Guessing at an answer
What is the best way to advise a student when they ask for course hours, days, placement rates, class sizes, etc. We currently say they will find this out when they come in for a free tour. It makes us look like we do not know anything about our own school.
If/When in doubt, honesty always is the best way to go. My experience is that my students appreciate the fact that if I don't know something, I "fess up" and quickly assure them that prior to their leaving the interview, I will do my best to get the answer to their inquiry. As smart as I think I am, I do realize that there will always be "that question" that I wasn't prepared to receive...in the long run, the prospective students get what they ask for and I learn something new.
If I don't know the answer, I tell prospect I don't have the answer but will find out from the appropriate staff or faculty member
I believe the potential student appreciates us taking the time to find the right answer vs guessing.
It is definitely better to be honest and tell the potential student you do not know the answer but you will find out and give him or her the correct answer as soon as possible. I also like to take the student with me to the person who can give us the correct answer to his or her question.
I agree. Having students come in with specific questions written down can allow us to answer any questions they might have concerns about.
That can be both a blessing and a curse.
First, it allows you one setting to answer ALL of their questions.
However,it CAN leave the wrong impression with a prospective student.
I try to answer "general" questions first, then encourage them to write down any additional, more specific questions for the campus visit. That way, if I am unsure or do not know the answer, I have access to folks who do.
Perhaps a happy medium?
i agreee i think the more information that you can get the prospective student to provide before the intial visit the more prepared you will be to respond to their questions.
It is good to know the basic information, and then if they ask something out of the ordinary you can always get back to them with the answer. If you don't know for sure, look it up and get back to them.
It is difficult but necessary to resist the urge to guess at a question from a student. Especially because you want to instill confidence in the student and you want them to perceive you as a trustworthy source of information and guidance. My policy is that if I don't know an answer, I let them know that I do not know the answer (usually it's an unusual circumstance) but I also pledge to get them an answer. Follow-through is critical for both providing the answer they seek and also maintaining their confidence in you.
I usually find it easier to handle the questions with a more soft-handed answer. Something like, "that is a great question, it shows that you are taking everything you can into consideration in making the right choices for your future. We begin classes each quarter, and things can change from quarter to quarter, so giving you a specific answer is difficult to do. Why don't you jot that down, along with other specific questions that you may have and bring them with you to your appointment. That way, we can make sure not to forget to address that while you are here." Quite often, questions are just a way to deflect attention and control the conversation.
