Discrediting other schools
It is extremely disrespectful to down grade another school in any way.
If a college has to resort to that tactic it seems like they are hard up. In order to stay respectful at all times with the potential student I stay off the subject of their previous experiences at other colleges.
It is very important as you had stated, to make sure your program is a great fit for that student. It does not benefit the student or the school when your program may not be the best choice for them. Students can tell and appreciate when you have their best intentions in mind (which we all should at all times!)
I feel that it is important to acknowledge the competition in your area in a positive way. Discrediting your competitors shows a lack in the confidence you have in your own service. By acknowledging your competition positively, you are demonstrating to prospective students that you are not just knowledgeable about the career training in your own institution, but in your local area. It says that you are proud and confident in the training you offer, and that you do not need to hide behind negative statements directed toward other options a prospective student may have.
I completely agree that it is very disrespectful to discredit another school. By doing so, you actually discredit yourself and your school. Positively acknowledging another school can build respect and trust.
Instead of discrediting another institution the agent/admissions representative should say positive things that his or her institution has to offer, which will more than likely stand out among the other institutions a prospective student is considering.
One thing that has really impressed me where I work now is the way in which we go the extra mile to help our students find the program they are looking for: when they are looking for a degree that we simply do not offer or they do not meet our qualifications for some reason, we do not hesitate to tell them which schools meet their needs.
I've researched other programs with prospective students and heard my office-mate calling 'the competitor' to get information about program requirements.
Retention is all about the right fit. Our numbers are better when we're sure we have the right students - and when our 'competitors' know that we send some students who are a better fit for them their way, I might be naive, but I think they are more likely to do the same for us.
That never sells anything, when I see something "Discredited" I look for the thingswrong with the company, or person doing the discrediting
An Admissions Representative should never discredit another school. This would be considered a nonprofessional representative.
I agree. We all need to understand that our schools are not always going to be the right fit for every student. I believe students should research several schools and make sure they make the right educational choices for them.
Frank,
I agree with you. I have had prospective students ask me what I know about another particular school. I usually turn it back to the ps and ask him/her if they have checked out the school for him/herself.
Discrediting other schools reflects poorly on you and your institution and does not appeal to students. As stated previously, each school and individual are different and should be respected, point blank.
I agree that there is no need to discredit another school when talking to a prospective student, when a student asks what do I think about a particular school, I simply say that I can only discuss information about the school that I represent. I also say to the student that they need to do their own research about the schools thay are interested in so that they can make the right decision for themsleves.
I believe you will also make yourself look bad if you discredit another school. My school may not be the right fit for a student and you will gain more goodwill by doing what's right for the student.
I completely agree. There is no need to discredit another institution. Each institution has its good and bad points, but can still meet the needs of its students. Just as each student is different and unique so is each school.
Candice,
I agree with you. I think that if you are trying to get someone to enroll in your school you should be able to sell the merits of their own school as opposed to trying to discredit another school to try to prop themselves up.
Brian
