I feel it would be easiest to state that we cannot talk about other institutions and their regulations but we can discuss what we have to offer here. Going into specific details is essential to ensuring that we are not going outside of the boundaries.
I usually reply that I am not familiar with the specifics of another school's program. I continue to discuss what we have to offer. At every school I visit, I encourage students to visit any school they have interest in. I equate it to buying a car. I tell them that they don't close their eyes and say, "I pick that car" because they are spending a lot of money on something. They need to make the best possible and most informed decision so they have to look at all the possibilities. I tell them to not follow the "Herd" but actually go out there and see if the school they are interested in really meets their needs.
I agree with the other responses. We ask questions specifically to make sure we're a good fit and to get them to say what type of education and school they're looking for. We also always encourage to research several schools so they know their options and can pick the best fit for them.
We want the students to be happy with their decision to attend here so if they have questions about another institution we encourage them to set up a time to visit.
I find honesty to be the best policy here. I am not 100% familiar with all competitors have to offer, their programs and offerings. I tell me prospective students this. I encourage them if they want information to contact the competitor. I let my students know that picking a college is a big decision and they need to pick the one they feel most confident with. If that is us great but if a competitor is a better fit that is ok too.
I would recomment to the student that they contact the "other" school and ask their questions directly. i could then follow up with another call and answer any future questions and speak to the issue of enrollment at that time.
I think every Admission Rep gets this questions and the best answer is to have them investigate the other schools, now with the gainful employment they can research much more from the schools websites. Yes, I agree it is a fine line we walk, but these rules are needed.
Students should be encouraged to explore all of their options. Find out what the student is looking for in a school and let them know how your school can meet their expectations. Also, do not be afraid to let the student know to look at other schools they are curious about.
Always be factual about what your school has to offer, never compare to any other school. Invite the prespective student to do their own research.
My best practice is always assume the best. Give all other schools and intities that a student my present or have experienced in the best light. This is best b/c I have no real evidence of anything. Just a person's opinion on the other end of the phone. And even if I had evidence, I woiuld not share it. Again, remain neutral or assume the best of others including companies.
I agree. We are here to help the student and everything we do should be in the student's best interest. I'm not afraid to tell the student to check out other schools if they aren't sure about ours. I do challenge the student and will ask him or her what he or she is looking for here that they haven't found yet. Many times this helps them to make their decision and zero in on what they are looking for in a school.
answer the questions the best that you can without talking negatively about other school. Highlight your programs benefits.
The best specific strategy to handle questions about competitors is to advise the student that you cannot speak on behalf of the other school but give them accurate information on the school you are currently employed with.
I agree. Recruiters should be honest when informing a student if they will be unable to meet the desired needs of the student. This helps the school maintain its credibility, and enables the student to attend somewhere that provides an ideal fit.
I always do this and I feel it is important they research other schools before making a decison.
I encourage all students to do there research and find the school that is going to be fit for them.
The best students are the ones that educate themselves on the different schools out there. I encourage students to check out the competition. This school is not for everyone!
I suggest for students to look at all schools that interest them to be sure that they are getting correct and accurate information before making their final decision.
I agree. I always encourage students to be as educated as possible about their educational choices and to visit all schools of interest.
I encourage students to research other schools to make sure that we are the right fit for them. We offer students a comparison worksheet to take to other schools which encourages them to compare cost, and services the school provides such as career services.
