From the Nominator

"Arcadia University is undergoing a rebrand and has tested the new brand over the past year on prospective students. The acceptance packet is the last piece in the enrollment cycle and critical in the application-to-deposit phase. Results: Incoming class enrollment up 24%.  

As we redesigned the university's acceptance packet, we wanted something interactive that tied to our brand pillars, created an engaging connection, and was bold, modern and colorful. We created an oversized, square piece that would stand out in the mailbox and grab attention. The front of the insert has a tagline placed on punched out windows that open and contain brand messaging and images to introduce you to life at Arcadia. The back contains the acceptance message and a CTA directing you to the admitted website. The piece is designed to allow for further inserts in the envelope, including the official acceptance letter, stickers, swag, etc.  

We worked with our printer to produce something high quality at an affordable price. Our printing partner was integral in helping us to bring this project to our vision, from multiple rounds of comps to paper considerations and envelope sourcing in a strained supply chain. We ultimately die cut and fabricated custom envelopes, printed a custom-size letterhead template that we tested to ensure it could run through standard laser printers, and used backed-up heavy cardstock to achieve the punchouts on the insert. The final product is colorful and interactive and gives incoming students a peek into life at Arcadia."

From the Judges

Evident dedication to the user experience, demonstrating that the designers invested considerable thought into creating an engaging and interactive journey. The inclusion of an interactive game on the front of the packet was especially commendable, providing an innovative approach to engage students. High quality of printing and materials used in the creation of this piece added to its overall impact. The increase in enrollment and diversity showcased the effectiveness of the campaign.