"Admissions Sorting Wizard"

A hybrid tool combining the Admissions Fit Score and the Wizard Concept to provide a personalized, guided experience that evaluates a user's fit with their target schools.

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Overview

The Admissions Sorting Wizard walks users through a series of questions about their academic, extracurricular, and personal backgrounds, then generates a tailored "Admissions Fit Score" for each selected school. The wizard also provides actionable insights and personalized recommendations to enhance their application.

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Key Features

1. Guided Input Process:

   • Users answer a step-by-step series of engaging questions about:
     • Academics: GPA, test scores, coursework rigor.
     • Extracurriculars: Clubs, leadership roles, volunteer work.
     • Essays/Personal Brand: Strength of narrative or unique experiences.
     • Preferences: School size, location, culture, etc.

2. Dynamic Admissions Fit Score:

   • After input is collected, the wizard generates a score (0-100) for each selected school based on:
     • How well their profile matches the school’s admissions criteria.
     • Benchmarks from real accepted students (e.g., average GPA, test scores).
     • The user’s stated preferences (e.g., a high fit for Stanford if they value innovation and entrepreneurship).

3. Actionable Insights:

   • Breaks down the score with specific strengths and areas for improvement:
     • Example: "Your GPA and test scores are on par with Harvard’s average, but adding leadership experience could strengthen your application."

4. School Comparison Dashboard:

   • Radar chart visualization showing how the user compares to their top schools across key dimensions (academics, extracurriculars, etc.).
   • Allows users to toggle between schools and prioritize their applications.

5. Call-to-Action:

   • Recommendations link directly to Leland coaching services:
     • “Struggling with your essays? Book a session with one of our top admissions coaches.”
     • “Need help improving your extracurricular profile? Let a coach guide you!”

6. Email Lead Generation:

   • Users can save their results and insights by entering their email, generating high-quality leads for Leland.

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Value to Users

• Personalized, data-driven feedback that feels tailored and actionable.
• Encourages strategic decision-making on where to apply and how to strengthen applications.
• Offers clarity and confidence in navigating a complex, high-pressure process.

Value to Leland

• Generates high-quality leads interested in coaching.
• Highlights the direct value of Leland's services by addressing user pain points (e.g., essays, leadership development).
• Aligns perfectly with Leland’s branding and core offerings.

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Why It Works

The combination of guided input (Wizard) and data visualization (Fit Score) creates an interactive and engaging experience. Users feel empowered with insights, while Leland is positioned as the next logical step in achieving their admissions goals.

When to Use a Radar Chart

• Best for: Visualizing strengths and weaknesses across multiple categories in a compact, easily comparable format.
• Why it works for this use case:
  • Admissions Fit involves several distinct dimensions (academics, extracurriculars, essays, preferences).
  • Users can quickly see which areas need improvement.
  • Multiple school profiles can be overlaid for comparison.

emphasize profile comparisons across multiple dimensions and encourage visual exploration.

MVP

For the MVP of the widget, a progressive/dynamic input flow would likely provide more value to the user, even if it's a simpler implementation. Here’s why:

Benefits of a Progressive/Dynamic Input Flow

1. Personalized Experience:

   • Users feel guided through the process as the widget adapts based on their input.
   • This approach aligns with the idea of a "wizard" and enhances engagement.

2. Simplifies Decision-Making:

   • By presenting one input field at a time, users are less likely to feel overwhelmed.
   • Each step can be accompanied by context or tips (e.g., "Enter your GPA to see how you compare to top schools").

3. Encourages Completion:

   • Users are more likely to complete the form when they interact with a dynamic interface that feels conversational.
   • Progress indicators (e.g., "Step 2 of 5") provide a sense of achievement.

4. Better Data Collection:

   • Allows for conditional logic (e.g., "If GPA is below X, suggest schools where extracurriculars carry more weight").
   • Captures more accurate data as users focus on one aspect at a time.

Example Flow

Progressive Input Flowchart

Step 1: Welcome Screen

• Display a brief introduction to the tool:
  "Welcome to the Admissions Sorting Wizard! Let's find the best schools for you."
• Button: “Start”

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Step 2: Academic Performance

• Prompt: “What’s your current GPA?”
• Input Field: GPA (Slider or manual input)
• Dynamic Tip:
  • If GPA < 3.5: “Consider schools where extracurriculars or essays carry more weight.”
  • If GPA ≥ 3.5: “Great! You’re on track for competitive programs.”
• Button: “Next”

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Step 3: Standardized Test Scores

• Prompt: “Enter your SAT or ACT scores.”
• Input Field: SAT/ACT ranges (Dropdown or manual entry)
• Dynamic Tip:
  • Low scores: “Focus on strong essays and recommendations to stand out.”
  • High scores: “Impressive! Let’s see how your profile aligns further.”
• Button: “Next”

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Step 4: Extracurricular Involvement

• Prompt: “Tell us about your extracurriculars. Do you hold leadership roles?”
• Input Options:
  • Multiple-choice: Leadership, Community Service, Clubs, Athletics, etc.
  • Checkbox for “I lead a team or group.”
• Dynamic Tip:
  • Strong involvement: “Your leadership will impress top schools.”
  • Limited involvement: “Consider emphasizing unique personal achievements.”
• Button: “Next”

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Step 5: Personal Essays

• Prompt: “Have you drafted your personal statement or essays?”
• Input Options: Yes/No toggle.
  • If “Yes”: Suggest resources to refine it.
  • If “No”: Recommend starting early with guidance from a coach.
• Button: “Next”

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Step 6: Letters of Recommendation

• Prompt: “Do you have recommenders lined up? Who are they?”
• Input Options: Dropdown for roles (e.g., Teacher, Counselor, Employer).
• Dynamic Tip:
  • “Strong recommendations from mentors who know you well can significantly boost your application.”
• Button: “See Results”

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Step 7: Results Dashboard (Radar Chart Display)

• Radar Chart:
  • Visualizes fit for selected schools across dimensions: GPA, Test Scores, Extracurriculars, Essays, and Recommendations.
  • Highlights strengths and improvement areas.
• Call-to-Action: “Want personalized help? Connect with a Leland coach today!”

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Pitch Deck for the Admissions Sorting Wizard

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Slide 1: Title

Admissions Sorting Wizard
Personalized insights to boost your admissions success.

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Slide 2: Problem

• Applicants often feel uncertain about their chances of admission.
• Lack of personalized, actionable feedback on where to focus efforts.
• Overwhelming decision-making process when selecting schools.

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Slide 3: Solution

The Admissions Sorting Wizard

• A guided tool that evaluates a user’s profile against their dream schools.
• Provides a personalized Admissions Fit Score and actionable recommendations.
• Visualizes strengths and weaknesses with radar charts, making insights intuitive and actionable.

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Slide 4: How It Works

1. Step-by-Step Input: Users provide info on academics, extracurriculars, essays, and preferences.
2. Dynamic Scoring: Generates a Fit Score (0-100) for selected schools.
3. Data Visualization: Radar charts show how the user compares to school benchmarks.
4. Actionable Insights: Recommendations to improve weak areas and boost success.

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Slide 5: User Experience

• Interactive Wizard: Friendly, easy-to-navigate steps for data entry.
• Visual Feedback: Radar chart displays gaps and strengths.
• Clear Next Steps: “Improve your Fit Score—work with a Leland coach!”

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Slide 6: Value Creation

• For Users: Personalized, data-driven feedback tailored to their goals.
• For Leland:
  • Generates high-quality leads interested in coaching.
  • Positions Leland as a trusted partner for admissions success.

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Slide 7: Data Visualization Example

(Insert mock radar chart showing 3 schools with dimensions like GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, etc.)

• Highlight user strengths (e.g., “Test scores: 90th percentile”) and weaknesses (e.g., “Leadership: below average”).

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Slide 8: Call-to-Action

• Users: “Find out how you match with your dream schools today!”
• Leland Coaches: “Ready to boost your Fit Score? Book a session now!”