It can definitely be difficult when someone asks about other schools or what sets you apart from other schools. As someone who has done a lot of research on different schools around us, it can be tough not to mention some of the things I've learned over time.
However, I think as long as you are confident in our own school, the obvious thing to do is just focus on what YOUR school does well.
We encourage our prospective students to do their research because we all have totally bought into what we do at ours.
It is best to emphasize the positives of of the school that I represent and encourage the potential student to research or contact a school that they may have questions about.
I have the utmost confidence in my institution. I always encourage students to contact competitors directly if they are interested in more information.
I let the students know about the benefits of our programs but encourage them to look at other schools as well to see where they are most comfortable. In the end, they have to make the decision on where they feel is the best fit for them.
What I have found to be an effective strategy when asked to compare my school with another in the area is to recommend that the prospective student contact the competitor school and find out the specific information they are looking for. You can not be afraid to let your prospective student gather as much information as possible in order to be confident they will make the right decision for them. Going to school and striving to make one's life better is an important decision and in many cases a fairly large investment. Be open, honest and confident in what your school has to offer, and be sure to make sure your student's decision to enroll is truly theirs.
Best way I like to use is talk about what our students say about us. We have a facebook page that our students are very active in we do not delete comments however our students do usually talk out any complaints etc that come to our page. How we strive to provide a great education for the price.
I've found that it's always best to focus on what makes your school unique. Always focus on the strengths of your school or program.
Competitive integrity is just that, being honest. Yes, each college wants huge enrollments, however, each college has its own personality. Broadcast on the highlights of each program and why the college is different from any other college. This is usually what makes each college grow, marketing to their targeted audience. This also helps the colleges retention rates.
One thing that I typically try to say is "I'm not sure about them but this is what we have" and just try to focus on our positive attributes.
I always tell them to do there own research on many schools so that they can make sure they are making the best choice for themselves. I try to find about what they are looking for in a school and then tell them what the school offers in those areas.
I agree. When a student ask about how we are different from other colleges, I simply tell them about our school. If they continue with questions about another school, I tell them that they would need to speak with someone at that location because I am not qualified to answer questions regarding their policies and procedures.
I advise my potential students to do the resaerch and follow up with other schools to get the information the desire.
I think you need to provide the students with the facts and let them make the best choice for schooling.
Focus on what you offer in regards to the students best interest.
Being honest is of primary importance. Getting the right students - those who feel your school is the best fit - makes for happy students and happy instructors, which makes for a successful school.
Talking in a negative way is never a good thing. I think that encouraging students to do their research will often result in the student coming back to the college that advised them to make the best decision for themselves.
I work at a small school so emphasize the fact of smaller class sizes and more personal attention. Inform them of all the highly reputable work sites that students have gained employment.
Focusing on the positive attributes of our school and how we can help the student obtain their goals is our best practice.
Honesty will always go further than anything else. I also agree, allow the student to make a good informed choice. This could also became a learning experience from the start. Teach the student to be well informed before making a decision and give the best possible information about your own school.
If a prospective student wants to compare a couple schools I tell them it's a good idea, particularly if they are a recent high school graduate and feel confident with the size of our school and hands on learning that my college is the best choice for them.
