Comparing other colleges
It is our practice that we do not discuss specifics on other schools. I am curious though about other colleges' tour practices. If a prospective student references a specific college to compare to yours, do you still just focus on your own college or if you know specific differences, do you identify them?
WHEN A PROSEPCTIVE STUDENT ASK ME TO COMPARE OUR SCHOOL TO OTHER SCHOOLS AND WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? I POLITELY SAY THAT I CAN ONLY INFORM YOU ABOUT OUR SCHOOL AND THE PROCEDURES AND POLICIES AND I WILL GIVE YOU A TOUR SO THAT YOU CAN SEE THE DIVERSITYT OF OUR POPULATION AND FEEL THE ENVIRONMENT FOR YOURSEL. WITH REGARDS TO OTHER SCHOOLS, IT WILL BE UP TO YOU TO DO YOUR RESEARCH AND ASK THAT SCHOOL WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL AND THEN YOU CAN DETERMINE WHAT SCHOOL MATCHES YOUR CAREER PATH AND OBJECTIVE. REMEBER LIFE IS ABOUT CHOICES, BUT YOU HAVE TO ASK QUESTIONS. YOU'RE THE BUYER.
It's best to leave other school's information out of your conversation with a perspective student. I always tell the student to TOUR any school that he/she might be thinking about attending. This way the student can see the good and the bad for himself/herself.
When prospective students come in with a basic understanding of how other institutions structure their program(s), it makes it so much easier to emphasize the good qualities of our programs without bashing the other schools. I'm of the belief that if you have a great product it's an easy sell.
I always encourage prospective students to "comparison shop" when making a well-informed decision for their education. I emphasize that although many schools offer similar programs, all schools are not alike and while one school may be a better fit for one individual, another person may find that they feel more comfortable attending a school that better meets their personal needs. This allows them less pressure and more freedom to do their own research and choose what will ultimately be the best learning experience for them.
We are not to make any statements that could potentially get us into trouble as being false or misleading in the slightest. I, personally, use the phrase "I'm not familiar with (whatever the prospective studetn is stating) at XXX School, but here..... (blah blah blah) Too risky to try to make a comparison, even if conversational or with the best of intentions!!
yes always be cautious to the other schools. a good repeutaiton is better than a bad or no reputation at all. be postive to all schools. because it could come back to bit you in the long run.
Your focus should be on what your school provides. You are the expert for your school, leave the others alone.
We try to keep the conversation focused on what we do well and what we have to offer. We do not want to lower ourselves by saying anything derogatory about our competitors, even when we know they are providing false information about us. It is always advisable to take the high road, and it helps to make our institution appear more professional when we do not engage in that type of behavior.
We always try to focus on what we do well! I have always encouraged potential students to explore all their options--that way they can make an informed decision about what program and facility best suits their needs.
Yes, we just focus on our own institution, we can only offer insight into our own school. Politely advise the student that I cannot answer questions about another school because I donot have that information .
