Discussing competing institutions.
How far can an admissions agent go in discussing a competing institution with a potential enrollee?
I do the same when asked about another school they are considering. I inform them of what are school has to offer and encourage them to speak with representatives from the other school they are asking about for more information on what they have to offer
I also tell the student when asked about another institution that I do not have knowledge about that institution, and I cannot advise on that school and then go on to ask the potential student what is important to them for a school to be able to provide for them (ie: tutoring; one-on-one; hands on, etc)
Anytime someone asks me about other institutions, I tell them that I honestly don't have a solid knowledge base on the other school, and tell them that I am happy to discuss our school with them in detail. If they persist, I explain that if I tried to answer the question, I would be doing them a disservice because I do not have appropriate knowledge on the school they are asking about, but that they can always seek out those answers from the institution in question.
Discussing other institutions with a student can be a tricky area. Without a doubt, you always want to consider the best interest of the student. When I'm meeting with a student, if our school does not meet the students I will refer them to another institution and encourage them to do more research.
Loretta ,
Absolutely. That is a great way to address it. That way you are not talking about another school.
Kimberly Stein
I agree with Kimberly. When I meet with prospective students, I ask if they have researched or applied to other institutions and what, if anything, they would change if they could. I make sure to never make a negative comment about another school and advise applicants that, if they have questions about another school, they should research it. If an applicant expresses ideas about what would they would change about another school, I use that as a way to point out the positives about our school, if possible.
When discussing with a perespective student, which institution might be best - ours or another, is it okay to suggest they do their research as to which meets their current needs and future goals ?
John,
I would caution an admissions agent not to say much about a competing institution, in order to assure compliance with the Board's rules. An agent should stick to talking about what they know...their own institution.
Kimberly Stein
