At CampusConnect we regularly design and support spaces for test takers preparing for several high stakes language exams such as IELTS or TOEFL, or more recently business school candidates taking business school entrance exams such as GRE and GMAT. These communities provide a real insight into how the landscape for high-stakes tests is rapidly changing. Greater scrutiny over the intrinsic value of the test, questions around long term impact on academic and career progression, and now more than ever the student experience. As a specialist community providers we are always evaluating the best community structure and designs to support our partner community goals. As part of a recent community discovery exercise we delved into existing online community spaces for test takers. We included platforms like Reddit, Slack, and Discord, to uncover insights that could revolutionize the way we support these candidate communities.

Candidates are screaming out for more supportive, intimate community experiences.

This initial research highlighted a demand for more supportive, intimate community experience for candidate test takers. Across disparate test communities, we observed a fragmented landscape with multiple disconnected channels. Test takers expressed a clear and strong desire for personalized spaces that foster engagement, coupled with a need for targeted and focused community environments.

“I can’t find any communities…I might have to make one myself”

One critical challenge we identified was the prevalence of several unmoderated spaces, leading to trust issues across candidate communities. The difficulty in discerning reliable advice within these unregulated forums posed a threat to the integrity of the testing process.

While awareness of these issues has grown among providers, there may be a gap in understanding the significant impact such poor student experiences can have on their overall business goals. The damage extends beyond simply a poor individual student experience to negatively impact on the organization's bottom line.

Disparate communities create disconnect, weaken brand loyalty, and undermine service value.

Disparate communities not only create a sense of disconnect but also pose a significant risk to brand loyalty and the perceived value of testing services. When candidates are left navigating through a plethora of unmoderated community channels, it undermines the cohesion of the testing community and dilutes the overall experience.

• Weakening Connection: Test takers, navigating through fragmented communities, often find themselves disconnected from the overarching purpose and identity of the testing entity.

• Erosion of Trust: The proliferation of unmoderated spaces in disparate channels heightens the risk of misinformation, eroding the trust that test takers place in the testing process and the associated institutions.

• Fading Commitment: Without a unified space, candidates may perceive a lack of commitment from the testing body, often resulting in non-progression

• Diminished Perceived Test Value: A disjointed community experience contributes to a diminished perception of the overall value of testing services. This perception directly influences the decision-making process for prospective test takers.

• Competitive Disadvantage: In an era where candidate have several alternatives, a more supportive and personalized community experience is key to attracting and retaining top-tier candidates.

“Looking to create a small group of ten people to join our Exclusive Test Preparation Group”

Centralizing Test Taker Communities

To address these challenges head-on, providers need to centralize the test taker communities through a dedicated, customized, and specially designed space. This approach seeks to personalize the test taker experience, fostering more niche connectivity and creating a more supportive environment tailored to individual needs.

Key Benefits of Community Centralization

Centralizing test taker communities represents a strategic move towards building a more cohesive, supportive, and effective ecosystem. High-stakes exam providers have large user communities and have the opportunity to redefine the candidate experience, strengthen brand loyalty, and deliver unparalleled value to all stakeholders involved.

About us: Your community partners

Trusted by business schools and universities, we've guided hundreds of thousands of connections, supporting over 80% successful progression rates.

With a legacy of eight years in the field, we have built over 800 communities and have become experts in designing, building, and developing bespoke communities that precisely achieve the business goals of schools and education providers.