We always encourage prospects to do their homework(research) on other companies. We give them a list of the services that we offer to our prospects and assist them on questions they can ask when comparing us to other companies. We never say anything negative about another company. We prefer to be positive in our presentations. We prefer to redirect the conversation to what they are looking for and how we can work with them.
Can't be an expert on all schools, but I can explain the benefits of my school!
Here at our college we have created a shopping list for our hs students. we list our features and benefits and give them a check list and encourage them to check out other schools. They have a fair chance at comparing us to other schools
Tell student to contact that school for information. The school would have a better knowledge of it's numbers then we(I) would.. respectfully..JET
I agree being honest about what your school offers is the best way to handle the difficult comparison question. Ask what they are looking for in a school. If they persist you can just simply state that you are not familiar with the other schools information and it would be best if they contact the school for themselves.
Mary Butler said exactly what I was going to say! If you have the right message about your school, you don't need to talk about another school.
I think it is important to know how you compare to your competition so that you can speak to your value proposition as far as what your University specifically offers and to what distinguishes you from the competition. This will also allow you to handle objections when prospective students are looking at more than one school. However, it is very important not to specifically comment on the other schools.
I am always truthful with students about our school but when they ask about other schools I let them know I do not work for them so I can not tell you anything about that school the best thing to do would be to contac that school with questions.
I encourage students to research and visit other schools. I agree the best thing we can do for our student is empower them with knowledge of our school and allow them to make the best decision for themselves and their future. I am very proud that our team will not discuss other insisitutions. I also believe by encouraging the student to visit these other schools it makes them see we are transparent and maintain high ethical behaviors.
Some specific strategies for dealing with questions regarding professional competitors would be to keep the conversation with the prospective student geared upon what your institution can provide the student in regards to their ultimate goals. Concetrating on what your particular school can do to enhance the student's overall goals as oppossed to speaking ill of another institution not only shows academic integrity, but also showcases your institutions strengths rather than highlighting someone else's shortcomings.
I always make sure the prospective student understands our strengths in the particular program they are looking into. That way if they have visited or going to visit another school they will be able to make a good comparison.
I reveiw the how and why our school will benefit them and if they would like to check out another school i encourage them to do so.
The best strategy I use when asked about another school is to say, "I cannot speak for another school, but in regards to your question, here is what our school does." Also I recommend that if you are unsure regarding school X, maybe it is best to get some clarity from school X.
Always direct the student to seek answers directly from the competitive school.
when students ask me questions about other schools so they can compare, i talk to them about what we offer. i will let them know that when looking into schools, they may want to ask certain questions to make sure it is the right decision for them. for example, do you have your accredidation?
I let the student know any and everything about OUR college. If they have questions about other colleges, I never bad mouth that school. It’s very unprofessional to do so. From there, I let the student know that it is a great idea for them to check the other campus out and see which school would be the best fit for them. We also send them away with a “shopping list†of questions to ask at the next school to make sure they cover everything.
I totally agree with Ms. Mary Butler. I always provide detailed accurate information about our school but I encourage prospective students asking questions about other schools to schedule an appointment with those schools to get a complete understanding and comparison.
My best strategy is simply stating that I am not educated about what other schools offer, however I then explain what we offer and how it can benefit the student in their career aspirations.
Reference positive attributes of your institution's program.
I explain that I can only speak to the programs, admission requirements, retention, graduation & placement rates, etc. of the school to which I am employed. I encourage prospective students to review and compare all educational options before starting the application process with our school. I also refrain from making any statements regarding other schools and do not engage in dialogue discussing discontent with a school that they previously contacted or attended.
