I feel honesty is the best way to handle questions about competitors from students who want to compare and contrast schools. Be honest by telling them that you are unable to give them information on a school that you don’t work for, and that the best source of information on any school is to contact them directly.
I stress the strenghts of our school such as hands on atmosphere, tutoring, open door policy for all our departments to answer questions. I try to build trust and likeability of myself as well.
I learned as a young salesperson years ago that "you never talk bad about the competition!" I always encourage prospective students to do their research and make an informed decision.
what i typically tell prospective students is to gather all the information from all schools of interest and compare and contrast for themselves. one school may not be the best fit for everyone.
"since I'm not familiar with that school I cannot comment, however, I can tell you that at this school...
I always encourage a student to do the research on the schools and decide for themselves which organization will best benefit the student. I also outline to the student in detail what our programs are comprised of and answer any questions concerning our programs, delivery, and post graduate services.
Rita, I would have to agree to you, let them look at other schools to see what the competition is like. I feel that the reason why students choose to attend my school is beacuse of the people.
I usually same something such as “I can only speak intelligently about my school; it is best that I give you the information you need to make an educated decision about our school. You school visit each school you are considering before you make your final decision.â€
I feel that the best strategy is not to mention other schools and just highlight the good points of your schools programs
I saw something similar. I try to make it humerous saying that,"I have a hard enough time keeping up with my school!"
Always maintain integrity by giving the student the best information about your school and encouraging a student to always keep their options open. There is nothing wrong with getting all the information, to make a great decision.
I try to refer the student to address the school in question through their representative. I also refer students to department of education sponsored web sites where aggregate information is complied.
Highlighting what makes your institution's curriculum, or courses unique is one specific strategy to provide students with information to make an informed decision.
There is really only one best way to approach comparing schools when requested. That is, refer them to the other school(s) to check them out. This builds integrity in that you aren't bad mouthing another institution and you're not put on the chopping block in trying to compare. It's best explained that other competitors also do a good job, and what's most important for the student is to pick the best school for them. This demonstrates confidence in your school and being fair in the best interest of the student's school choice. This way the student has a better chance of completion in going to the best school of their choice.
The best strategies is to advise students to do their own research on various schools and compare rates and programs.
Be honest about your school but never disparage another school to make your school look better. Tell the prospect to check out that school and then compare the two schools.
I encourage the students to check out the competition and to make the best choice for themselves. Always be considerate, knowledgeable and honest with the student and 90% of the time they will choose your institution over the other.
I would never bad mouth another school but concentrate only on what our school has to offer. With the internet these days, people are easily able to research and make a decision on which school is best for them. I also encourage visits.
I explain, that I don not work for that organization, and therefore would not kow their practices. I also tell them it is like talking about your own family behind their back, it eventually catches up to you. I amazed how often student I enroll tell me how other schools have spoken about mine.
Amanda,
I agree with your response. That is a great way to handle it.
Kimberly Stein
