Competition from other schools
I think one of the most frustrating things, is when students come in and tell us that our school - is not the same as our competitors and we are not approved or rated the same way.
I actually have had students who signed up with us, because we didn't mention anything negative about them. We kept their questions relevant to our school and answered them honestly and positive.
I am proud of our school, our accomplishments, and our professionalism - for that the school sells itself.
Barbara,
When speaking to a student it is always best to focus on the positive aspects of your school but if you believe that another school is violating admission laws and rules you can report it to the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools.
John Ware
How do you handle when students come from a competive school and mention things that are definetly unethical. Wouldn't that be heresay?
How do you handle when students come from a competive school and mention things that are definetly unethical. Wouldn't that be heresay?
When I give students the tour, I spend a lot of time going over the study tools that we provide so that they can be really successful. I don't ever have to say anything bad about any other institution because what we have to offer speaks for itself. I have had a student tell me that he really likes that we provide access to so much help because his other school did not.
Not only is it unethical but also unprofessional to speak negatively of your competition.
We have had prospects ask specific questions do to our competitor giving inaccurate information about our school. It's frustrating and humorous all at the same time.
Hello Barbara,
If there is one thing I have learned thus far in the admissions field it is to state the facts and only the facts. Let your customer service speak for itself and it will attract students to your institution. Always use best practices and be honest with prospective students. Do that and the school will sell itself.
Each school is it's own competition based on how we represent it. Our job is to provide the student with complete information about the curriculum of interest which best fits the goals of the student. When this is done, we can ensure that the student is equipped to make an informed decision with regard to school selection.
Salliann,
I agree that it is very unprofessional to discuss other schools. Everyone has their own experience with schooling and everyone learns and expects different qualities. I believe ultimately the student is looking for help to reach his or her goals effectively and bashing another school will not help in this manner. Instead of talking negatively about another institution I agree that the most important option is to assist the student in determining what school would be best for them.
I would absolutely agree! I gave a tour of our campus to a potential student, and he told me that he was interested in our school as well as several others. I encouraged him to check them all out and choose the one that best suited his needs. Then I took him around, showed him what was great about our campus and was 100% honest with him about the rules, the requirements, and what was available to him. A week or so later, he and his parents came back and told me they had decided to come to our campus because we had been completely honest with him. I think when you're upfront about everything, even the things that may not be hugely in favor of the school (i.e. rules, dress codes, housing, etc.), students respect and appreciate that and are more likely to consider the opportunity you're offering.
I agree. You have to give correct information about your own school, staying away from negativity about others. I find that our reputation speaks for itself. We truly just try to be the best we can be!
I agree, I think that it is very unprofessional to discuss other schools. What is important is that they get the right information to aid them in determining which school would be the best for them to attend. Every student is different and not every school is the right fit for them.
This is true. Not every school is always going to be the right fit for each student, so we may not have the same services or benefits as other competitors--that doesn't mean we are not a quality school.
I firmly believe that when schools bash other schools, it takes away from that schools credibility. So always staying positive, and letting your school sell itself is always the best route to take.
This is so true. It's like negative political campaigning and we all hate that! Just tell me the facts about you. I'll figure out your competitoe on my own!
One of the best pieces of advice I've received about addressing this objection from students is to realize that:
1) The student has been misinformed somewhere along the way, and/or
2) Unless you are trained/have previous knowledge of approvals and accrediation you are ignorant of what they truly are/mean
There is no reason to speak negatively about any other organization. Facts speak for themselves and at the end of the day as long as I'm honest about what my school is/offers students see the benefit of attending our school.
Time discussing the competition is time lost in promoting you own school.
I agree. While all schools must follow the same set of laws and regulations, each school is its own organization. The old saying is true, you can't sling mud without getting a little on yourself. I'm a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. When it comes to great customer service, integrity and quality education, most people will instinctively know it when they see it without you having to toot your own horn.
It is important to always stay professional and provide the student with the information about the school we represent. I always believe that the students know when a representative is genuine and wants to help. At the end of the day even if the student doesn’t attend our school but we were able to provide them a possible alternative we have done our jobs to help them complete their educational goals.
I agree.Some standards are the same, while others are not. We are taught the vs. and studetns our/ should be taught by us as to what Regualtions and Compliance we follow.
