Not only is it not allowed to discredit or slander another school while in admissions, but it makes you and your school look malicious and unethical. I just inform potentional students on what our school is good at and known for, point out the positives of your school and let the potential student make up thier own minds on the matter.
Point out the benefits of your own school, and if they persist with questions regarding the other school let them know to visit them to compare.
I think the best way is speak about your schools features and benefits. This will let the student have the best information to make an informed decsion on what school is right for them.
One of the key strategies that you can use is doing your homework on other competitiors before the student arrives at your location so you are prepared. You have to know your market. Shoppers are smarter now and are going to shop around regardless if they say they are or aren't. I believe that you have to hold them accountable and I personally have had success encouraging potential students to shop around. The truth is wouldn't you do the same? Why not encourage the student to make the best decision based on what is best for them. Remember it is about the student not your own personal goals in the long run.
Mainly, I will turn the question around and tell teh student about all the benefits of our instutition. On the other hand,if I can't get around it, I will encourage the student to visit both schools and do their own research to make an informed decision on their own
I agree that side-stepping competitors questions is tough but the main focus should be on the value that your school offers. Long term integrity and respect should be the ultimate goal.
I agree with this response. I also add that each school is the right education choise for different students. I advise the potential student to do their research when comparing schools to find the best educational choice for them.
I explain to prospective students different things we do here that set our school apart from others
Getting defensive is the worst option. The best is keeping in mind that not every school is for every person. If your school is the right fit for someone, the specific advantages should speak for themselves. I just make sure to point all of those advantages out. The consumer has to weigh the options for themselves at that point.
give the student all the information about the school and waht we have to offer.
The only thing that can be done is to speak on the benefits of our institution and stay clear as to commenting on others. It is ok to ask the student what their thoughts are, but one should not contribute their own thoughts, especially if they are negative.
In the best interest of every prospective student, we must evaluate each of their situations individually and provide them with all of the benefits and posssible obstacles they may encounter. I highly encourage them to look at all of their options and weigh the benefits of each before making their drcision.
When a student asks questions about competitors, I let them know that I am not familiar with what other schools may offer. I give thorough information about our school and what we offer them. During the tour of the campus, I make sure the potential students sees each of the classrooms or labs. I also make sure they meet any faculty that is available, such as the dean, director, career services, and financial aid. More often then not, the prospective student is put at additional ease due to the friendliness of our staff.
Many Seniors graduating have looked at other schools or will look at other schools and many of them have opinions of the other schools that they do bring up in the tour. I think it is important to just let them know that you do not know they specific policies or procedures. I encourage my students to apply to many different schools because when they finally decide upon a school, I wouldn't want them to have "buyers remorse" so to speak. I think it is important to not put "all their eggs in one basket." There isn't one school that is right for everyone so I definitely encourage them to look around. I think keeping the tour positive about other schools really earns the respect from Rep and Student.
I just tell them that I am not familiar with that particular institution and steer the conversation back to our school
I am straight forward when answer question about competitors and typically use the verbage " I can't speak for others school but that is the benefit of doing your research on colleges! I encourage you to ask the same questions you asked today and see how we compare to the schools you are considering. I'd be quite interested in learning what you find and definitely feel free to call me if any other questions arise!" to me this show we are confident in the services and educational experience we offer our students.
My goal is to inform a prospective student about our school. If asked about another school, I encourage the prospective student to visit and research the school to find the best fit.
I typically say that I can not speak about, for example, placement or graduation rates of other schools, but let me show you our placement and graduation rates and you can compare them yourself.
"We are just different than more traditional universities. It's up to you to determine which style of learning is best for you."
Admission representatives should focus on the features and benefits specific to the college they represent.
