Be confident in what your school has to offer and always steer clear of ingaging in conversations that may lead to discussions in regards to other schools.
One of the thins I like to do is to tell the prospective student to check out other schools to see what they have to offer. I like to tell them that the purpose of our conversation is to see if our school can fit their needs, personal, professional and academic. I tell them that it is a good idea to find the best fit and if they want to look at other schools, set an appointment for after that has taken place.
tell them to check websites for information and use critical thinking to make an informed intelligent decision that is in their best interest!
Pamela,
That is absolutely the best approach.
Kimberly Stein
I encourage students do homework and research the school.
Rather than focusing on how we compare, I discuss all of the benefits of FORTIS along with programs and services the individual might not be aware of; things like Student Services and Career Services.
When I am able, I like to discuss the schools positive reputation.
I try to sound as though I am talking with a friend and not like a salesmen talking to a customer.
Encourage them to research competitors on their own, but be sure to keep the topics of discussion about what your school offers. If the prospective students try to ask questions about other schools it is important to redirect the conversation about what your school can do.
I always encourage students to talk about what they are looking for in a school and tell them what we can offer based on their needs - I never talk about other schools other than listen to what their experiences have been - never comment on them. I think by not talking poorly of another school, you will have a better overall reputation
When a students asks how our program is different from another school's, I make sure I highlight the benefits of attending our school without even mentioning anything about the other school.
I just try my best to talk about the program that my school offers and educate the student to do their homework before they enroll in a program. I encourage them to go meet with different schools before making a choice.
I believe that the best practice is not to try and side step these types of questions and be direct.
Insist that if they have questions or concerns regarding other schools they need to contact or visit that school and let them answer their questions directly.
To stay professional and to concentrate on your school and what it can offer to the prospective student. Discuss all the options that school offers and its competitive edge. Do not discuss other schools and compare them with yours!
We encourage students to research other institutions if questions arise concerning tuition, job placement, and success rates. Not only does this keep us from providing false or misleading information to the prospective student, but it also demonstrates that we are proud of our institution and not afraid to be compared to others.
Students need to research for themselves in order to make the best decision. If a student is interested in another school; the best way to get information is to contact that school. It is in the student's best interest that individual schools and representatives speak of their school's offerings and not about what another school may or may not have.
I always tell my applicants to gather as much information as they can about school of their interest. All aspects need to be taken in the consideration and only educated choice has to be made. I provide them with written Admssion Packet that has all the info about our school, admssion process and requiremnts. In this case it would be easier for them to compare and choose the right school.
The only thing we really have the ability to do is to offer the benefits(and weaknesses) of the program they are looking at with our school. It would be unwise to offer information regarding another school.
Stick to what you know best, your school. Do not bash other schools because it could leave a bad taste in the prospective students mouth. Encourage them to do their research on other schools so they can make their best decision.
Encourage student to visit every school they are interested so they get the facts for themself.
Flat-out tell them to go and check out the other school(s). Do not pressure them either way.
simply re direct to talk about your school and the benefits that your school offers.
