{"id":1348,"date":"2022-05-11T06:35:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-11T06:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solomonadmissions.com\/?p=1348"},"modified":"2023-12-01T15:12:21","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T15:12:21","slug":"what-to-ask-during-a-college-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solomonadmissions.com\/in\/post\/what-to-ask-during-a-college-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Ask During a College Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In learning more about colleges and universities, visiting can be an important component in the decision-making process to apply and\/or attend. Visitors, whether in-person or virtual, have the chance to determine for themselves if the institution is a good fit academically, socially, and personally. Asking the appropriate questions can narrow down options and provide a solid sense of confidence in the college admissions process.<\/p>\n\n\n
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There isn\u2019t much time when visiting colleges and universities, so questions should be targeted to the right people at the right time to make the most of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
College admissions representatives, financial aid representatives, current students, faculty, alumni, and athletics coaches will be the possible available sources for questions. Campus visits usually consist of a campus tour and a visit to the admissions office, where there may be a presentation on the school and information on the admissions process. Typically, visitors will meet an admissions representative or current student. Beyond this and for individual meetings, visitors may need to schedule in advance, so a focused approach is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask questions that are not easily found online, and try not to repeat information provided in the admissions presentation. An overwhelming amount of information is available online and through booklets, videos, and more. With all of these resources available, it may seem as though no additional information is needed while visiting. However, specific interests and concerns may not be addressed in these more general formats and the experiences of current students may vary widely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sticking to the subjects that matter most will help reveal fit and comfort level moving forward. Compare the findings across schools. Important, too, is the timing of questions. If you are meeting individually with an admissions representative, current student, and\/or a faculty member there will be plenty of time to ask questions, but if not, being selective is paramount. The conclusion of an admissions presentation or campus tour will present a few opportunities, so direct your questions at the appropriate time. If the most important questions are not addressed or there is not enough time, schedule a meeting with someone who can fill in the gaps, if available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Questions can be divided into broad categories: admissions, academics, campus, students, and career. Each broad category can be addressed by different people on campus. Below are several suggested questions to ask during a college visit and whom to ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Admissions & Financial Aid Questions for Admissions Representatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What are the graduation rates? What are some reasons students do not graduate in four years? Are there any particular reasons students leave or transfer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are admissions rates different for different majors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Does demonstrated interest make a difference in the admissions process?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is the school test optional?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 How important is legacy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are interviews a factor in the admissions process? Who conducts them and where or how?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What is different about this school?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Can I speak with a financial aid officer? What kind of scholarships and\/or merit awards are available, if any? Are there athletic scholarships? What is the average financial aid package?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is the school able to meet financial need? What is the average amount of loan debt for graduates?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Do you have need-blind admissions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Academic Questions for Admissions Representatives, Current Students, or Faculty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What are the most popular majors? Best reputations? When do students need to declare? Is it a popular choice to double-major or major and minor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is it easy to switch majors after declaring?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is the school on a quarter, trimester, or semester system?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 How many classes do students typically take each semester\/trimester\/quarter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What is the typical teaching style (lecture, seminar, teaching assistant versus professor, etc.)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 How many students are in a classroom on average?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What are some favorite classes and why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 How much time is normally spent on homework? Are there any group projects or presentations required?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What are the study-abroad options? Is studying abroad popular?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are there research opportunities for undergraduates?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is there an honors college or honors program?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What is academic advising like? Are professors also advisors? Are there tutoring programs or support?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are capstone projects required for seniors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are professors accessible? Do they have office hours?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are there any particular popular study spots for students?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Campus Questions for Tour Guides or Current Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What is different or special about this campus in particular?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is campus housing available? What kinds of choices are there? What percentage of students live on campus and is it required? Do you get to choose a roommate or are they assigned? What are the dorms like (students per room, bathrooms, showers, kitchens, laundry, lounging, etc.)? Are dorms separated by any criteria (year, interests, culture, etc.)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What do the meal plan options look like? Is the food good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are health resources available?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are the disability services on campus helpful and what kinds of resources are offered?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Can students have cars on campus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What percentage of students belong to a sorority or fraternity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are there many parties on campus? How prevalent are drugs and alcohol on campus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What are some popular hangout spots on campus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are there workout facilities for students who are not athletes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What kinds of facilities, in general, are available to students (libraries, labs, theaters, etc.)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 How do most students get around on campus (bike, car, scooter, walk, etc.)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is there campus transportation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is public transportation accessible? Is there transportation to airports?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Student Life Questions for Current Students<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are you happy here? Why did you choose this school in particular?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What is something you do not like about this school or what would you improve?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Do you feel safe on campus? In the surrounding community?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What is a typical day like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Do you go off-campus often? Do many students live off-campus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What kinds of activities are available? What student organizations are popular?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What do you do for fun?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are sporting events well attended? What division of athletics is the school? Are sports a big part of student life and campus culture?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What is school spirit like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are people friendly? What is the social scene like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is the student population diverse? Are there many international students?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is this an active campus for social justice? Have there been any recent protests on campus? If so, what was the focus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Career & Post-Graduate Questions for Admissions Representatives or Alumni<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What kind of career support and guidance is there for undergraduates?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are alumni actively involved in the school? Who are some notable alumni?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is there job-placement assistance? Do recruiters come to campus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are internships on campus available? Off-campus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What kinds of opportunities exist on campus to build a profile prior to graduation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are service-learning opportunities available?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are summer jobs or work during the school year available?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Are there work-study options?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Is there a co-op program?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Do students get involved in the surrounding community much?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 What percentage of students go on to graduate school and\/or earn advanced degrees?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By the end of a campus visit, having asked enough of the right questions should provide a clearer sense of belonging and define the level of interest in attending. Finding out what it\u2019s really like academically, socially, and personally will help determine fit. Remember to ask questions from a variety of the available sources. Good conversations will lead to better and stronger feelings about college options. If you’re looking for help finding the right college for you, why not contact us?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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