Samantha,
I do this as well. After informing the student I am not the best source for information on other institutions, I provide them with the information from the institution I represent, turning the focus back on what I am there to do.
When I get asked about a competitor's institution, I tell them that, not only am I not allowed to answer thier question, but I wouldn't want to considering I don't want to provide them with wrong information. The best questions I can answer are the ones about the institution I am representing. The students seem to respond well to that. They don't want to be lied to or given wrong information and they respect our honesty.
I always listen and but don't comment on their negaitive response if they are talking negaitive about another college, I usually appoligize that they didn't have a good experiance. However, if they are comparing I just promote what we offer at our college and let the student make the decision.
I tell the student about my schools program and I don't know what that schools program has to offer.
I think that it is best to emphasize that the smartest way to make an informed decision is for the student to look at all relevant data and compare with what is important to them.
It can be difficult, but you need to keep the student focused on what they are looking for in a school and if your school meets their extectations. Encourage the student to compare and to contact you to discuss. We try to let the student know that they will be able to feel which school is right for them and their comfort level. This is important to start a student off on the right foot to keep them for the entire program.
I absolutely agree! This policy is very honest and allows the student to research on their own. Promoting your school on its own strenghts and merits is the best policy. We are not politicians!
The simplest way to handle competitor questions is to inform the student that you have full confidence in the college you represent. If they want to have competitor information then that need to do the research on their own. I always tell my potential students to do their own research. This lets them know you are confident in what you are saying and that after doing the research they will still chose your college as the place to make this life change.
encourage the student to visit several differet school websites and campuses so they can make an informend decision
The best strategy to handle this situation is to highlight the areas of strength at your school. Encourage students to do their own research on other schools if they have questions. If your school is actually the best fit for the student, it will become evident to them after researching your competitors and they will feel confident in their choice. Talking negatively about competitors with prospective students makes you sound unprofessional.
I always say "I con not speak for that college, but at this college...." As long as you give a potential student enough factual information about your college, and the school seems to be a good fit for them, they shouldn't ask about another college. Most students do their research before their college visits and could probably give you more accurate information about another college than you could give them anyway.
We are located in a city with at least 5 other competitor schools. I have many students call to ask how we are different. Instead of even mentioning the other school, I always just answer the questions about our school. I also praise the student for researching and finding a school that is right for them. I find that when students are shopping different schools, they do not want to be "sold" to. They just want to fact and want to make the decision.
It's very important to keep in mind that most students look at several schools before making their decision. (At least they should) Keeping this thought in the back of my mind while meeting with a prospective student keeps me on task with this issue. I want to show them why MY school is the best choice for them, if indeed it really is. Also, I think that it is very important to know your competition and what they have to offer. That way, there is no need to say anything negative about another school...simply highlight the areas or qualities about your own college that you know the other school does not have or offer. That will go a lot further with the student that any negative comment you could make about another college.
I encourage the student that they should check out any options that they feel would fit their needs. When specifically asked about other schools, I politely tell them I can not speak for other schools but it is always good to get all of the facts you can before making a decision.
I think that if a student continues to ask questions about a specific college or other colleges in general, I think the best thing to do is focus just on the college they are at now. My favorite phrase is, "Unfortunately, I'm not sure what Blah College offers, but I can tell you what we offer....". If they keep asking the questions, then I think it is really important to encourage that student to do more research and write down questions to ask that they were concerned with. If they have a lot of questions that I can't answer, then they're still going to do research, so I feel the best thing I can do is to show them that I care about them and hope they get the answers they're looking for.
I always tell students that I can only speak on behalf of my institue and what we offer. Most students respect the fact that I am not willing to "bad mouth" other schools.
Be up front with the student. Discuss what your school has to offer and explain how it has helped other students. If the students contiunes to ask questions, direct them to your competitors website.
We encourage students to obtain their own information from the school that they want to compare us to. We suggest visiting their website or in person to obtain the correct details specific to their questions
I believe before a student makes a final decision, they should research other colleges and compare.
Stay positive and compliment the others also. Keep focused on what you have to offer and that you are interested in each and every student's success.
