"Changed the way we support our students"
Overcoming fragmentation in admissions support
Before implementing Cialfo, CISM struggled with managing multiple admissions platforms, leading to challenges in tracking document submissions and delays in supporting student applications. Additionally, establishing connections with universities for college talks and campus visits was a labor-intensive process requiring extensive research and manual outreach.
"Cialfo has truly changed the way we support our students through the college application journey and has made everything so much more organized and efficient," says Saraza. "I especially appreciate how easy it is to track progress, communicate with students, and connect with universities through one platform."
The platform's implementation has been comprehensive, with students onboarded from Grades 9 to 12 and integration into the school's college and career guidance program. At the beginning of each school year, Cialfo's Client Manager conducts onboarding sessions for new students and refresher training for returning students, ensuring everyone can maximize the platform's benefits.
Comprehensive support across all grade levels
For CISM, Cialfo's ability to support students throughout their high school journey has been particularly valuable. For Grade 10 students preparing for the IBDP, the AchieveWorks psychometric assessments help align subject selection with potential career paths. As students progress to upper grades, the focus shifts to application-specific features.
"Throughout the year, we actively use several features of the platform to support students and streamline our advising process," Saraza explains. These include the Broadcast feature for communication tracking, Profile Builder, University Search, and Cialfo Explore for managing university visits and information sessions.
Measurable outcomes and personal success stories
The impact of Cialfo at CISM can be measured in both numbers and personal success stories. Of the 175 total university applications submitted by CISM students, 80 (45.7%) were handled through Cialfo, with impressive results: 32 conditional offers (40%).
Beyond the statistics, personal testimonials highlight the platform's impact. One CISM graduate from the Class of 2023 shared her experience with Cialfo's support for Australian university applications:
"From the very beginning until now, Cialfo has been exceedingly supportive. I have always had numerous questions, but they have patiently and attentively addressed each one... I am particularly grateful for their assistance with my Australian visa application... I cannot express enough how grateful I am for Cialfo's unwavering support."
Enhancing the entire counseling experience
For CISM, Cialfo has transformed multiple aspects of the university counseling process. "Processes that were once time-consuming, like tracking application documents, scheduling university visits, and sending updates, are now centralized and efficient," notes Saraza.
The Direct Apply feature for universities in the UK and Australia has been particularly impactful, enabling "both students and counselors to simplify the application process and secure conditional offers even before IB exams." Additional support from University Enrollment Advisors and responsive Chat Support has further enhanced the experience for both students and counselors.
Most importantly, Saraza observes that "students are more engaged and proactive, especially with tools like the Profile Builder and University Search, which encourage them to take ownership of their college journey." This increased student ownership aligns perfectly with CISM's mission to foster independent, globally minded learners prepared for success in top universities worldwide.
Image credits: Chinese International School Manila;
