EduCatalyst, Inc. Launches Web 2.0 College and University Search Site - LocalSchools.com

Site unleashes social networking tools, such as chat, maps and other geospatial tools, online profiles and personalized web tools to allow college-bound students to make an educated decision about their higher education choices.

Dover, NH (PRWEB) February 27, 2007 -- Digital college and university enrollment solutions provider EduCatalyst, Inc. today announced the official launch of their interactive college search site, LocalSchools.com. The site, according to the Noel-Levitz E-Expectations study released October 2006, is just what students are looking for and what the higher education market needs. According to the study, "Engaging the 'Social Networking' Generation," 72% of students want the ability to chat or exchange instant messages with admissions counselors or student workers, 63% would like to read profiles of current students, and 62% prefer to have a personalized Web site - all of which can be done at LocalSchools.com (www.localschools.com).

Engaging the 'Social Networking' Generation

The college bound teenager is traditionally a difficult market to reach.

As potential students become savvier, they are demanding more ways to interact with colleges. LocalSchools.com provides social networking tools that streamline the search and communication processes for candidates and institutions, but in a personal way, which is important to today's college bound teenager and beneficial for educators and institutions.

At LocalSchools.com, prospective and current students, parents, alumni and educational administrators can meet and interact on a variety of social networking communication platforms including user-to-user secure email, chat, forums and instant messaging. The home page features comments from alumni and current students about their college or university providing prospective students a real world, inside view of life at the school.

By utilizing the latest capabilities of social networking, Web 2.0 applications and the interactive community, colleges and universities have instant access to a 21st Century multi-media communications platform. According to Larry Dannenberg, a noted education industry expert and founder and president of College Solutions, "The college bound teenager is traditionally a difficult market to reach." Dannenburg continues by saying, "As potential students become savvier, they are demanding more ways to interact with colleges. LocalSchools.com provides social networking tools that streamline the search and communication processes for candidates and institutions, but in a personal way, which is important to today's college bound teenager and beneficial for educators and institutions."

By using the site, colleges and universities can abandon recruiting methods that produce large volumes of unqualified applicants and focus their enrollment goals on candidates who meet their admission criteria and, most important of all, the success of their students. Colleges, universities and technical schools can add information, edit and customize their own school profile listing, and let candidates know what sets them apart from other choices in higher education. Whether the school has successful job placement after graduation, a great athletic program, plush dorm living, rigorous academics, small class size, or gourmet food in the dining hall, colleges will be able to inform candidates of their unique attributes through the "Key Differentiators" section of their listing. Colleges and universities can also provide information on degree programs, curriculum, activities and other amenities that are in demand.

LocalSchools.com is an advertising free environment and can be viewed in any browser. Registration, membership at the site and use of the social networking features are free. Users are encouraged to provide feedback during the premiere phase of launch, ending April 2, 2007.

About EduCatalyst
EduCatalyst, Inc. provides intelligent digital enrollment solutions, including social networking tools, to colleges and universities, students, and educators in the United States. Brands owned by EduCatalyst, Inc. include LocalSchools™ and iThinkBIG.com, a website portal for students interested in online distance education.

To reach EduCatalyst, Inc. call 800-879-6147 x107 - write EduCatalyst, Inc. 340 Central Ave, Suite 302, Dover, NH 03820 - email EduCatalystPR @ EduCatalyst.com or visit their web site www.EduCatalyst.com.

For more information or to interview Jason Rines - CEO of EduCatalyst, Inc. please contact Andrea Senteney at 603-749-5511 x101 via email asenteney @ educatalyst.com

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