How an Application "Momentum Week" Could Boost Completion Rates

Colleges send reminder after reminder to students with incomplete applications. Yet, every year, thousands of students start applications they never finish—not because they don’t want to apply, but because they:

• Get stuck on one part of the application

• Feel unsure if their materials are good enough

• Keep putting it off and suddenly realize the deadline has passed

What if, instead of more deadline-driven pressure, colleges created a dedicated, supportive window to help students complete their applications—on their own timeline and without stress?

The Concept: A Low-Stress, High-Support “Momentum Week”

For one week, colleges could offer extra encouragement and resources to help incomplete applicants cross the finish line.

First, give it a name. Make this an event for your students. You might call this:

• Final Push Week

• Wrap It Up Week

• Final Step Sprint

• The Final Countdown (cue the music)

Or bring in your mascot for something memorable.

Next, select your offerings and communicate it well. This might include:

✅ Application fee deferrals—Submit now, pay later if you enroll

✅ Live Q&A support—Admissions staff available for real-time help

✅ One-click transcript requests—Help students remove roadblocks

✅ Text a Tip line —A text hotline where students can ask quick, easy questions

So instead of “Act now before it’s too late!”, the messaging shifts to:

• "Let’s get this done together."

• "You’re already this close—let’s finish strong."

• "Still stuck? We’re here to help!"

Why This Works for Gen Z

1️⃣ It Reduces Decision Paralysis

For many students, the problem isn’t that they don’t want to apply—it’s that they feel overwhelmed by the process. Offering a dedicated week of support makes it easier to take action without pressure.

2️⃣ It Creates a Collaborative Experience

Instead of feeling like they’re alone in the process, students see that others are also finishing their applications, creating a sense of shared momentum.

3️⃣ It Removes Small Barriers That Cause Big Delays

Sometimes, one small missing piece—like a transcript, an essay, or a forgotten login—stalls the whole application. Giving students an easy way to get support can help them move forward without frustration.

What Colleges Get in Return

• Higher completion rates: A well-timed "Momentum Week" gives students the final nudge they need to finish.

• Better engagement with prospective students: Colleges can strengthen relationships with students by showing up as partners in the process, not just deadline enforcers.

• Valuable insights into applicant behavior: Tracking which students respond, what questions they ask, and where they get stuck helps refine future outreach strategies.

How to Make It Work

• Clear Communication: Students need to understand the opportunity, what’s being offered, and how they can take advantage of it.

• No Gimmicks: This isn’t a "limited-time offer"—it’s a genuine effort to help students complete what they started.

• Tech Support Readiness: If you’re expecting a wave of last-minute submissions, make sure your systems and staff are ready to handle the volume.

Final Thoughts

Not every student who leaves their application unfinished is uninterested—many just need one more nudge or a little extra help.

A well-designed "Application Momentum Week" shifts the approach from urgency-driven pressure to supportive encouragement—helping students take action on their own terms.

The question isn’t "How do we push students to apply?"—it’s "How do we support them so they can finish with confidence?"