EdTech and Pancakes

Every admissions team is working hard. But somewhere between the first inquiry and enrollment, students disappear. This conversation is about why that happens, and what the institutions getting it right are doing differently.EdTech and Pancakes is a podcast by DreamApply about admissions, student recruitment, and the trends reshaping higher education. In this episode, Razmik Sargsyan sits down with Akos Kiraly, Prokurist at SRH Higher Education, one of the leading providers of private higher education in Germany and the Netherlands, serving over 23,000 students across five universities and more than 100 study programs.Akos has spent 15 years on both sides of international student recruitment. He came to Germany as an international student himself and now leads international growth strategy for one of Germany's largest private university groups. SRH has been a DreamApply partner for several years, and in this conversation Akos speaks from direct experience about what works, what doesn't, and what most institutions are still getting wrong.TOPICS COVERED00:00 A glimpse of the episode02:11 Welcome and introduction04:37 The SRH merger: what changed overnight for admissions07:08 How DreamApply supported the merger through co-creation11:18 Every intake is almost a new generation14:43 How global instability is reshaping student psychology15:44 From the Big 4 to the Big 14: Germany's moment19:14 What today's applicants actually want as proof of ROI25:30 Domestic vs international students: different recruitment principles27:21 When marketing brings the lead and admissions closes it28:44 Education has the value of a car — and should be treated like it31:09 The 3 KPIs admissions and marketing teams must align on33:09 Focus groups: the most underused tool in higher education34:12 How SRH uses DreamApply and what co-creation really means36:32 How to get the most out of your admissions system39:40 What takes most time in admissions and how technology helps42:06 AI in admissions: putting handcuffs on the right decisions42:36 Why consistency across 12 to 15 months matters more than most think44:06 The applicant launching 5 to 7 applications simultaneously45:06 Word of mouth starts at the application stage47:45 What most admissions leaders won't admit about their role in sales52:02 Automation vs personalization: how to combine both57:00 What Akos wishes he had known 10 years ago59:16 Exporting German higher education: a new way to think about growth01:00:22 Closing reflectionsRESOURCESRequest your free Smart Admissions Plan:https://www.dreamapply.com/personalized-admissions-plan?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=akos_kiralyBook a demo:https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=akos_kiralyExplore case studies:https://www.dreamapply.com/case-studies?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=akos_kiralyRead the blog:https://www.dreamapply.com/blog?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=akos_kiralyABOUT DREAMAPPLYFounded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply seeks to simplify the admissions process for educational institutions and millions of applicants globally. More than 300 educational institutions in more than 40 countries have benefited from DreamApply's application management software to improve admissions and related processes. DreamApply's easy-to-use and customizable software is known to increase international student enrollment by 50% and reduce application processing time by 40% on average. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort.

In this episode of EdTech & Pancakes, host Razmik Sargsyan speaks with Isidora Andjus, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor at École Polytechnique, one of France's most prestigious engineering schools and one of DreamApply's latest partners. Isidora shares what student recruitment looks like at an institution where selectivity is the strategy, and candidates are C-level executives with nearly two decades of professional experience.The conversation covers the challenges of recruiting a niche, high-value audience, the importance of a fluid and personalized admissions process, and why Isidora's closing advice applies to any admissions professional regardless of country: automate what you can, and put your human energy where only you can make a difference.If you work in admissions or student recruitment and are looking to streamline your process, DreamApply offers a free Personalized Admissions Plan to help you identify the most impactful improvements for your specific context. DreamApply works with partners across 40+ countries, including France.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:53 Isidora's journey and role at École Polytechnique05:40 Day-to-day work and primary challenges10:18 Mistakes to avoid in international student recruitment16:36 Qualities of an effective international student recruiter18:27 How and why École Polytechnique chose DreamApply23:17 The most surprising benefit of DreamApply25:27 What makes student recruitment in France unique28:39 Advice for institutions looking to streamline admissions31:15 One insight to walk away withRequest a free demo: https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastGet a free Personalized Admissions Plan: https://www.dreamapply.com/personalized-admissions-plan?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastMore podcast episodes: https://www.dreamapply.com/podcast?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast---Dans cet épisode d'EdTech & Pancakes, Razmik Sargsyan s'entretient avec Isidora Andjus, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor à l'École Polytechnique, l'une des grandes écoles les plus prestigieuses de France et l'un des derniers partenaires de DreamApply. Isidora partage ce que représente le recrutement étudiant dans un établissement où la sélectivité est au coeur de la stratégie, avec des promotions limitées à 36 participants et des candidats dirigeants avec près de vingt ans d'expérience.La conversation aborde les défis du recrutement d'un public de niche à haute valeur, l'importance d'un processus fluide et personnalisé, et pourquoi le conseil final d'Isidora s'applique à tout professionnel de l'admission: automatisez ce qui peut l'être, et concentrez votre énergie là où vous seul pouvez faire la différence.DreamApply propose un Plan d'Admission Personnalisé gratuit pour vous aider à identifier les améliorations les plus impactantes pour votre contexte. DreamApply collabore avec des partenaires dans plus de 40 pays, dont la France.Plan d'Admission Personnalisé gratuit: https://www.dreamapply.com/personalized-admissions-plan?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastDemandez une démo gratuite: https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast

In this episode of EdTech & Pancakes, host Razmik Sargsyan speaks with Lauri Elevant, Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder of DreamApply. As DreamApply marks its 15th anniversary, they discuss the platform’s evolution and how it currently supports educational institutions with different needs: increasing qualified applicants, managing high-volume admissions and dealing with other marketing and student recruitment pain points.Drawing on DreamApply's experience with 300+ educational institutions in over 40 countries, Lauri shares practical principles and advice on the technology of admissions that the higher ed community can apply in 2026. The CTO also explains DreamApply’s careful approach to AI and how it manifests in DreamApply's new feature, the AI Highlighter.𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 1: 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚00:00 Lauri Elevant and 15 years of building admissions tech01:03 The origin and evolution of DreamApply03:30 DreamApply's applicant-focused approach05:43 Sense of mission in the DreamApply team06:49 "We can't fail them": deadlines and last-day submissions09:04 Equality and access to education as motivation for team DreamApply 10:17 DreamApply's software and what problems it solves in 202610:51 2 kinds of educational institutions and their priorities 11:47 What all universities and DreamApply clients have in common13:24 DreamApply's priority with new clients: help save time first, then streamline more𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 2: 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨16:41 3 layers to increasing qualified applicants17:01 Layer 1: reduce the chance of losing high-value applicants17:43 Layer 2: address the attention span of applicants18:35 Remove friction for applicants and smoothen their ride19:37 Layer 3: marketing tools and meaningful analytics20:37 Cost and source per successful candidate, not clicks or vanity metrics21:38 Integrating DreamApply with offline campaigns𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 3: 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝-𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣22:38 Saving time in high-volume and high-pressure contexts23:17 Staying fair to applicants while automating workflows24:14 The logic of objective ranking and scoring algorithms 25:44 The video interview solution26:25 Keeping admissions teams in power and solving the quota problem28:16 Hybrid approach: bulk vs. live admissions29:17 Post-evaluation communication with different applicants𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 4: 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙙𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣30:48 Personalized solutions for different educational institutions32:57 How DreamApply features are made with and for universities 35:38 Navigating the technological limitations of old systems38:17 The role of setup managers in ensuring adoption success 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 5: 𝘼𝙄 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨, 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙮'𝙨 𝘼𝙄 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧40:32 What's most misunderstood about admissions by the higher ed community ?41:40 Lauri's concerns about premature use of AI in admissions: signal vs. noise43:42 The risk of fraud and impertinence of motivation letters46:22 Positive possibilities of AI in admissions with proper guardrails48:00 DreamApply's new tool: the AI Highlighter48:30 How the name "highlighter" carries DreamApply's AI philosophy50:17 Putting "handcuffs" on AI for objectiveness and legal reasons50:56 Multiple ways to increase accuracy57:51 How to use AI as a force multiplier for smart teams 1:01:13 What the AI Highlighter makes it possible for DreamApply users?𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣1:07:38 What is Lauri most excited about in terms of DreamApply's journey in 2026 1:12:55 CTO's advice: choose stability over revolution𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼👉 https://www.dreamapply.com/?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast #EdTech #Admissions #HigherEducation #StudentRecruitment #AI #DreamApply #AdmissionsManagement

Admissions can’t take months anymore. Students expect clarity fast.In this episode of EdTech and Pancakes, Dr. Bert Wolfs, Academic Dean of SBS Swiss Business School, explains why traditional admissions timelines no longer match student expectations and how universities can adapt to stay competitive in a global market.We discuss the future of international higher education, the rise of “educational shopping,” shifting student behavior, AI readiness in universities, the role of data in enrollment decisions, and what an entrepreneurial mindset looks like inside admissions teams.This episode also touches on resilience, mental well-being, skill gaps, intrapreneurship, and other topics.SBS Swiss Business School is part of DreamApply’s global community of institutions optimizing their admissions workflows with DreamApply's software. Dr. Wolfs shares how SBS uses DreamApply not only to manage applications, but to understand where students struggle, improve communication, and make data-driven enrollment decisions.This conversation is relevant for admissions directors, international offices, enrollment managers, higher education strategists, EdTech professionals and enthusiasts who want practical insights into faster, clearer and more student-centered admissions.⸻About DreamApplyFounded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply seeks to simplify the admissions process for educational institutions and millions of applicants globally.More than 300 educational institutions in more than 40 countries have benefited from DreamApply’s application management software to improve admissions and related processes.DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software is known to increase international student enrollment by 50% and reduce application processing time by 40% on average. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort.⸻Want a more efficient and student-friendly admissions strategy?👉 Get a free Smart Admissions Plan: https://www.dreamapply.com/personalized-admissions-plan/🌍 Learn more about DreamApply: https://www.dreamapply.com📆 Book a free demo: https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo⸻Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bert Wolfs, Academic Dean of SBS01:42 How did you move from corporate life into academia?04:21 What defines SBS Swiss Business School and what makes it distinct?06:27 How international higher education will evolve in the next decade12:15 What universities should understand about AI and accuracy14:39 Biggest mistakes in admissions management17:01 Attraction vs conversion: where educational institutions lose applicants21:13 What today’s applicants are really looking for26:47 How AI and automation will influence graduate career paths29:30 Intrapreneurship vs entrepreneurship for future talent32:20 What an entrepreneurial mindset means for admissions and enrollment teams33:55 The strategic importance of DreamApply for Swiss Business School 35:32 How to use DreamApply beyond application processing38:01 Which parts of admissions will change most in the next 5 years39:07 The role of technology in ensuring resilience for educational institutions42:13 Principles for strategic automation44:07 If you could impose one rule on higher education45:00 Final advice: Dr. Wolfs recommends DreamApply#higered #admssions #switzerland #education #management #productivity #software #studentrecruitment #enrollment #studentenrollment #DreamApply #edtech #internationaleducation #podcast #tips

What does it take to succeed in international admissions while staying grounded?In this episode of EdTech & Pancakes, recorded at Corvinus University of Budapest, we speak with Viktória Kulman-Bundy, International Student Recruitment Executive, and Adriana Villalobos, International Admissions Executive.Together, we explore their personal journeys, how their roles complement each other, and what it really takes to attract the right students — while staying collaborative and purpose-driven in an evolving higher education landscape.They also reflect on the behind-the-scenes complexity of student recruitment and admissions, the importance of team dynamics, and how tools like DreamApply help simplify communication and streamline processes for both students and staff.If you work in student recruitment, international admissions, or higher education marketing, this episode is for you.Segments00:00 Intro 00:30 Introduction to the podcast guests02:06 From an international student to an international recruiter03:38 What’s misunderstood about working in admissions 10:30 Why tools like DreamApply are essential for modern admissions teams12:12 Why Hungary and Corvinus attract international students15:03 How to boost efficiency and save time in admissions management16:30 Prioritizing well-being as a productivity hack18:27 Final tips for admissions and higher ed professionals📌 Learn more about DreamApply, book a free demo, explore case studies, blogs, podcast episodes and more at https://www.dreamapply.com/💡 Want small changes that lead to big admissions results?Request a Smart Admissions Plan, a resource packed with actionable tips and insights tailored for busy admissions teams.https://www.dreamapply.com/smart-admissions-plan/⸻#EdTech #HigherEducation #StudentRecruitment #AdmissionsStrategy #DreamApply #InternationalAdmissions #UniversityMarketing #AdmissionsLeadership #DigitalAdmissions #EdTechAndPancakes

Are you looking for a better way to manage your the admissions process at your educational institution? In this episode of EdTech and Pancakes, we sit down with Rita Csuri-Magosi and Emília Szörényi from the University of Szeged to uncover their practical strategies for:✔️ Building trust in high-pressure admissions environments✔️ Using tools like DreamApply to humanize and digitize workflows✔️ Balancing automation with a personal touch✔️ Avoiding common mistakes like low requirements, complex forms or unclear processesDreamApply is an admissions management platform tested by over 300 educational institutions in 40 countries. It enables educational institutions to automate application workflows, personalize applicant communication and convert more qualified applicants while delivering a transparent and user-friendly experience.𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲? Get a free, personalized admissions strategy tailored to your institution's goals and challenges. No fluff. No pressure. Just smart, actionable insights.👉 Start here: https://www.dreamapply.com/personalized-admissions-plan/🌍 Learn more: https://www.dreamapply.com📆 Book a free demo: https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬00:00 Intro00:18 Meet the guests: Rita and Emília from Szeged02:50 Szeged's unique approach to admissions04:14 Using tools to humanize the process04:57 Navigating the pressure of decision-making 07:10 DreamApply as a holistic admissions tool08:44 DreamApply's CRM functions 09:50 Optimizing the overall process of admissions10:42 Raising application fees as a filter11:42 Justifying fees & how DreamApply helps12:45 Simplifying & future-proofing procedures14:04 Mistake to avoid: asking too many questions 15:08 Mistake to avoid: setting low fees and requirements17:24 Balancing automation with personalization18:58 Chatbots and AI 19:47 Using DreamApply to sustain a personal touch 21:10 Tip: make things intuitive 22:34 Tip: digitize your process with DreamApply#AdmissionsSoftware #studentrecruitment #edtech #educationmarketing #DreamApply #StudentEnrollment #UniversityAdmissions #DigitalAdmissions #StudyInHungary #EdTechAndPancakes #UniversityOfSzeged #Hungary

In this episode of EdTech & Pancakes, we sit down with Cuong (Chris) Hoang, CEO of Saigon Business School (SBS), to explore Vietnam’s rise as a global study destination and the role of technology in modernizing admissions and international student recruitment.𝐒𝐞𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬00:00 Taste of the episode01:36 Introducing Cuong (Chris) Hoang, CEO of Saigon Business School06:28 Less need for agents & the more need for stronger admissions systems09:27 What makes Vietnam an attractive study destination13:14 How Saigon Business School boosts internationalization 16:42 Top challenges of attracting international applicants to Southeast Asia20:07 3 biggest mistakes universities in the region make in international student recruitment24:27 The role of right tools and software27:07 Why SBS decided to use DreamApply29:58 What excites Cuong most about the future of SBS with DreamApply31:21 What’s preventing Southeast Asian universities from digitising their systems faster33:43 How DreamApply helps its clients maximise benefits34:29 The role of automation in admissions36:25 DreamApply's automations, GDPR & personalization 37:07 How to reduce incomplete applications41:06 How DreamApply encourages applicants to take the next step 42:13 How to attract the right applicants44:55 Concluding remarksLearn more about Saigon Business School at https://sbsedu.vn/𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬?Learn about DreamApply's admissions management software, explore resources such as our podcast, case studies & blog and request a free demo. Join 300 educational institutions in 40 countries that enroll more students with less effort using DreamApply's award winning software.👉 https://buff.ly/067Qfjx Request a free strategy booster for your educational institution👉 https://buff.ly/c2khELS 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲Founded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply is an innovation-driven EdTech organization that improves access to education around the globe. DreamApply’s application management software helps more than 300 educational institutions across 40 countries improve admissions, marketing, financial and other internal processes.DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software increases student enrollment by 30% and reduces application processing time by 40%. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort.#vietnam #studentrecruitment #software #southeastasia #edtech #highereducation #marketing #tips #podcast #education #admissionsmanagement #universitymarketing

How do you increase student applications by 1000% in just 5 years? In this episode of EdTech & Pancakes, we sit down with Daria Milone, Head of Admissions at the University of Pavia, to break down the strategy, execution and tools that made it possible.From strategy to execution, Daria reveals her Italian recipe for effective and compassionate student recruitment with particular focus on international student recruitment.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬00:00 Taste of the episode01:39 Introduction of the guest02:32 How Daria got into student recruitment and the history of Pavia's admissions team08:38 The pressure behind admissions decisions: careers & futures at stake11:55 The most and least enjoyable parts of admissions management15:32 Why anticipating needs is a key to improving international student enrollment17:37 How universities should evaluate and make decisions on tools18:28 Daria's impression of DreamApply's software20:33 How Pavia used DreamApply to scale applications by 1000%26:23 DreamApply as a tool for Italian universities & educational institutions (PagoPA integration and other unique aspects)30:03 Tips for maximizing DreamApply's impact within and beyond admissions32:34 The uniqueness of INTERNATIONAL student recruitment & what's misunderstood about it33:47 Top mistakes to avoid in international student recruitment35:42 What Gen Z & Gen Alpha expect from universities & how to adapt (e.g. more video + conciseness)39:24 Trends that will influence admissions in 2025 & pros and cons of AI42:55 DreamApply's video interview feature for mitigating AI-generated cover letters43:47 Why international students should consider University of Pavia46:12 "May the student in you live forever"46:49 “Put yourself in the students’ shoes and make them feel home far away from home"𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞🌍 DreamApply Website: https://www.dreamapply.com/📚 Case Study: How Pavia Achieved 1,000% Growth → https://www.dreamapply.com/case-studies🎙️ More Podcast Episodes: https://www.dreamapply.com/podcast📈 Get a Personalized Admissions Strategy: https://www.dreamapply.com/personalized-admissions-plan#HigherEd #AdmissionsSuccess #InternationalRecruitment #EdTech #DreamApply #HolisticAdmissions

In this episode of EdTech and Pancakes, we dive deep into the art and science of international student recruitment with our special guest, Alberto Lazzari, Global Engagement Officer at the University of Padua, one of Europe’s oldest academic institutions. Alberto's team started using DreamApply in 2019 and within just 5 years, the University of Padua witnessed a 400% increase in incoming student applications. 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 00:00 Taste of the episode 01:20 Alberto’s journey to working with student recruitment 03:35 How a background in sales influences Alberto’s approach 06:14 What’s misunderstood about international student recruitment 09:44 Challenges in modern student recruitment 11:16 Keeping an eye on student trends and influences 13:23 How Padua University uses DreamApply for insights 14:25 Using flags and trackers in DreamApply 15:48 Importance of personalization in student recruitment 17:13 How Alberto runs experiments for customizing the applicant journey 19:50 Requesting tailored solutions from DreamApply 21:07 Automating the process while maintaining authenticity 25:18 Mistakes to avoid when segmenting applicants 27:53 Benefits and pitfalls of using AI in recruitment 32:35 DreamApply tools that mitigate AI risks 33:53 Using DreamApply’s integration with Zapier 35:39 Integration of admissions and marketing teams 41:35 In-person recruitment events 43:19 The University of Padua overview 47:48 Italy as a study destination 50:35 Final tips for recruitment officers 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes. 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 Founded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply is an innovation-driven EdTech organization improving access to education around the globe. DreamApply's application management software helps more than 300 educational institutions across 40 countries improve admissions, marketing, scholarship management, and other internal processes. DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software increases student enrollment by 30% and reduces application processing time by 40%. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟱𝟬% 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 👉 Book a free consultation of DreamApply's admissions management software today and start increasing applications to your university https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo

Our guest on EdTech and Pancakes is Ara Harutyunyan, co-founder of Ardos Media, a global digital marketing agency specializing in paid search and analytics. Topics discussed 00:00 Taste of the episode 02:15 Ara Harutyunyan on his journey to performance marketing and co-founding Ardos Media 05:38 Understanding the essence and value of paid search 10:18 How paid search can benefit educational institutions 12:45 Leveraging YouTube for brand awareness 14:19 Using a CRM like DreamApply to get more out of paid search campaigns 15:27 How to understand search intent 17:31 Personalisation of ads and customer segmentation 20:30 What happens after a click 21:35 Leveraging data from paid search for market research and idea validation 24:43 Key metrics for managing paid search campaigns in higher education and beyond 28:02 AI and paid search: opportunities and challenges 35:19 Misconceptions and realities of starting a digital marketing agency 39:31 How a sports background prompts result-orientedness and focus on wellbeing 43:24 Final thoughts and word of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs About DreamApply Founded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply is an innovation-driven EdTech organization improving access to education around the globe. DreamApply's application management software helps more than 300 educational institutions across 40 countries to improve admissions, marketing, scholarship management and other internal processes. DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software increases student enrollment by 30% and reduces application processing time by 40%. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort. ⁠Book a free consultation to start optimizing your student enrollment. ⁠ #studentrecruitment #enrollment #admissions #online #educational #software #EdTech #universityadmissions #university #campus #management #technology #DreamApply #highered #marketing #universitymarketing #PR #ppc #seo #paidsearch

Our special guest is Lisa Schmidtke. With 25 years of leadership experience in PR and marketing, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion on marketing higher education. Topics discussed 00:00 Taste of the episode 02:33 Introduction to Lisa Schmidtke 05:18 Lisa’s journey to PR and marketing 06:32 Impact of journalism background on PR Career 09:19 Differences between PR and marketing 12:26 What can PR and marketing professionals learn from each other? 14:11 Arizona State University’s success in marketing 18:17 Cronkite Agency and student lab models 24:35 What makes a successful strategic communicator? 29:22 Communicating the value of a degree in higher education marketing 33:00 Ethics and integrity in strategic communications 34:17 Crisis communication and anticipating risks 35:12 Tools in PR and marketing 38:13 Uniqueness of paid social, SEM and SEO 42:04 Analytics and attribution 45:18 Personalization: pitfalls and best practices 48:34 Choosing the right platforms and formats 49:30 Audience segmentation 52:25 Buyer personas 54:02 Future of strategic communications with AI 58:45 Word association game 01:00:25 The importance of building the right team and final thoughts About DreamApply Founded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply is an innovation-driven EdTech organization improving access to education around the globe. DreamApply's application management software helps more than 300 educational institutions across 40 countries to improve admissions, marketing, scholarship management and other internal processes. DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software increases student enrollment by 30% and reduces application processing time by 40%. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort. Book a free consultation to start optimizing your student enrollment. About Lisa Schmidtke Lisa brings more than 25 years of strategic marketing and communications leadership in the health and technology space. Most recently, she was General Manager of a global marketing agency, serving clients that included medical devices companies, insurance providers (Medicare, Medicaid and commercial), medical and nursing schools, start-up tech companies and economic development organizations. Before that, she was regional marketing director for one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S. Her extensive experience and passion help propel clients to greater success. With 25 years of leadership experience and as the former Director of ⁠Cronkite Agency⁠ at ⁠Arizona State University - Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication⁠, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion on marketing higher education. #studentrecruitment #enrollment #admissions #online #educational #software #EdTech #universityadmissions #university #campus #management #technology #DreamApply #highered #marketing #universitymarketing #PR #ArizonaStateUniversity

In episode 7 of EdTech and Pancakes, we host Dr. Sonja Ardoin, a renowned higher education scholar/practitioner and a tenured associate professor at Clemson University. Dr. Ardoin has researched social class identity in higher education and access to education, particularly for first-generation college students and students from rural areas. Topics discussed 00:00 Intro 01:12 Introducing Sonja Ardoin, PhD 1:53 Dr. Ardoin’s passion behind higher education advocacy 4:23 Delving into the complex factors influencing access to higher education 8:54 The impact of admissions processes on educational access 12:37 Challenges to education access for rural students 16:55 Technology’s role in enhancing opportunities for underserved communities 21:25 Addressing post-COVID challenges in university admissions 24:18 Humanizing the process amidst high application volumes 28:00 Embracing a holistic approach in admissions  30:40 How students discover and decide on higher education options 34:10 Aligning career choices with industry demands and personal aspirations in the AI era 39:02 Access to international education for applicants from rural areas 42:04 Final remarks: advancing equity and humanization in higher education 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 Founded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply is an innovation-driven EdTech organization improving access to education around the globe. DreamApply's application management software helps more than 300 educational institutions across 40 countries to improve admissions, marketing, scholarship management and other internal processes. DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software increases student enrollment by 30% and reduces application processing time by 40%. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort. Book a free consultation to start increasing applications to your university. 👉 https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗷𝗮 𝗔𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻 Sonja Ardoin is a renowned higher education scholar/practitioner and a tenured associate professor at Clemson University. Dr. Ardoin has researched social class identity in higher education and access to education, particularly for first-generation college students and students from rural areas. https://www.sonjaardoin.com/ 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 More about DreamApply: https://www.dreamapply.com/about-us Case studies: https://www.dreamapply.com/case-studies Blog: https://www.dreamapply.com/blog Follow DreamApply on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamapply/ Request a demo of DreamApply's software: https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo #studentrecruitment #enrollment #admissions #online #educational #software #EdTech #universityadmissions #university #campus #management #technology #DreamApply #highered #marketing #universitymarketing

EdTech and Pancakes' guest is Dr. Sebastián Bruque, professor of management and Deputy Rector of Internationalization at the University of Jaén, Spain. He is also a former Executive Secretary in the Internationalisation section of the Spanish Conference of Rectors, as well as a consultant-advisor on european and international institutions in the field of internationalisation of higher education.  Topics discussed 00:00:00 Taste of the episode 00:01:36 Introduction to Prof. Sebastián Bruque 00:02:49 Dr. Bruque’s passion for internationalizing education 00:05:22 The purpose of international education 00:07:54 International economy as a motivator 00:09:20 The history and politics of internationalizing education 00:14:40 The pillars of internationalizing a university 00:15:22 Student mobility00:17:13 Internationalization of staff and knowledge 00:20:23 Nationalistic movements and international education 00:24:22 Centralized vs. decentralized admissions systems 00:25:55 3 blocs of countries with unique admissions systems 00:32:51 National systems as an obstacle to attract international students 00:37:05 Role of technological innovation to internationalize education: 3 groups of barriers 00:39:45 Dr. Bruque on DreamApply’s role in facilitating international education 00:44:21 What to focus on when improving the admissions process for international applicants? 00:50:52 Preparing for the future of international education 00:51:47 AI impact on choosing a program and a university 00:54:35 AI impact on the student enrollment process 00:56:43 Final remarks 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐄𝐝𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 EdTech and Pancakes, brought to you by DreamApply, is a podcast about paradigm shifts in education. Together with leading experts from around the world, we explore the ever-evolving landscape of EdTech. Whether you’re facing challenges in student enrollment or marketing, looking to get more done with less effort or just passionate about education, you’re in the right place. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 Founded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply is an innovation-driven EdTech organization improving access to education around the globe. DreamApply's application management software helps more than 300 educational institutions across 40 countries to improve admissions, marketing, scholarship management and other internal processes. DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software increases student enrollment by 30% and reduces application processing time by 40%. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort. Continue exploring by requesting your free, personalized demo at https://www.dreamapply.com/. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 More about DreamApply: https://www.dreamapply.com/about-us Case studies: https://www.dreamapply.com/case-studies Blog: https://www.dreamapply.com/blog Follow DreamApply on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamapply/ Request a demo of DreamApply's software: https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo #DreamApply #university #marketing #admissions #growth #education #EdTech #productivity #student #software #enrollment #innovation #adhd #parenting #international #global #Sebastian #Bruque #international #studentmobility #global #education

EdTech and Pancakes' guest is Dr. Amy Johnson, a world-renowned psychologist, coach, author and speaker who shares a groundbreaking approach that helps people find lasting freedom from unwanted habits, anxiety and self-doubt via insight rather than willpower. Dr. Johnson also shares the no-willpower approach in her top-rated podcast, Changeable. She has been a regularly featured expert on The Steve Harvey Show and Oprah.com, as well as in The Wall Street Journal and Self magazine. Topics discussed 00:00 Taste of the episode 1:38 Introduction to Dr. Amy Johnson 2:40 What sparked Dr. Johnson’s passion to help people overcome anxiety 4:04 No-willpower and insight-based approach to mental health 8:14 How to cooperate with feelings and uncomfortable thoughts 11:45  Productivity and what influences quality of learning 15:55 How educational institutions can support innate wellbeing 18:46 Online and onsite education 20:19 Sense of connection during remote calls 21:42 Conscious approach to marketing and communication 26:35 What’s most misunderstood about changing habits 28:43 Closing remarks - What’s one insight you’d want listeners to walk away with? 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐄𝐝𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 EdTech and Pancakes, brought to you by DreamApply, is a podcast about paradigm shifts in education. Together with leading experts from around the world, we explore the ever-evolving landscape of EdTech. Whether you’re facing challenges in student enrollment or marketing, looking to get more done with less effort or just passionate about education, you’re in the right place. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 Founded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply is an innovation-driven EdTech organization improving access to education around the globe. DreamApply's application management software helps more than 300 educational institutions across 40 countries to improve admissions, marketing, scholarship management and other internal processes. DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software increases student enrollment by 30% and reduces application processing time by 40%. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort. Continue exploring by requesting your free, personalized demo at https://www.dreamapply.com/. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 Dr. Amy Johnson' website: https://dramyjohnson.com/ More about DreamApply: https://www.dreamapply.com/about-us Case studies: https://www.dreamapply.com/case-studies Blog: https://www.dreamapply.com/blog Follow DreamApply on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamapply/ Request a demo of DreamApply's software: https://www.dreamapply.com/request-a-demo #DreamApply #university #marketing #admissions #growth #education #EdTech #productivity #student #software #enrollment #innovation #adhd #parenting #international #global #Amy #Johnson #3principles #mentalhealth #coaching #mind #thought #personaldevelopment #procrastination #anxiety #stress

EdTech and Pancakes' guest is Akos Kiraly, Head of Sales Strategy at SRH Higher Education - one of the leading providers of private higher education in Germany and Netherlands serving over 20,000 students in 11 campuses and through a full distance learning university. 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 00:00 A glimpse of the episode and intro 1:44 Akos Kiraly’s background 3:14 Introduction to SRH 4:16 What makes Germany a popular study destination and how SRH capitalizes on this 6:39 The mission of SRH 8:02 How does a working day of a higher ed sales strategist look like? 10:15 How can university sales and marketing teams maximize their combined productivity? 15:19 Uniqueness of higher ed marketing in 2024 18:10 Top mistakes to avoid in the university admissions process 20:50 What’s most misunderstood about working in higher ed sales 23:12 Top 3 tasks admissions teams should automate and how SRH used DreamApply to streamline application management 25:44 How using DreamApply changed Akos’s work 27:26 What new tech innovation Akos would appreciate as a head of sales strategy 28:44 How AI has influenced higher ed marketing and sales 29:52 Important trends for the next 5 years higher ed marketers should stay aware of 31:42 Word association game: sales, education, persuasion, service, success, teamwork 32:34 Akos’s recommendations on how higher ed marketers and admissions teams can continue learning 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐄𝐝𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 EdTech and Pancakes, brought to you by DreamApply, is a podcast about paradigm shifts in education. Together with leading experts from around the world, we explore the ever-evolving landscape of EdTech. Whether you’re facing challenges in student enrollment or marketing, looking to get more done with less effort or just passionate about education, you’re in the right place. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 Founded in 2011 in Estonia, DreamApply is an innovation-driven EdTech organization improving access to education around the globe. DreamApply's application management software helps more than 300 educational institutions across 40 countries to improve admissions, marketing, scholarship management and other internal processes. DreamApply’s easy-to-use and customizable software increases student enrollment by 30% and reduces application processing time by 40%. With features designed with and for educational institutions, and integrations with commonly used systems, DreamApply empowers teams to get more done with less effort. Continue exploring by requesting your free, personalized demo at https://www.dreamapply.com/. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 More about DreamApply: https://www.dreamapply.com/about-us Case studies: https://www.dreamapply.com/case-studies Blog: https://www.dreamapply.com/blog EdTech and Pancakes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zOiMqS1cmvZ2XKFtRTGCw?si=b63dd0f1f2a343ec Follow DreamApply on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamapply/ SRH website: https://www.study-at-srh.de/ #DreamApply #university #marketing #admissions #growth #education #EdTech #productivity #student #software #enrollment #innovation #adhd #parenting #international #global #Germany #SRH #Akos #Kiraly

The third part of the interview with Märt Aro, an education innovator, TEDx & keynote speaker and one of the co-founders of DreamApply. Topics discussed: (00:00) Intro (01:45) The mission of DreamApply (02:54) Why university teams struggle and challenges in international admissions (05:00) Simplifying admissions with DreamApply software (06:50) DreamApply's impact on university operations and department collaboration (14:36) Märt's insights on DreamApply's future outlook (19:10) Word association game: education (20:03) Word association game: innovation (21:25) Word association game: parenting (28:18) Message to a younger self About DreamApply DreamApply is a mission-driven and innovation-oriented EdTech organization solving the complex problems faced by universities and other educational institutions. This includes admissions, marketing, recruitment, financial aid and other functional areas.  DreamApply’s easy-to-use and highly customizable software increases student enrolment while reducing workload and frustrations for both university employees and applicants.   Founded in 2011 by dedicated educational pioneers, DreamApply was created to help Estonian universities attract more international students and simplify the study abroad application process.   Since then, our founder’s dream has expanded its scope and become a success story for over 300 educational institutions across 40 countries, including industry leaders such as the Swedish Institute and Maastricht University.  With a dedicated international team and a commitment to user-centric innovation, DreamApply consistently introduces new features that extend well beyond the admissions process.  Institutions using DreamApply report tangible benefits such as a 40% reduction in application processing time and heightened student engagement. This is often attributed to innovative features such as application video interviews, automated payment and invoice processing or enhanced application ranking capabilities. To learn more visit https://www.dreamapply.com, where you can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific needs.  ### #EdTech #Education #Innovation #HigherEd #UniversityAdmissions #Student #Engagement #EducationalTechnology #GlobalEducation #DreamApply #Podcast #EdTechAndPancakes #StudentRecruitment #DigitalTransformation

The second part of the interview with Märt Aro, an education innovator, TEDx & keynote speaker and one of the co-founders of DreamApply. Topics discussed: 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:00 Defining EdTech and Its Scope The broad definition of educational technology and its application across various sectors. 00:03:08 Why Innovation in EdTech Exploring the importance of innovation in EdTech, focusing on global challenges and the role of technology in education. 00:04:38 The Economic Scale of Education Insights into the global economic impact of the educational sector and its significance in GDP contributions. 00:07:40 Entrepreneurship in EdTech Märt Aro delves into why startups are a crucial vehicle for educational innovation and the challenges they face. 00:09:30 Government vs. Startup Approach to Education Comparing the effectiveness of government organizations and startups in fostering educational innovation. 00:15:35 What's Most Misunderstood About Education? Addressing common misconceptions about the education system and the role of parents and teachers in the learning process. 00:16:30 Parental Involvement and Education System Trust Highlighting the importance of parental involvement in education and the need for questioning and supporting the system. 00:20:32 Education Funding and Impact Evaluation Examining how education funding is utilized and the importance of impact assessment in large-scale educational projects. 00:22:03 Startup Flexibility and Rapid Prototyping in EdTech Discussing the advantages of startups in rapidly prototyping and testing new educational technologies and methods. 00:25:42 Outro About DreamApply DreamApply is a mission-driven and innovation-oriented EdTech organization solving the complex problems faced by universities and other educational institutions. This includes admissions, marketing, recruitment, financial aid and other functional areas.  DreamApply’s easy-to-use and highly customizable software increases student enrolment while reducing workload and frustrations for both university employees and applicants.   Founded in 2011 by dedicated educational pioneers, DreamApply was created to help Estonian universities attract more international students and simplify the study abroad application process.   Since then, our founder’s dream has expanded its scope and become a success story for over 300 educational institutions across 40 countries, including industry leaders such as the Swedish Institute and Maastricht University.  With a dedicated international team and a commitment to user-centric innovation, DreamApply consistently introduces new features that extend well beyond the admissions process.  Institutions using DreamApply report tangible benefits such as a 40% reduction in application processing time and heightened student engagement. This is often attributed to innovative features such as application video interviews, automated payment and invoice processing or enhanced application ranking capabilities. To learn more visit https://www.dreamapply.com, where you can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific needs.  ### #EdTech #Education #Innovation #HigherEd #UniversityAdmissions #Student #Engagement #EducationalTechnology #GlobalEducation #DreamApply #Podcast #EdTechAndPancakes #StudentRecruitment #DigitalTransformation

EdTech and Pancake's guest is Märt Aro, an education innovator, TEDx & keynote speaker and one of the co-founders of DreamApply. Topics discussed (00:00) Intro (01:36) Introducing Märt Aro Exploring Märt Aro's curiosity and critical perspective on education and learning systems. (03:15) Impact of EdTech on Personal Growth Reflections on how working in EdTech can shape personal and professional outlooks. (06:43) Scalability in Educational Projects Discussing the importance of scalability in EdTech initiatives. (08:52) Sustainability in EdTech What makes an EdTech initiative sustainable? (13:02) Global Education and Experiences Märt's views on international learning experiences and DreamApply’s role in facilitating them. About DreamApply DreamApply is a mission-driven and innovation-oriented EdTech organization solving the complex problems faced by universities and other educational institutions. This includes admissions, marketing, recruitment, financial aid and other functional areas.  DreamApply’s easy-to-use and highly customizable software increases student enrolment while reducing workload and frustrations for both university employees and applicants.   Founded in 2011 by dedicated educational pioneers, DreamApply was created to help Estonian universities attract more international students and simplify the study abroad application process.   Since then, our founder’s dream has expanded its scope and become a success story for over 300 educational institutions across 40 countries, including industry leaders such as the Swedish Institute and Maastricht University.  With a dedicated international team and a commitment to user-centric innovation, DreamApply consistently introduces new features that extend well beyond the admissions process.  Institutions using DreamApply report tangible benefits such as a 40% reduction in application processing time and heightened student engagement. This is often attributed to innovative features such as application video interviews, automated payment and invoice processing or enhanced application ranking capabilities. To learn more visit https://www.dreamapply.com, where you can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific needs.  ### #EdTech #Education #Innovation #HigherEd #UniversityAdmissions #Student #Engagement #EducationalTechnology #GlobalEducation #DreamApply #Podcast #EdTechAndPancakes #StudentRecruitment #DigitalTransformation

About DreamApply DreamApply is a mission-driven and innovation-oriented EdTech organization solving the complex problems faced by universities and other educational institutions. This includes admissions, marketing, recruitment, financial aid and other functional areas.  DreamApply’s easy-to-use and highly customizable software increases student enrolment while reducing workload and frustrations for both university employees and applicants.   Founded in 2011 by dedicated educational pioneers, DreamApply was created to help Estonian universities attract more international students and simplify the study abroad application process.   Since then, our founder’s dream has expanded its scope and become a success story for over 300 educational institutions across 40 countries, including industry leaders such as the Swedish Institute and Maastricht University.  With a dedicated international team and a commitment to user-centric innovation, DreamApply consistently introduces new features that extend well beyond the admissions process.  Institutions using DreamApply report tangible benefits such as a 40% reduction in application processing time and heightened student engagement. This is often attributed to innovative features such as application video interviews, automated payment and invoice processing or enhanced application ranking capabilities. To learn more visit https://www.dreamapply.com, where you can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific needs.