To stay within the lines of professionalism I feel that it is always better to let the individual know that you do not talk about other schools because of not really knowing what they have to offer but you can certainly talk about all the great stuff that your school can offer them in their educational experience.
To help students make an informed decision I encourage them to seek that information from that institution. I also remind them that each school is very different and it is important to gain information about each school you are considering. If I am asked a specific question I will say that I cannot comment for that school however at my school we have ...... and reinforce what our school has to offer.
It is our practice not to speak of other institutions in any way. The perspective students are encouraged to shop around and gain the right information for them. This practice may not make us have a strong competitive edge in the market but we always feel honesty above all.
I would let them know that I believe every school is a good school or it would not stay in business. (under the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges' regulations) Schools come in all types and sizes and finding the right fit for them is the most important thing. I talk about our features and hope that we can be the most benefical school for them, if not that is okay too.
Change the subject back to my school. Mention the best qualities that we have as a school and try to lean them towards our school. But dont make it seem like they shouldnt keep their options open.
We have a major competitor that is geographically very close, so we handle a lot of questions very regularly. Our canned answer is that they are a very good school but I don't know any of the details regarding their programs. I have heard from students that the other school does not handle things the same way, and they frequently bash us. We choose to take the high road and simply state they are a good school and if you are interested you should contact them as well.
Always suggest that the student contact the school so that they can obtain information to assist them in making the best choice for themselves.
the best rule of thunb is to discuss your school and that is all you can do to be sure your not misrepresenting
never put down another school. discuss the features and benefits of your own institution and how that can help the prospect
Know the features and benefits of your institution. Be knowledgable about the surrounding schools and institutions, believe in what you do. Make the student aware of the difference between a 2 year school and a 4 year school, ask questions, and be professional.
I speak with all of my students on the importance of research and encourage them to look into other schools that they may have interest in.
Simply put, be honest and operate with integrity. Realizing and establishing with the student that not every school is going to be a perfect fit, relaxes both the representative and student through the conversation. Offer accurate details about what your program offers. "Bashing" or talking down about another school or program is an example of not performing professionally. Encourage the student the gather information allowing him/herself an opportunity to come to an accurate yes or no about your particular school.
I always thinks its good to just talk about your school. Also encourage the families to visit other schools as well to compare. Because you are talking about your future. A question always use that you would not by a car by just looking at it on TV and the internet. you need to go see it.
When engaging with potnetial students that are interested in our chol and that of our competitor, I invite them to visit our competitor and research their pgroam offerings for themselves. I would rather have an educated student than a student who might feel as though he/she was not afforded the opportunity to make the best decision for them.
I have never devulged into that school, but I can answer any questions about this school.
We never talk down and always suggest that a potential student talks to different schools.
Try to always put the ball in the court of the perspective student. If they are asking for information about other schools, find out what they are specifically looking for in a program and address what benefits the programs at your school offer and how that will help them reach thier educational goals.
I advise a student that a competitor exists for a reason and redirect the conversation back to our campus.
I do not discuss any other schools. I refer them to research on their own and then they can make an informed decision.
By focusing on the value of the education and environment that exists at our school and not trying to denegrate other schools we may lose a few students but we keep a few that might have left. It is important to not dampen a prospective's students desire to take the step into education. Ultimately that is why I do this job.
