Helping Students Cross the Finish Line: Gateway Technical College’s Enrollment Strategy with Mongoose

Gateway Technical College transformed its enrollment strategy by adopting Mongoose as its central communication platform. Facing challenges with unread emails and missed calls, the college implemented texting to support students from inquiry to registration. With Mongoose’s shared inboxes, CRM integration, and smart segmentation, Gateway staff provided fast, personalized support that significantly increased enrollment rates and reduced cancellations.

• 55% enrollment rate among students with 6–10 text conversations

• Cancellation rate drop from 64% to 27% with texting engagement

• 98% likelihood to enroll for students stalled at Admit stage who exchanged 6–10 texts

• 57% same-term registration for current students with 10+ texts

• 13% future-term registration for the same students (vs. non-engaged peers)

• Real-time answers to student questions during peak registration periods

• CRM-integrated platform used across admissions, advising, financial aid, and registrar offices

• Staff adoption across all departments thanks to intuitive design and compliance tools

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For many students at Gateway Technical College, the decision to pursue higher education isn’t about choosing between institutions—it’s about choosing whether to attend college at all. That reality makes timely, personal communication more than a nice-to-have; it’s critical.

To meet that need, Gateway has made Mongoose’s Conversation Intelligence Platform a cornerstone of its enrollment and retention strategy. From recruitment to registration, Mongoose helps the college connect with students in the ways they prefer—offering real-time support, eliminating barriers, and creating clarity when it matters most.

“Texting gave us that real-time, low-pressure option to meet students where they are.”

Carrie Parworth, Executive Director, Student Affairs

The Challenge: Why Gateway Turned to Texting

Before Mongoose, Gateway struggled to connect with students through traditional methods like phone calls and email. Critical messages often went unread, and prospective students abandoned the enrollment process due to unanswered questions or confusion about next steps.

“We weren’t communicating in the way students wanted,” Carrie explained. So Gateway shifted to a texting-first approach, using Mongoose to reach students with immediacy and empathy.

The Solution: A Platform That Works Across Departments

What began as a way to simplify student outreach quickly became a college-wide solution. Advisors, recruiters, financial aid officers, and registrar staff all now use Mongoose to streamline support. Because the platform integrates with Gateway’s CRM, teams can send personalized, stage-based messages—and follow up in real time.

“Mongoose is the tool nobody complains about. It just works.”

Amanda Robillard, CRM Technology Manager

Mongoose’s Shared Inboxes and Smart Segmentation ensure students receive the right message from the right person, with no duplication or mixed signals.

Impact at Every Stage of the Funnel

Since adopting Mongoose, Gateway has seen significant results across the student lifecycle:

• More Funnel Movement: Students who engage via text are more likely to complete next steps and enroll.
• Fewer Cancellations: Proactive, two-way conversations address blockers before they derail enrollment.
• Real-Time Support: Staff can answer questions in minutes, not days—especially during peak registration periods.
• Better Coordination: With Shared Inboxes, staff handoffs are seamless, and no message gets lost in the shuffle.

“Sometimes all it takes is a ‘Need help?’ text to move a student forward. That nudge makes all the difference.”

Amanda Robillard

The Data Behind the Impact

Gateway’s internal data backs up what staff were seeing firsthand: students who text engage more—and enroll more.

• Students with 6–10 text conversations had a 55% enrollment rate, compared to just 3% for those with none.
• Cancellation rates dropped from 64% to 27% for students with more texting engagement.
• For students who had stalled at the Admit stage, those who exchanged 6–10 texts were 98% likely to enroll.
• Among current students, those with 10+ text conversations had a 57% current-term registration rate and a 13% rate for future terms—substantially higher than non-engaged peers.

These numbers reinforce that simple, consistent texting—especially when personalized and well-timed—has the power to shift outcomes.

Why Staff Love It, Too

Mongoose isn’t just a win for students—it’s a favorite among staff, too. Even team members who aren’t tech-savvy find it intuitive and easy to use. The built-in compliance features also simplify documentation and privacy management, saving time and stress.

What’s Next for Gateway

Looking ahead, Gateway plans to expand shared inboxes among peer advisors and explore new communication channels like WhatsApp to better serve international students. They’re also exploring deeper automation features to support students after-hours and during busy seasons.

“Our students expect real-time confirmation. Mongoose lets us give them that peace of mind—instantly.”

Carrie Parworth

Final Takeaway

By making texting the norm—not the exception—Gateway has created an enrollment experience that’s personal, responsive, and effective.

“Mongoose has helped us close communication gaps that used to cost us enrollments. Now it’s helping us bring students across the finish line.”

Carrie Parworth

Download the Full Case Study

Mongoose helps Gateway Technical College remove friction, answer questions, and build trust—helping more students take that crucial first step, and stay on the path to success.

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