Long before you target prospective students, they’re forming opinions, narrowing options, and determining costs… without talking to you. They’re hearing other voices—and what those voices say may surprise you. Today, organizations like Peterson’s, Sallie Mae, and College Confidential help students vet schools and determine budgets, conversations previous generations had with guidance counselors and college recruiters. Discover how publishers and financial institutions are earning trust through new choices in content types, calls to action, and partner investments. As higher education draws scrutiny for cost and relevance, it’s time to learn from adjacent industries and reframe the conversation from your own institution. Learn how students gain confidence in their choices as they navigate the application and aid processes. Discover what prospects look for when determining what resources deserve their time, attention, and trust. Uncover how partners can strengthen your brand in the topics students value—especially when they don’t want to hear about those topics from you. Presented at Confab Higher Ed 2016, #ConfabEDU, in Philadelphia November 15, 2016.