Connecting students with colleges in Xello: From exploration to real college conversations

Discover how Xello helps students start exploring colleges early—building real connections with campuses, gaining clarity on fit, and turning college research into confident action.

Selecting the right college and thriving academically and personally is the dream of students, teachers, counselors, and campus staff. All are vested in fostering a vibrant, inclusive community of growth and discovery on campus and beyond. Choosing the right college is not a quick, last-minute exercise, but a thoughtful, deliberate search that typically begins around 9th grade—one that involves significant financial considerations and a substantial investment of time and effort from students and families.

Motivated students understand the stakes, and they know how to research colleges by comparing programs, exploring websites, and building lists. Students must consider numerous factors for successful college selection: programs of study, location, cost, and availability of scholarships and financial aid. But finding the right college goes beyond surface-level inquiries. Today’s students are looking for the right fit and that requires commitment and communication with knowledgeable associates.

Students desire a sense of belonging

Social connection and a sense of belonging are also core drivers of student choice. When students feel connected and supported by friends and other community members, they’re more likely to feel comfortable, engaged, and motivated. According to a 2023 meta-analysis published by the National Institutes of Health, peer connections and friendships on campus help reduce stress, leading to improved focus and better concentration on studies. Students recognize the importance of peer connection and seek out more campus information as they narrow down their options. Many want to know:

• What is this college really like?
• Do I belong there?
• Who can I talk to before I apply?

Digital tools like search engines, AI, and social media platforms such as TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, and YouTube provide preliminary information and are a great starting point. College fairs and high school visits offer more detailed insights, but for students seriously interested in a particular college, a campus visit or tour is essential. Additionally, talking with alumni and current students about their experiences can be invaluable.

Educators want to help students move forward but don’t always have the tools to do this effectively. Meanwhile, colleges are eager to connect with genuinely interested students to answer questions and build relationships before application season begins. Xello not only assists students in getting the information they crave but also gives educators a safe, supportive way to facilitate early college engagement without adding new tools or extra work. The solution works in partnership with colleges, enabling them to connect with interested students well before the application process starts, solving a pain point that colleges have been trying to address for years.

Closing the gap between college exploration and action in Xello

Choosing the right colleges to apply to is not an easy task. Navigating college options can be overwhelming without the proper guidance from parents, educators, and colleges. Xello integrates all the components needed for a successful transition from high school to a student’s college of choice.

When students are ready, outreach to college ambassadors or admissions teams can be scheduled within Xello. Students don’t have to search for forms or websites, they don’t have to guess how to reach out, they can keep exploring, and take action when they’re ready. The idea is for students to stay organized, confident, and in control throughout the entire process.

What’s included?

College posts

Higher education institutions are looking at alternative ways to reach out to prospective students—to “meet them where they are.” This type of strategic engagement requires personal touchpoints, like college posts. Colleges share updates about campus life, programs, and opportunities in a more focused, in-depth way than traditional social platforms. This helps students build a clearer picture of what a college is really like over time.

School-led events

Educators are tasked with guiding students through their college exploration process. This includes setting up and managing school-led events like information sessions, panels, or virtual visits. Popular touchpoints like visits with student ambassadors or college representatives are scheduled effortlessly within the system, and all events are easy to promote, manage, and track within Xello.

Student-led conversations

Colleges are eager to connect with interested students who raise their hands. When ready, they can ask questions or start a conversation with a college. Students feel safe and in control when they share their profile and information. They can pull it back at any time.

Xello supports early college connections

Too often, students wait until their senior year to make a college choice. The stress of discovering reduced options, limited financial aid opportunities, inability to adjust their academic profile, and looming admissions deadlines coupled with only surface-level information creates conditions for poor college selections.

Starting as early as 9th grade to create a list and become familiar with a few colleges establishes a mindset of step-by-step, thoughtful discovery that deepens with each passing year before college. Talking with student ambassadors, current students, and alumni early on builds confidence and encourages thoughtful, realistic decisions. Students who engage earlier tend to ask better questions at the appropriate time. Stress is reduced, especially during a rigorous application season.

Educators: How to get started

Educators who already have a process to help students prepare for a college selection don’t need to overhaul their approach. Many start with simple activities, such as:

• Creating a short Xello assignment that asks students to follow a college or attend an event
• Using events as a starting point to build college relationships and bring them into Xello
• Encouraging students to ask one thoughtful question with a college in Xello if they express a desire to learn more
• Supporting exploration during advisory or counseling check-ins

Ready to learn more?

Help your students stay organized, confident, and in control as you introduce them to a better way to explore colleges and inspire informed conversations. Xello is launching with a growing group of higher education partners. By opting in early, schools can help shape how colleges engage with students and expand access to meaningful conversations.

See how Xello supports early college exploration and conversation at your school. Reach out to your Success Manager or email help@xello.world.

If you know of a college looking to build meaningful connections with prospective students, they can learn more about Xello Connect and get started.