SmarterSelect
SmarterSelect is a specialized application management software designed to help you create, manage, and evaluate online applications for scholarships, grants, awards, and specialized programs with ease.
TargetX
TargetX is a comprehensive higher education CRM built on the Salesforce platform that helps you manage the entire student lifecycle from recruitment and admissions to retention and success.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | SmarterSelect | TargetX |
|---|---|---|
| Website | smarterselect.com | targetx.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Custom |
| Starting Price | $125/month | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2007 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Plano, USA | Conshohocken, USA |
Overview
SmarterSelect
SmarterSelect is a dedicated platform built to simplify how you manage complex application processes. Whether you are running a local scholarship fund, a corporate grant program, or an internal awards ceremony, you can move away from paper forms and messy spreadsheets. You can build custom application forms in minutes using a library of templates and then automate the entire collection process from start to finish.
The software focuses on the three pillars of application management: collecting data, managing reviewers, and selecting winners. You can set up automated messaging to remind applicants of deadlines and provide reviewers with a centralized portal to score submissions. It is designed to scale with your organization, helping you save time on administrative tasks so you can focus on the impact of your programs.
TargetX
TargetX provides a specialized suite of tools designed specifically for higher education professionals to manage student relationships effectively. Built on the powerful Salesforce platform, it allows you to move away from disconnected spreadsheets and manual processes into a unified system. You can track every interaction with prospective students, automate personalized communication plans, and manage complex application workflows without losing the human touch that drives enrollment.
The platform focuses on the entire student journey, ensuring you have the data needed to support students from their first inquiry through graduation day. By using built-in analytics and mobile-first communication tools, you can identify at-risk students early and provide the specific support they need to succeed. It is designed for colleges and universities of all sizes that want to modernize their campus operations and improve student outcomes through data-driven insights.
Overview
SmarterSelect Features
- Form Builder Create custom application forms quickly with a drag-and-drop interface and access to over 100 pre-built templates.
- Automated Messaging Send automated email reminders to applicants and references to ensure all materials are submitted before your deadline.
- Reviewer Portal Give your evaluators a private space to view applications and submit scores without sharing sensitive login credentials.
- Eligibility Rules Set up qualifying questions that automatically filter out ineligible applicants so you only review the most qualified candidates.
- Document Uploads Collect transcripts, photos, and letters of recommendation directly within the platform to keep all your files organized.
- Reporting Tools Generate detailed reports on applicant demographics and scoring trends to share insights with your board or stakeholders.
TargetX Features
- Online Application Manager. Create mobile-friendly, custom applications that allow students to apply easily and track their status in real-time from any device.
- Email & SMS Automation. Build automated communication flows that trigger personalized messages based on student behavior and specific interests to increase engagement.
- Events Management. Organize campus tours, open houses, and virtual events with integrated registration, check-in tools, and automated follow-up surveys.
- Student Success Center. Identify at-risk students using early-alert dashboards and coordinate advisor interventions to improve retention rates across your campus.
- Insights & Analytics. Access pre-built reports and visual dashboards to track recruitment performance and forecast enrollment trends with high accuracy.
- Mobile Recruitment App. Equip your admissions counselors with a mobile app to scan transcripts and log interactions instantly while traveling for recruitment.
Pricing Comparison
SmarterSelect Pricing
- Up to 100 applications per year
- Unlimited programs
- Standard email support
- Basic reporting tools
- Automated email notifications
- Everything in Create, plus:
- Up to 500 applications per year
- Advanced scoring and evaluation
- Third-party app integrations
- Priority email support
- Custom branding options
TargetX Pricing
Pros & Cons
SmarterSelect
Pros
- Intuitive interface makes form creation fast
- Automated reminders significantly reduce manual follow-up
- Reviewer portal simplifies the committee scoring process
- Excellent customer support during initial setup
Cons
- Initial configuration can be time-consuming
- Reporting features have a slight learning curve
- Pricing may be high for very small funds
TargetX
Pros
- Built on Salesforce for industry-standard reliability
- Highly customizable to fit unique institutional workflows
- Excellent tools for personalized student communication
- Strong reporting capabilities for data-driven decisions
- Mobile-first design improves student application completion rates
Cons
- Significant learning curve for non-technical staff
- Implementation process can be long and complex
- Requires dedicated administrator for optimal system maintenance