Tell them to make up their own mind about the competitor and that you are an expert in the school where you are employed.
By stressing the benefits of your school's program compared to the competitition you allow the student to make an informed decision.
Ask a lot of questions but always be honest.
I try not to discuss other school's programs. Instead I focus on the positive aspects of our school. I do not speak poorly of other schools, but I do encourage students to check out as many schools as possible before they make their choice. Choosing a school that best fits a student is important and I make sure to emphasize and show-off our school the best I can.
If a student asks about other schools, we encourage them to visit other schools so that they are making an informed decision on their own and choosing the school and program that will be the best fit for them. We also review the features and benefits of our school so they can review and compare on their own when requesting information or visiting other schools.
The best way to handle this situation is explain to the student that you cannot speak for another school and focus on the benefits and features of your university. Typically, a student will understand that an representative does not know specific information about another school.
We only focus on our school, our programs, and our offerings when we are meeting with students. We direct all questions about other schools to that school in question and explain to the student that we are only knowledgeable on our specific school. This has worked for us for a while now.
I always think it is best to tell students that you can only discuss our school because that is what I know about and that they should call any other schools they are considering. I also tell them certian questions that they should ask.
It's always good to equip your student with the proper questions to ask if they're doing research. I never want to talk bad about competitors because your actions reflect the company you work for. Give them things to ask such as about accreditation, placement, graduation, retention stats and encourage them to research these items. The more you seem that you can help, the more that student will trust you to help them make the right decision.
Explain to the student that you are not an expert to your competitors, instead of talking about them, explain what your organization does and how this will benefit the student. Never bad mouth a competitor, it only makes you look less credible.
Students should make certain that they understand a school's accreditation and what that really means. unfortunately, I run into that issue more with folks who unwittingly bought HS Diplomas. Had no idea how pervassive this was a problem until working in the field of education!
We deal with this day in and day out. We provide the prospective student with a very high level of customer service. We want to stick out in their mind as they are looking at other schools and have them remember us as the "school that was accomodating and welcoming to them".
The best way is to tout the advantages of your institution. Inform the student about the questions they may want to be asking from competitors - ensure accreditation, ask about placement, etc. By touting the positive, you create a good reputation for your campus.
I tell the prospect student that I do not know nor am I trained about that school and then I tell the prospect student about our program.
I also agree. I find it best to let the student know that I am not familiar with the other school,but encourage them to use the internet or visit another school. I let them know what our schools strengths are. I want someone who has done research, they will make a best student.
I also agree. I find it best to let the student know that I am not familiar with the other school,but encourage them to use the internet or visit another school. I let them know what our schools strengths are. I want someone who has done research, they will make a best student.
I always explain that there is a school out there for every student. I encourage them to ask hard questions about our school, and then through their inquiry at other schools and compare feelings toward the difference. Our school isn't for everyone, and likewise, not every student is right for our school. The most important part of an enrollment is that the student wants to go to a school with an understanding of the difference between schools.
It is best to direct the conversation back to the benefits of your own school. A simple statement to let the potential student know that you are not in the business of speaking poorly of a competitor will increase trust.
I typically say to the prospective student that they will have to make that determination on their own, and go on to reinforce our strengths, some of which I know may be weaknesses of our competitor.
When I present for my school, I'm stressing the importance of research when buying any product. I let them know that I am research for my school, and that there is no one school that can fit everyone's needs. Each student is an individual, and many factors, such as location, size, and price need to be considered.
