Product Roundup: 5 Live Interaction Tools for Admissions Teams (2026)
A practical roundup of five tools that help admissions teams run live engagement programs, with pros, cons, and recommended use cases.
Product Roundup: 5 Live Interaction Tools for Admissions Teams (2026)
Choosing a live interaction tool is critical for admissions teams that want to scale real-time engagement. Below is a curated list of five platforms we tested in 2025–2026, each with recommended use cases, pros, and cons.
1. EnrollMate
Use case: Full-featured program delivery and automation.
Pros: Robust moderation tools, low-latency streaming, and powerful automation (FollowFlow).
Cons: Higher price point for low-volume institutions and Slate initial setup complexity.
2. CampusConnect
Use case: Easy-to-deploy campus-wide events and student panels.
Pros: Simple scheduling, great mobile experience, and student ambassador features.
Cons: Limited CRM integrations out-of-the-box; better for institutions with flexible APIs.
3. QandA Live
Use case: High-volume moderated Q&A and office hours.
Pros: Scales well for many concurrent moderators and includes AI-summarization of chats.
Cons: Less focus on polished presentation features like overlays and pre-recorded video playbacks.
4. StreamScholar
Use case: Multimedia-rich program showcases and virtual open houses.
Pros: Superb production features, scene switching, and multi-camera support.
Cons: Requires a production operator for best results and higher bandwidth.
5. OfficeHourPro
Use case: One-to-one scheduling and short office hours for high-value prospects.
Pros: Tight calendar integration, automated reminders, and in-session note capture.
Cons: Not designed for large webinars; focuses on small group and individual interactions.
How to choose
Match the tool to your program needs:
- Large-scale open houses: StreamScholar or EnrollMate.
- High-touch advising: OfficeHourPro.
- Quick Q&A and scalability: QandA Live.
- Student-centered panels: CampusConnect.
Pricing considerations
Most platforms use a mix of seat-based and event-based pricing. Calculate a cost-per-deposit to compare value rather than raw subscription cost. Don't forget to include implementation and staff time in your total cost assessment.
Integration checklist
Always verify:
- CRM and calendar integration.
- Data export and retention policies.
- Accessibility features (captions, transcripts).
- API access for advanced automations.
Final verdict
There is no one-size-fits-all platform. Institutions with complex funnels and a need for automation will favor platforms like EnrollMate, while schools prioritizing low-friction student panels may find a better fit in CampusConnect. The right choice aligns with your staffing model, tech maturity, and primary enrollment goals.