Education

Redesigning an Admissions Process for a University

Who are we working for?

The African Leadership University (ALU) is a pioneering higher education institution dedicated to developing the next generation of African leaders. With campuses in Mauritius and Rwanda, ALU offers a unique and innovative learning model that emphasizes real-world problem-solving, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial thinking. The university's curriculum is designed to be experiential and student-centered, encouraging learners to take ownership of their education and apply their knowledge to address the continent's most pressing challenges.

Problem in Context

Regarding the admissions process at the African Leadership University (ALU), many applicants begin but fail to complete it. Additionally, numerous candidates submit superficial responses to the essay questions. The admissions team observed that the students they selected previously exhibited significantly different mindsets. Consequently, they decided to revise the admissions process to attract more students with the mindset the school values and appreciates.

Persona

Ahmed Mwakalebela is a 19-year-old from Tanzania who believes in the power of innovation and software to transform Africa. Passionate about solving problems that make life more meaningful, he brings high energy and enthusiasm to his work. Ahmed is not only driven to execute his ideas but also has the ability to inspire and energize others around him. His commitment to impactful change and leadership makes him a promising young leader in Africa's future.

Data Collection

For our data collection phase, we conducted interviews with students who have either begun the admissions process or successfully completed it. Additionally, we distributed a survey to gather responses from a broader group.

300

Call Interviews

103

Survey Responses

What some people had to say

  • Ntwali

    I live in Kibeho it is located in the Nyaruguru District of the Southern Province of Rwanda. To get internt connection I need to walk to an internet cafe. It makes it very hard to keep up with the application

  • Ghislain

    I am Cameroonian so I speak both English and French and I am a master of none. I believe I gave up on the application when I had to write the essays. I kept getting stuck (writer’s block).

  • Fafa

    My family lives near our farms in Afram plains in Ghana. Its quite remote and we get very during some times in the year. I also did not get all the email reminders, is why I was unable to finish.

  • The ALU applicant needs a more accessible means of receiving all admissions announcements

    Point of View One

  • The ALU applicant needs chanel to ask questions and receive answers

    Point of View Two

  • The ALU admissions team needs a more streamlined process in order to be timely.

    Point of View Three

  • The ALU Student needs a prompt that will inspire creativity and critical thinking

    Point of View Four

Card Sorting Themes

Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point. If you sell something, use this space to describe it in detail and tell us why we should make a purchase. Tap into your creativity. You’ve got this.

Highest voted “Yes, and ….” Ideas

  • Admissions Handbook

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

  • Applicants Chat Room

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

  • Resume Template Form

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

  • Short Message Service

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

The End!