Method and apparatus for personalizing completion of electronic forms

摘要

The invention is a method and apparatus for encouraging applicants or others completing electronic forms to complete the forms and to become associated with the institution to which the form is directed. While completing the form or afterward, the applicant follows a hyperlink that presents a personal communication from an identified individual associated with the institution. The communication typically relates to the underlying purpose of the form rather than providing instructions on completing the form. For example, the communication may include a personalized message encouraging the applicant to attend the university. By varying the communication depending on the information entered onto the form by the applicant, the communication can be tailored to the specific background and interests of the applicant. The communication can also vary depending upon the applicants progress in the application process, for example, upon submission of verifiable payment information identifying the applicant, the applicant may be provided contact information to contact the identified individual.

主权项

1. A method of receiving a college or university admissions application from a college or university applicant over a computer network, the method comprising:
receiving a request for a college or university admissions application from a college or university applicant, the request being communicated over a computer network; in response to receiving the request for a college or university admissions application from a college or university applicant, generating the college or university admissions application, said college or university admissions application comprising an electronic form having a plurality of data entry fields for entering college or university admissions data; transmitting the college or university admissions application to the college or university applicant, the transmission being communicated over the computer network; receiving college or university admissions data from the college or university applicant, the college or university admissions data being entered into the data entry fields of the college or university admissions application by the college or university applicant; and detecting a selection of a user-selectable hyperlink by the college or university applicant, the indication being communicated over the computer network; in response to detecting of the selection of the hyperlink:
analyzing the college or university admissions data received from the college or university applicant to determine one or more interests of the college or university applicant;selecting a communication based on the one or more interests of the college or university applicant, the communication being about or from a real, identified person;transmitting the selected communication to the college or university applicant;in which the identified person is a student enrolled in or attending the college or university to which the college or university applicant is applying for admission; andin which the communication from the identified person includes a message of encouragement for the college or university applicant and an invitation to contact the identified person after completing the electronic form.