Dorothy I like that you refer to your school's mission statement as I think that is an important element of sharing with prospective students what your institution is all about!
I would encourage the prospective student to research similar programs at other institutions.
I tell students I am not familiar with other schools programs but am happy to discuss our programs.
Answer the student in a way that focuses on positive aspects about our school and welcome them to do their own research on comparable schools to form a decision that benefits them.
Since we are unaware of another institutions practice, I can only give them information on our institution. So I can tell you here...this is what you will experience......
It is important to stay focused on what your instition offers and provide the facts there. It is important to let the student know you can only provide the facts on your instituion and that they will need to do the comparison on their own.
I would say that the YTI mission statement explains what YTI is all about, that direction to the YTI website would further offer information about our various campus locations and programs and that I wouldn't be able to offer intelligent comparisons because I don't know what other institutions programs or policies are except what one might find on their websites.
If asked, suggest to the student they investigate comparable institutions to formulate their own opinions of interest. Otherwise and foremost, focus on the positive, factual benefits of your institution.
Encourage the prospective student to make their own comparison by thoroughly researching their options. Restate the advanatages of enrollment in your school by clearly describing school and program features.
Amanda - thanks for referencing the importance of handling inquiries about transfer credit. In today's education environment, many students are attending multiple institutions during their educational lifecycle. As you noted, questions are likely to arise on this important topic.
I've had numerous requests about comparing institutions as far as transfering credits are concerned.
I simply explain to each student the process of accepting transfer credits. As we learned, it is at the discretion of the receiving institution to evaluate and accept transfer credits.
Once students understand the process, there is less confusion for all parties involved.
I can only speak upon what I know which is what goes on at my own institution. I would encourage them to explore all their options and make the decision that is best for them.
You can encourage students to do their own research in regards to other institutions. Researching other institutions will give students information to make informed decisions about their schooling. We can field any questions regarding our own institution.
Encourage the perspective to do their own research and offer no opinions about another institution
i tell students that i can inform them about what we offer, and the best way for me to get them information about what we offer is to come visit and see it first hand.
Offer to share information on our school and its programs only, encourage them to do their research so they can make an well informed decision.
Good point, Dimitria. It is challenging enough to stay on top of one's own institution, let alone trying to know details about competitors.
I would encourage the student to conduct his or her own research on programs offered at other institutions. I am happy to answer any questions that I am able to about our institution and programs offered here.
I would recommend that the prospective student perform his or her own research regarding the available educational programs for a particular course of study. If asked about other institutions, I would speak to my institution only and direct the prospective student to complete his or her own research about other institutions offering the same program of study.
