It’s July and We’re Not Full

Still enrolling students for next year?
Then this one’s for you.

Fully enrolled by 9/1?
How about just close to budget?

I see you. I’ve been there—many of us have.

So, take lots of deep breaths and know you are not alone.

I was 26 when I became the admission director at a phenomenal boarding school. I started on July 1, having never worked in an admission office in any capacity. Somehow, I barely knew enough to ask:

“What’s our budget enrollment for next year?”
“290.”
“Where are we now?”
“250.”
“Any active applicants?”
“Not really.”

Cue: stress. Sleepless nights. A belief that I could fix it all by working more. Shooting forearm pain from too much typing and too little sleep. That summer was long.

I can’t even remember where we landed that year. But the next year? 300. The year after? 315.

Since then, I’ve had years with overflowing waitlists by March 11 and years chasing leads deep into August just to find one more student.

If you’re still grinding right now, here’s what you need to know:
You’re going to be just fine, especially if you make the time to do all? some? any? of the things that talented wellness enthusiasts like Heather Denniston encourage us to do.

Whether or not you hit the number, your Head, your CFO, your team—they’ll know you gave it your all.

And that’s all anyone can ask.

So keep grinding. Stay positive. Find some inner peace and take care of yourself.

And if you need to scream…
You know where to find me.