One of the best ways to remain competitive is to listen to what the person is asking for and relate it to your institution. For example, a student asks about my institution's fitness facilities and state that XYZ facilities are state of the art. I would only speak to what my institution offers and let the prospective student know that for information on the other school they should contact that school. It shows integrity when a rep refrains from negative discussions about another school just to gain a student.
In my book honesty is the best policy. Tell the truth about what your school had to offer. Every school has it's problems, but honestly, every school has something wonderful about it. Not every student is going to be sold out for your school, but you just never know. I'd rather be honest and open up front, then have to back peddle in the future.
You let the student know that you can't speak for other schools. They would need to contact the school and gather that information.
I handle tours and we get a lot of questions regarding competitors, so to speak. I always inform them of what we offer our students, without indicating any programs, costs, actions, etc. of our competitors. It's more of communicating what are our standards, what does our curriculum cover, etc.
I explain I only speak for my school and answer the prospect's questions thoroughly and then if they mention other schools again, simply suggest they speak with someone from that school.
I still think the best way to do this is by highlighting the benefits of your own school. I always say "I can't speak for another school or their programs, but I can tell you how great our university is!" I also suggest to each prospective student that they should look into at least three colleges before making their decision. I feel that this builds rapport, and the student will then come back to our university for being honest, trust worthy and because of our quality education!
Absolutely! I suggest to visit each school and then make the choice.
We just make it a point to emphasize what WE offer. I have always felt that if we do our job to the best of our ability, then there usually aren't a lot of questions about other institutions.
If we are up-front with our information and have strong knowledge of what we have to offer, then that usually eliminates some questions about other schools.
I simply say that I cannot speak to that. I also say that while the other schools are good schools, I want to focus on telling the student about our school and how we can help them move towards the goals they want to achieve
Stay focused on talking about your school & steer them away from comparing. Get them excited about your school & the benefits of enrolling.
Best way is to give the advantages of my institution. Inform the student about the questions they may want to be asking from competitors By giving the positive of what your school can offer a student, you create a good reputation for your campus.
I also think that each student needs to find the right school to meet his/ her educational needs. This can be different students, find out what you are looking for in a school and seek out those schools. Everyone learns differently. I advise the potential student to do their research when comparing schools to find the best educational choice for them.
Exactly! This has to be about the potential student finding the right fit...there is no need to step outside of competitive Integrity if you truly believe that your school offers solid benefits and educational opportunities for prospective students.
Students should make certain that they understand a school's accreditation and what that really means. unfortunately, I run into that issue more with folks who unwittingly bought HS Diplomas. Had no idea how pervassive this was a problem until working in the field of education!
One needs to direct them back to the factors that are strengths of your organization and that will be beneficial to the student! In the process you will not have commented on the merit of a competitor.
I agree with you Joe, whenever a student starts to ask about a another school, I will try and shift the focus on the positive aspects of our school and the important things that they need to ask when they are checking other schools out, and the reasons why they are important when making their final decision.
Joseph, that is a great response and I agree completely. You could highlight the ultra-compliance of your institution and by contrast, non-compliant institutions would pale in comparison. People also do pick up on when a representative "goes negative" on other schools as opposed to focusing on the advantages of their own institution.
Commend the prospective student for taking the time to look at several schools and leave it at that, move forward with how you would like to help them achieve their educational goals with your institution.
I think that it is best to advise the prospective student to call the other school to get the information they are looking for. I explain that I am no employed by that school so I would not have that information.
Then, I would explain what we do offer and ask if this fills their need and if it is what they are looking for.
We have provided a form to the student for when they go to another school so they can write down their comparison for themselves.
Of course, follow up is key if they do visit another school.
I like to ask students what is important to THEM when it comes to deciding upon a school for themselves. I tell them that there are correct fits for all students which is why there are multiple schools with multiple different offerings. I encourage students to do research on what is important to THEM, but give them specific questions to ask other schools regarding type of accreditation. Knowledge is power...so giving students that power to make an informed choice for themselves, typically leads to them coming to the conclusion themselves that our school is the best choice.
Besides regulations your own integrity and self respect should dictate your replies to students inquiring about competitive schools. Much like only the receiving school can answer if they can accept credits from other schools, a similar answer can be stated about comparing other schools contrasts and similarities.
I agree it can be difficult. To reinforce professionally to students the programs we offer versus other school programs. When comparing our institution to other schools. Best practice is to avoid specific names use generalities pertaining to other schools.
One of the things that I will say is "Well, it depends on the specific needs of the student" or "What will work best for you?"
