Helping Universities Reach Their Diversity Goals

A Discussion with Admissions Guru Co-Founder + Advisor Mark S. Kopenski

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International student enrollment is a billion-dollar industry. But how do universities keep up? They hire the experts. One example is Admissions Guru, a family-owned and operated business that pairs universities with agents worldwide who will then source these international students. Admissions Guru cultivates mutually beneficial relationships between universities and recruitment agencies to ensure universities meet their diversity goals.

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How Do International Students Help the US?

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According to the co-founder and advisor, Mark S. Kopenski, a diverse student population makes for a more interesting classroom filled with international viewpoints. Many US students do not have the opportunity to study abroad so being on campus with international students can help bridge that gap.

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“When these students return to their home countries, they take these fond memories with them and it ends up being good for diplomacy. They usually have a much more positive opinion about the US and its culture and people. Many of these students end up taking leadership roles in their countries and have a better relationship with the US because of their time at US schools.”

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Many international students decide to stay in the US after graduation and go on to have successful careers in their various fields, also benefiting the US.

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“One example that comes to mind is Elon Musk; he stayed long after finishing his studies in the US and Canada. We all know how much Elon Musk has contributed to the tech landscape and this may not have been possible without the opportunities he had in the US and Canada.”

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How does Admissions Guru work?

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Kopenski describes it as a match-making business that helps universities find agencies — and vice versa — to help international students find their ideal school.

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Why Should Universities Hire Recruitment Agencies?

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These third-party agencies already have the essential expertise and connections so it ends up being the more cost-effective option for universities as opposed to onboarding a dedicated staff.

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Recruitment agencies play a significant role in enrolling international students. Of the universities that use them, more than 50% of their international students come from these agents who recruit thousands of students yearly.

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The relationship between these universities and agencies is mutually beneficial. Since universities pay agencies a portion of the recruited students’ tuition, it is a lucrative business for these agents and ends up being a more cost-effective method for universities.

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These recruitment agencies act similarly to US high school guidance counselors which do not exist in many other countries. Many international parents are unfamiliar with the US college system and want to pay for these services so they receive the desired outcome.

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Thanks to Admissions Guru, universities can get closer to their diversity goals by pairing them with the right recruitment agencies that will guide international students to their dream schools in the US.

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Written by Michelle Hughes

Director of Public Relations, Admissions Guru

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