Competitive Integrity
It can be difficult to side-step questions about competitors from students who want to compare and contrast schools. What are some of the best specific strategies to handle this professionally while remaining competitive in this market?
The best strategy is to focus on your school's education. Putting another school down, is just unprofessional and can back fire on you, some many ways
In order not to be unethical, I would simply state that I can't speak to the other school; however, I can provide more information about a program of interest at our school that may interest the student further.
I think the best way to handle questions about competitors is to encourage the the potential student to look into them if they are curios and give them the facts about your school, such as graduation rates and job placement. Making another school look bad will only make your school look bad.
If a prospective student is interested in learning about competitors, we simply focus on facts and objectives pertaining to our school, programs and curriculum. We are strictly prohibited from speaking about a competitor's qualities or lack therof, as it is out of compliance.
I couldn't agree more. I would never tell a student that College B is better however the student needs to do their research and make that decision on their own.
Acknowledge that not one school is perfect for every student. Focus on what the student wants to do with their degree. What type of career they want and what the best way is to get there.
Just keep your focus on your school. If they have any questions about our school, that we tell them to call the other school or go to their website.
We are very upfront and honest about what they are going to learn, and how they are going to learn it.
I avoid answering questions about specific colleges or even mentioning them by name. I try to focus just on what my college offers and I suggest the students look up the information regarding the other colleges they are considering attending. If I do speak about other colleges, it is usually just general statements about colleges in general, nothing specific to a specific college or university.
Let the student know that I am not an expert on other schools, but I would be happy to help them with the information they need to make a good decision about what my school has to offer. I encourage students to do their own research to find the best fit for their education.
I would try to be well informed about the other schools but also careful about what information I offered up in comparison to my own institution.
I always encourage students to do there research. I only give information about our school and let the student make the best decision for them.
I like this technique... being honest, forthcoming, and not saying anything negative about another school is so very important. If a student senses your sincerity and genuine interest in their future successes, they usually want to begin the process to enroll... and, once in school, they'll feel comfortable in the decision that they've made.
Since researching in order to make the best decision possible is a crucial skill needed to obtain success in the classroom, I like to "set the tone" with each and every student that I speak with who wants to compare/constrast by telling them that most institutions have websites available that provides information.
Do not speak negative or misleading information. But continue to point out the benefits of your institution.
When I speak with a student I reinforce the positives about our school and our programs.
If a prospective student inquires or asks to compare to another post-secondary institution, it is best to recommend that they contact THAT instituion with questions about THAT institution.
You should focus on your own institution, and what features and benefits they offer while avoiding direct comparisons.
As admissions reps, we must allow a student to compare their choices and just give them the information pertaining to the school you represent.
I simply will not talk about another school. I explain to students that they will have to check with a competitor to obtain the information they are seeking.
The best way is to talk about what sets your school apart from the rest. What value your school has to offer
