I too tell students to do their research. They owe it to themselves. I often will tell them, "we know we are not the best fit for you - and vice/versa - so do the homework and find out where you will fit."
If a student does that, he/she will be more succesful and I, as the representative of my school, develop instant credibility - not as a "salesman," but as a person INTERESTED in the student's well-being!
I subscribe to the "policy" that I only know what I know about MY school. I don't find it difficult to tell a prospective student that "I don't know about the other schools...whatever program...but let me tell you what we offer."
I have never (in my memory) had a potential student accuse me or insinuate that I was side-stepping the issue. I know everything about my place and am proud and happy to tout what our school has to offer a potential student.
Agreed. I tell the students to do their due dilligence in researching each school that they may be interested in -to see whicvh may be the best fir for them. I tell them about our school & give them information & if they ask about other schools - I encourage them to make contact with them to find out answers.
I also encourage students to use the internet to research other schools..
I don't ever answer questions about other schools. I simply answer by telling the potential student that I do not know anything about another school, that I only have information about the place where I work. I find that if you present the school at its best and make sure the potential student sees the positive attributes of the school then you can remain competitive.
Always be up front and honest. Let the student know that you are unable to speak of another's school program but that you can provide detailed information about your school so they can make an educated choice.
Inga,
That is a great way to handle that situation.
Kimberly Stein
I tell prospective students that it would be wrong for me to compare my school against another. I don't drink Pepsi and I don't patronize Burger King because I don't like their advertisements in which they try to make themselves look good by making Coke and McDonald's look bad. I have enough confidence in my school that I encourage prospects to visit other schools and make the comparisons for themselves.
I tell prospects that picking a post-secondary school to attend should be like buying a car. Very few people buy the very first car they look at on a dealer's lot. Instead, they usually test-drive several different models. They pick a car that has a good appearance and has the features and options they need or want. They also choose a car that fits their financial budget.
My suggestion would be to recommend that a prospective student research the school that they have a question about and to advise them that I do not have information about that school. However, I would be happy to provide them with information on the programs that our school offers.
I think the only thing to do is have the students go and check out the other school in person. We are a medical assisting school so we may also tell a prospect ot check with their doctor or a professional in the field and ask them about reputations.
Giving the student accurate information and statistics about the college. I encourage students to look around if thats what they chose to do.
Giving the student factual statistics about our college. If asked about the competitors in the area, encourage them to research the other schools while maintaining confidence in our own school.
We encourage students to contact any other schools they may be interested in. We only discuss our school. I believe an informed student who has looked at all of their options and selected our school, is going to be a better, happier student.
It is important that you focus on what you know about your specific insitution's features and benefits. Speak to what you know and not what you may know about another school. Encourage students to do their research on other schools if they indicate they want to do so. If a student gives you specific details regarding their specific research, you still do not want to talk down with the information they received. You still want to speak to your school's features and how it will benefit that particular student based on thier needs and goals. Finally, be professional at all times.
When asked to compare our college with other colleges, I encourage prospective students to compare and tour as many schools as possible. This enables the student to make the perfect choice to meet their needs. I tell the student that other colleges may also have the programs they are interested in. They seem to really appreciate the honesty. Many associates from other colleges do the same and send students my way. We understand that not all of our programs are for everyone, and it is important to keep the students best interest in mind.
I always tell students I represent a great school or I wouldn't be in this job. Our school gives tours every day as do most schools. Schedual a tour at our school and another school they have an interest in and make an honest comparison. Not every school is right for every body. They must make the decision.
The best strategy is to tell them that they should get all the information about all the schools they are considering and then make their own comparisons. Judge for yourself.
It is best to be honest with the student, if they have questions about other institutions that they should visit those schools and make an educated decision.
Let the student know that it's up to them to find their best fit, encourage the student to visit all colleges that might pertain to them.
I always state that I can't claim to be an expert on any program but my own. I generally recommend that students compare our program to others and let them know that typically they are able to gather such information online relatively easily. I just do my best to answer their questions about what it is that we offer.
