For further guidance on how to design your conversation, click here.
The 'Partial Applications' campaign is vital for re-engaging learners. Often the first contact made to the learner, it keeps them engaged and opens a messaging channel available to them until they are retained. Once you have started a conversation with a learner on WhatsApp, they can then use that channel to come back and ask questions at any point during their application journey with you.
Scroll to the bottom of this article for more structural and formatting guidance for this campaign.
Here is the opening template of our tried and tested Partial Applications:
Hey, {name}, Jenni here from {college} 👋 Just thought I'd drop in to see if you were still planning on applying to join us?
1 Definitely!
2 I've already applied!
3 I have a few questions about joining you...
4 I don't want to apply anymore
It’s important to have a call to action at the end of every template. If you end with an open question such as, ‘What’s on your mind’, this will lead to an abundance of responses which will all need to be answered on a case by case basis through your Queries.
However, by offering Menu Options, you can create a chatbot that will answer questions in bulk for you. You can pre-empt student questions and answer them within the chatbot.
If the student is unsure or has some questions before completing their application, you use common FAQ's to help them. For example,
What’s on your mind?
Interviews
Events
Travel
Financial Support
Something Else
If the student is planning on completing their application, you can respond with some positive language followed by quick instructions of how/where to apply. For example,
Great to hear! You can complete your application by clicking this (link). Do you have any questions about joining us?
Yes
No
If the student is thinking about withdrawing their application, you can then ask them their reasoning. For example,
I'm sorry to hear that. Why are you thinking about withdrawing?
Grades
Financial support
Travel
Other offers
Something else
This will give you the opportunity to provide more information about a specific concern before the student makes their final decision.
Finally, when ending a chatbot, it is important to tell the students what to do if they have any further questions. For example;
I hope I was able to help, if you have any further questions please contact us on (number) or (email).
Partial Applications Example Format
You can use the format below as inspiration for designing a Partial Applications conversation.
Hey, {name}, Jenni here from {college} 👋 Just thought I'd drop in to see if you were still planning on applying to join us?
1 Definitely!
2 I've already applied!
3 I have a few questions about joining you...
4 I don't want to apply anymore
If the student is going to apply/has already applied:
{Positive language} {Next steps of how to complete application or what happens once application is complete} Do you have any questions about joining us?
Yes
No
If the student has questions surrounding the topic:
What’s on your mind?
1. {Common FAQ 1)
2. {Common FAQ 2)
3. {Common FAQ 3)
4. Something else
If the student wants to withdraw:
{empathetic language around withdrawing} Why are you thinking about withdrawing?
{Common withdrawal reason 1}
{Common withdrawal reason 2}
{Common withdrawal reason 3}
Something else
Once they have selected their reasoning:
{more information around topic selected} Are you sure you want to withdraw?
Yes
No
If the student wants to withdraw:
{thanking them for confirming} {Next steps internally, updating records and good luck message}
If the student changes their mind about withdrawing:
{thanking them for confirming} {Who to speak to if they want more support}