SLU admissions app to assist prospective students

CANTON — Applications have long been part of the college admissions process, but high school students interested in St. Lawrence University will have a different kind of "app" to try out this summer.

On Tuesday the college released free mobile application software, titled "St. Lawrence University: Office of Admissions," for smartphones and tablet computers. The college hopes the software will entice prospective students by increasing St. Lawrence's Web presence and strengthening communication between applicants and the office of admissions.

"It kind of pulls together a lot of information that prospective students will find really helpful — anything from finding out who their admissions counselor is to finding out if there's a college fair or off-campus interviews in their area," said Timothy J. Akers, senior assistant director of admission for the college. "More and more, schools are coming out with applications, but this application is really unique in that it's geared specifically towards prospective students."

The app, which is compatible with Apple iOS 3.1 and Android 1.5 or later operating systems, features a scarlet wheel of icons that provide information about various aspects of the university. Among the information featured in the app is a calendar of events, a Twitter feed, an interactive map and a checklist for applying to the school as well as video clips, news bulletins, athletic updates and listings of upcoming student activities.

The app also includes a searchable "find your counselor" function that allows students to contact their region's admissions counselor and submit contact details or request more information. According to Mr. Akers, the compilation of the app's content drew in contributions from groups as diverse as the student-run college YouTube channel and the athletic department.

"It really is a team effort on this application, especially with the content going into it," he said. "Speaking with prospective students, we put out feelers and there's definitely a lot of excitement about it."

To develop the app, St. Lawrence's admissions and information technology offices turned to Hobsons, a higher education marketing company with which the college has a long-standing relationship, and the Tulsa, Okla.-based Straxis Technologies. The software was almost a year in the making and includes a few fun features, such as a hidden game that can be accessed by clicking the college's shield insignia three times.

Rising junior Robert M. Meacham, a student ambassador for the college's admissions office, said he anticipates the app will be a big hit among prospective students. Mr. Meacham was one of a handful of SLU students who tested the software in May, giving it rave reviews before the official release Tuesday.

"So many people have iPhones and Droids, and with the popularity of smartphones and how our world is so interconnected, I think it was a really great step we took," he said. "We're right in their pocket; we're always there. I think it's a presence that's really important."

To download the app, visit the college's website.

ON THE NET

The app: http://stlawu.edu/admis/mobile