1. To Size Up Colleges, Students Now Shop Online Summary Oz Michaeli Group A

2. How the internet is changing our lives Only a few years ago, the internet was far from what it is today Only a few years ago, the internet was far from what it is today Today we rely on it for just about everything Today we rely on it for just about everything The internet has also completely altered the way students and parents are looking for colleges. The internet has also completely altered the way students and parents are looking for colleges.

3. Interactivity  It is not enough anymore to just have a website, it must have useful and interactive features.  Flashy graphics are not enough to keep up anymore.  Colleges use blogs and podcasts to stay in touch with potential students.  College sites must keep up with today’s internet savvy students.

4. First Impressions A website is usually the first thing a potential student will see when learning about a new school. A website is usually the first thing a potential student will see when learning about a new school. Web presence must make a good impression and be informative. Web presence must make a good impression and be informative. Some schools are creating customized homepages for potential students. Some schools are creating customized homepages for potential students.

5. Search Engines Search engine rankings can greatly affect a school’s popularity. Many colleges ask for specific search engines/keywords used when searching for the school when surveying entering students. Site must be constantly updated and renewed to keep up with the competition

6. College Portals College search portals such as www.collegeboard.com are a great tool when searching the forest of colleges out there. College search portals such as www.collegeboard.com are a great tool when searching the forest of colleges out there. www.collegeboard.com Make information about each school much more accessible and easily searchable Make information about each school much more accessible and easily searchable Better college matches lead to lower drop out rates Better college matches lead to lower drop out rates

7. Paper still holds Although the internet has become an important tool, it does not completely replace the glossy brochures and campus tours. Although the internet has become an important tool, it does not completely replace the glossy brochures and campus tours. Many officials still rely on old-fashioned methods to attract applicants Many officials still rely on old-fashioned methods to attract applicants

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