blogs. The College T allows students to arrange to meet ambassadors off site at a mutually convenient time.
I had the opportunity to interview George Copley, a founder of The College T Web site. Please listen in.
Having worked in the software business, serving the college market, I had several questions to start:
- What was the impetus to start College T?
- When did the site launch?
- How many student ambassadors have signed up to interact with prospective high school and transfer students?
- How do you market to potential ambassadors and users?
- Do you have plans to monetize the site? If so, how?
George was a more than willing interviewee, who answered these questions, and more.
But there’s one thing to remember. The free advice that you re getting from the people who post or arrange to meet through Web platforms is unique to the person who gives it. You must consider what you need from a college, whether it be academics, financial aid, a meaningful activity, the right location, and more.
In a sense, The College T is better than talking to a tour guide on campus. The ambassador is not working off a script from her school, though she is more likely to be positive than negative about her college. However, it is a good idea to gather as many opinions as possible from current students as well as recent grads to help you make a decision.
Need help on the journey to college? Contact me at stuart@educatedquest.com or call me at 609-406-0062.
Want to know more about me? Check out these podcasts!
Listen to my talk, College Is A Learning AND Living Community, hosted by Dr. Cynthia Colon from Destination YOUniversity on Voice of America Radio!
Listen to my talk, What Exactly Is a Good College? hosted by test-prep experts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin on Tests And The Rest!
