Questions to Ask Your Prospective Colleges
A sampling of these questions would be appropriate to ask at college fairs, interviews, campus visits or any other opportunities you have to talk to college representatives.
Select the questions that are most relevant to your situation.
Questions About Admission Policies
What high school courses do you require?
What tests are required? What range of scores typifies your admitted students?
What grade point average is typical of your admitted students?
What emphasis is placed on extracurricular activities?
Do you offer Early Decision or Early Action?
If yes, what are the deadlines and what is the commitment?
Do you accept Letters of Recommendation?
Are personal interviews offered? How do you obtain them?
Are any majors impacted such that they have additional admission requirements?
What percent of applicants do you accept? Is there a waitlist? An appeals process?
Questions About the College or University
Where is the college located? Is the setting rural, urban, suburban, beach, etc.
What is the community like? College town? Relationship with the community?
Is the college public or private? Does it have a religious affiliation?
What is the current enrollment? Of that, what percent live on campus?
Are there any special programs offered?
Does the college have a particular program it is known for or ranked in?
If considering transferring, ask about transfer opportunities and requirements.
Questions About The Student Body
Where do the majority of students come from?
How is the Greek System (sororities and fraternities) perceived? (if applicable)
What percent of students join?
What role does athletics play in campus life? Are there NCAA sports? Intramural?
How would you characterize the student body? Diverse? Affluent? Cliquish? Relaxed?
How would you characterize the school in terms of school spirit?
Politically would the school be characterized as liberal or conservative?
Degree of emphasis on social life vs. academic?
Questions About Academics
What is the average class size? Ratio of professors to students?
What percent of classes are taught by TAs vs. professors?
What percent of students return sophomore year? What percent graduate in four years?
How difficult is it to get your classes? How does registration work?
Does each student have a counselor?
Is the campus networked? What internet access is provided and where? In each room?
What are the most popular majors? Which of those have special requirements or are impacted?
Is there an honors program?
Are there special exchange programs or opportunities to study abroad?
Are students recruited aggressively? Are they offered internships?
What percent of the students are accepted to graduate schools?
Questions About Financial Aid
What percent of students receive financial aid? What are the filing date deadlines?
Are jobs available on campus? Work-study programs?
Are there other grants and loans available? How does one qualify or apply?
What is a typical financial aid package for freshmen?
When is a student notified about financial aid?
Are there other special scholarships for athletics? Arts? Leadership? Academics?
