Predictive Modeling

How does Target Statistical Analysis (PlattForm's proprietary predictive modeling software) work?
A model which cannot absorb the array of variables applicable to today’s academic market will provide little useful information for your staff. Yet an overly complex model is often burdensome to use and does not easily complement your current marketing and recruiting operations. Recognizing this contradiction, TSA combines sophistication with simplicity to provide an adaptable and usable recruitment tool. The analysis centers upon concrete, objective characteristics of enrolled students in contrast to subjective data. The analysis statistically presents “who your institution is,” rather than “who your institution wants to be, should be, or could be.” Thus, the analysis provides the analytical foundation upon which to build your enrollment strategies, and enhances the successful implementation of those strategies.

Profiling Your Institution
Once you have decided to participate in the TSA program, an in-depth evaluation of your enrollment will begin. Founded on the recognition that one size does not fit all, TSA is designed to identify and analyze the characteristics that are unique to your school and student body, beginning with a scientific statistical analysis of your current new student database. This analysis of your current new student inquiries, applicants and enrollees determines the most successful yield rates of various combinations of student characteristics.

A Target Statistical Analysis provides a strategic foundation upon which to implement an institution’s marketing and enrollment plan.

The Analysis:

• Provides a predictive enrollment ranking by clusters and by individual prospects
• Encourages a cost-effective approach for communication strategies
• Supports initiatives in financial aid leveraging, retention and new market development

What is the key to successful academic marketing?
Because every institution—like every individual—is unique, effectively matching the right student prospect to the right institution is a complex process. Thus, identifying and recruiting prospective students whose interests, characteristics, and goals complement those of your school is key to successful recruitment and retention. Precisely targeted recruiting will not only help you enroll more students in your school, it will help ensure that your new students retention through graduation.

What enrollment management tool best facilitates such targeted recruiting?
Predictive modeling—a valued tool of the corporate world—has been applied to the academic market with outstanding results, ensuring its stature as the enrollment management tool of the 21st century. Based on a statistical analysis designed specifically for the higher education market, PlattForm Higher Education’s predictive modeling provides a comprehensive and flexible tool for determining which prospective students match your school’s current new student profile and are most likely to enroll at—and graduate from— your institution. While no predictive tool can be 100% accurate, a carefully designed model, personalized for your school’s unique characteristics, can significantly improve your recruitment success. By converting your own data into an effective forecasting tool, predictive modeling gives you control of your future today.

Rating Your Student Prospects
Your institutional rating profile allows us to identify the “Best Match”—the student prospect who matches the characteristics of a successful matriculant at your school. We can then compare each prospect to that ideal and determine how closely he or she matches your profile. Designations of “Best Match,” “Good Match” and “Doubtful Match” indicate the likelihood of each individual to enroll at your school.

Using the Analysis and Rating Profile
Predictive modeling focuses on giving you control of your enrollment strategies. In addition, TSA implementation includes a software program easily accessible through the internet (from your computer) so control remains in your hands.

The TSA program allows you to enter inquiries into the system and then receive ratings for each inquiry based on PlattForm’s statistical analysis of your institution. The program’s features allow single-entry input, importing of batches of names, exporting of names, and printing of a variety of listings with accompanying labels. Thus, you can rate prospective students in-house, at your convenience, throughout the year.