I think asking the student what questions they have and what they are looking for in a school from the beginning can help you in your "selling points" when speaking about your school and the programs you offer. That way you are acknowledging that the student has specific things they are looking for and easing their concerns as well. It shows what stands out for your institution.
Absolutely! Remaining positive, not bad mouthing a competitor if anything helps you stand out. Point out your programs strengths, how they can benefit your individual student and allow them to choose their best fit.
I agree with you and Faith on this. Our team comes across this scenario frequently. We gather as much in formation from the prospective student as possible, then repeat their desired goals back to them. Once we have a clear understanding, we address the strengths of our institution. We also enccourage them to look at other schools who are offering similar programs they're interested in. Parents are pleased with the responses seeing that we're looking out for the best option for their young adult, even if they choose another institution.
I usually tell my students that i cannot speak for other schools and they must do reseach to decided which school is best for them
In order to get the prospective student focused on your program, emphasize what "your school" can do and "what makes your school so awesome".
I have actually used that same example several times when talking to a perspective student. Finding a school that is going to be a good fit will hopefully continue their motivation to do well and earn that degree.
Focusing on your schools benefits and qualities is the best way to go as well as encouraging the prospective student to look into other schools. Bashing another institution only makes you look bad.
I believe the best strategy in addressing these types of questions is to be as aware of the best unbiased resources available to prospective students as an Admissions Rep would be to the rules of competitive integrity.
Having a sound grasp on those resources and a willingness to offer them with encouragement to the PS so that they do their own research to find the answers they seek will serve to position the institution in the best light and demonstrate to the student that their individual success is the most important goal.
The very best way to comply is to make sure sure of what you are going to say and that it does not infringe on anyone else.
Highlight positive information about your school and encourage student to call or visit the other school in order to get info about them.
To simply ask the student what will be the motivatiing factor for choosing between schools and then responding in a way that highlights how the Recruiter's school addresss that motivating factor.
Continue to instill positive comments pertaining to your particular school and try to uncover what the student is acutally looking for in an institution.
It is always best to stick to the positive highlights of your own program. Trying to compare with other schools is very risky and often incorrect.
I always go back to the student. What is important to them. What is going to make a school a good fit for them and discuss why we may or may not be the best fit. Trying to find a match between the student and your school will help deflect questions about other institutions.
Ask what is important to the student in the pursuit of higher education. Then relate the advantages of your college to their list of important qualities
I encourage the student to visit our campus and the other school to see what is best for the student...
I think it is in poor taste to "bad mouth" a competitor, it put's your school in a bad light. I always encourage students to do their research, and compare independently to make sure they choose the schools that fits their needs best.
Often when I am shopping for anything I find it a big turn off when the person I'm interacting with makes derogatory remarks about another product. The ones I trust the most are the ones that make sure they have done the best job possible of showing the benefits and features they offer.
It's important to show integrity and when talking about our competition. The best thing that I usually do is talk about the Values and Options that our school offers. If a student has a particular question in regards to another school I politely tell them that it's in their best interest for them to conduct their own research so they'll be able to make an educated decision.
I always state I cant speak about what I don't know and that I work for my college. I give the benefits that my college offers and encourage them to ask the other college the same questions compare the answers. do a little research and figure out which college will be best for them in the longrun
