50 questions for parents and students to ask during a college visit

By Melissa Simmons

Virtual or in-person college information sessions allow students and families to learn about an institution beyond what’s included in a brochure. From admissions to campus life, there are so many parts of the college experience that students should ask while deciding whether a school is the right fit for them. To get started, CTY’s Student Support Unit recommends asking these questions:

Questions about Admissions

· Does your school require standardized tests? If so, what tests do you require and what are the average scores of students in the middle 50% of your admitted class?

· How much is the application fee? Can it be waived?

· Are interviews required as part of the admission process? Who conducts them? Are the interviews informational or evaluative?

· What is this school’s acceptance rate?

· Are there any majors for which enrollment is capped?

· Do you accept the Common Application or Coalition Application? If so, are there any supplements to fill out in addition to those?

· Do I need to indicate a major on my application? Are any majors more competitive than others?

· What three pieces of the application do you value the most when accepting your incoming class?

Questions about academics

· Are classes taught by professors or teaching assistants?

· What is the average class size?

· When are incoming first-year students given an academic advisor? How/when do they provide course selection advising for first-semester classes?

· What is the average number of classes students take per semester?

· Are classes lecture-based or discussion-based?

· How much time do you spend on homework and projects outside of class?

· What are the school’s library hours? Does the library provide free printing services?

· What percentage of students choose to study abroad? Can any student in any major study abroad?

Questions about student support

· Do students seek help from their professors often? How accessible are professors outside of the classroom, especially those who teach large courses?

· What services does the school’s student health and counseling center provide? Are those services free?

· Who can I speak to about disabilities services for students on campus?

· What is one resource or office you feel is underused on campus?

· What services are available for finding internships, research opportunities, and jobs? Do those services continue after graduation?

· Do alumni return to share advice with students after graduation?

· What does the Pre-Law, Pre-Med, etc. advising look like at your school?

Questions about financial aid

· What percentage of students receive financial aid?

· What is the average financial aid package amount for a student? Does that include loans and work study?

· Do you have an Estimated Family Contribution calculator on your website?

· What is the total cost of attendance (includes tuition, room/board, fees, supplies)?

· What is the average student loan debt after graduation?

Questions to ask students and/or alumni

· What are the top reasons you decided to apply to this school?

· Do you feel there’s a good support/transition program for freshman students? Is it hard to make friends?

· How do students learn about and/or join student organizations?

· How is the food on campus?

· What is your favorite on-campus event?

· What traditions should incoming students know about?

· How diverse is the student body on campus? How does the school foster community, inclusivity, and cultural understanding?

· What are the hot-button issues on campus?

· Do you feel safe on campus?

Questions About campus housing and community

· Are students required to live on campus? What do you think about living and dining on campus?

· Do most students live in double or triple dorm rooms? Are any dorms apartment-style?

· Where are bathrooms located (i.e.: “jack and jill”, on each floor, in each room, etc.)

· Do most students choose to live off campus after freshman year?

· Can students choose a residence hall and a roommate for their first year? If not,, how are roommates selected?

· Do resident assistants live on each floor?

· How would you describe the surrounding community and the relationship this school has with it?

· Is the school close to shopping malls, grocery stores, etc.?

Questions about student outcomes

· What is your school’s retention and transfer rate?

· What is the four-year graduation rate? Five-year?

· How many students, on average, find jobs in their major one year after they graduate?

· What do some of your most prominent alumni do for a living?

· How successful are students who apply to med/grad/law school?