David, Thank you for posting! Do you find these questions get you all the information you need? Nicely done.
Dr. Jean Norris
Why is now the right time for you to attend college?
What barriers do you face with your decision to come back to school?
Who do you have in your support network?
Thanks for sharing, Sarah!
These are great questions for eliciting information from prospective students. However, I encourage you to be careful with "Why" questions. They tend to put others on the defensive. How else can you phrase your first question without using "why?"
Dr. Jean Norris
I like to start with simple interview type questions like, so tell me about yourself. If they start telling me about their family and cat, then I can quickly gauge what type of personality I am communicating with. I find it helpful to gear the conversation to make the person feel comfortable.
Shawn,
This sounds like a great way to start building rapport with the prospective student. Great job!
Dr. Jean Norris
Why is now the best time to pursue your goals for a better career?
How long have you seriously been considering making this change for yourself?
Does your family know you want to do this, and are they supportive?
Carrie,
Thanks for sharing! These are excellent questions for finding out about the prospective student's goals and environment!
Elizabeth Wheeler
What sparked you interest in the program?
What is your timeline to get started?
Who else is supportive of your decisions?
Open ended and fact finding questions should be used in a phone conversation with prospects. These types of questions require a more engaging response from the prospect. These questions start with Where..., When..., How..., or What... for starters. The responses obtained from these questions then become information the salesman can use in his/her presentation.
Hello Tara,
Great use of the "Why". Normally, many salesmen try the "Why" only to antagonize the prospect. Your use of "Why" is the ideal way to inject into the conversation for it is natural and free flowing.
Juan Wilkerson
Tell me a little about yourself.
What is your favorite dish you like to make?
Tell me a little bit about why you decided to call in today?
Have you attended college in the past?
Tell me why you're looking to change schools/majors?
These are questions that we ask for programs that we offer as well. It is interesting to see the all different areas of admissions are pretty similar even when they are enrolling for different programs.
In my experience open-ended questions are a MUST. However, my favorite question is, "Tell me more about that" Typically, if you can simply get the prospective student talking about things they'll tell you everything you need to know if you just listen.
Thanks, David! "Tell me more..." is one of our favorite questions as well.
Dr. Jean Norris
What got you motivated to express an interest @ this time? How long have you been interested in this opportunity? Why is now a better time to take action on your career interest? Who else knows you're thinking about going back to school to further your education? Are they supportive? What did they say? Can they visit with you so they too can ask questions you may not think to ask during your visit?
Great questions, Sandra! One thing, though - be careful when using "Why" questions. You could put the prospective student on the defensive. How could you ask your question without using "why"?
Elizabeth Wheeler
So, what happened recently that made you say, "its time to get this process started"?
Who have you spoken with about your interest of getting back in school?
I agree with you, Shannon. Open and closed questions allow the student to open up with no problem.
How long have you been interested in that field?
Why that particular field?
How did you become interested in that field?
Do you know someone that is presently in that particular field?
Do you have any experience in that field?
Have you shared your interest with anyone else? What was their response?
Who supports you if you where to pursue your education in that field?
Where do you see yourself in the future if you accomplish your goals in that field?
