by Bethany Goldszer |
Last Updated: March 27, 2023 Visiting colleges is an exciting and important part of the college preparation process. It’s a chance for you to check out the campus, discover what the college can offer you, immerse yourself in campus life, and ask essential questions to learn more about how the college stacks up against others on your list. During your college visit, you’ll want to see if you can envision yourself as part of the community, which will ultimately help you make an informed decision about which college to attend. In this post, we’ll share the best questions to ask when visiting colleges.
Key Takeaways
- It's important to ask the right questions when visiting colleges to discover the college that is best for you.
- You don't have to ask all 150 questions, but focus on the ones you care most about.
Table of Contents
Academic
The very first thing to focus on when you visit colleges is, of course: academics. It’s super important to make sure the college has the majors, minors, and programs that interest you, so you can reach your career goals and avoid transferring colleges, which can lead to loss of credits and delay in graduating within four years.
By asking academic questions, you can also find out about professors and teaching staff, research opportunities, and overall academic offerings and policies, which can make a big difference in how the school will benefit you. Here are the academic questions to ask when visiting colleges:
- What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
- What is the average class size?
- What percentage of classes have fewer than 20 students?
- What is the student retention rate?
- What is the graduation rate?
- What types of academic programs are available?
- What is the most popular major?
- What percentage of students pursue graduate degrees?
- What is the faculty-to-student ratio?
- What are the qualifications of the faculty members?
- What is the academic calendar like?
- Are there opportunities for undergraduate research?
- Are there opportunities for internships or co-ops?
- What study abroad programs are available?
- What is the school’s policy on AP credits?
Admissions
When you’re visiting colleges, it’s important to ask admission-related questions that will give you valuable insights into the college’s application process, admission requirements, deadlines, and other important factors that can influence your application strategy. You’ll also gain a better understanding of what the college is looking for in its applicants and whether or not you’re a good fit for the school. This information can help you prepare a stronger application and increase your chances of being admitted to your top colleges. Here are the admissions questions to ask when visiting colleges:
- What is the acceptance rate?
- What is the average SAT/ACT score for admitted students?
- What percentage of students are in the top 10% of their high school class?
- Is an interview required for admission?
- Are interviews conducted on campus or off campus?
- What are the application deadlines?
- Are there early decision or early action options?
- What is the application fee?
- What is the policy on deferring admission?
- What is the policy on transfer students?
Financial Aid
College costs are always important to consider when visiting colleges. Colleges costs have reached an all-time high, and student loan debt in the United States is around $1.57 trillion! With approximately 45 million people in student loan debt, the average student loan debt per borrower in 2020 was $38,792. Do what you can to avoid crushing student loan deby by asking questions that give you a clear understanding of the costs associated with attending the college and the types of financial aid available. Some colleges may offer unique financial aid programs or scholarships that you might not be aware of, and asking about them during your visit can give you an advantage when it comes to applying for and receiving financial aid. Here are the financial aid questions to ask when visiting colleges:
- What percentage of students receive financial aid?
- What types of financial aid are available?
- What is the average financial aid package?
- What is the policy on need-based aid?
- What is the policy on merit-based aid?
- What is the policy on athletic scholarships?
- Are there work-study opportunities available?
- What is the policy on student loans?
- What is the policy on grants?
- What is the policy on scholarships?
Student Life
When you visit a college, it’s important to get a sense of what the student experience is like beyond just academics. That’s where student life questions come in. By asking about student life, you can get a better understanding of the campus culture, what activities and organizations are available to students, and what kind of support services are in place. This information can help you determine whether a college is a good fit for you and your interests. Additionally, student life questions can give you insight into how the college values diversity, inclusion, and community building. Overall, asking about student life during a college visit can help you get a more well-rounded picture of what life at that college might be like. Here are the student life questions to ask when visiting colleges:
- What is the student population like?
- What is the male-to-female ratio?
- What is the racial/ethnic diversity of the student body?
- What is the age range of the students?
- What is the LGBTQ+ community like on campus?
- What is the political climate on campus?
- What is the religious diversity of the student body?
- What is the campus culture like?
- What is the housing situation like?
- Are freshmen required to live on campus?
- What is the availability of on-campus housing for upperclassmen?
- What is the policy on off-campus housing?
- What are the dining options like?
- Are there special dietary accommodations available?
- What is the campus safety like?
- What is the policy on alcohol and drug use?
- What is the policy on fraternities and sororities?
- What are the extracurricular activities available?
- What are the athletic programs like?
- What are the intramural sports available?
- What is the policy on campus events?
Campus Resources
Asking campus resource questions during a college visit is important because it will help you understand the support available to you as a student. You want to make sure that the college has resources to help you succeed academically, mentally, physically, and socially. Knowing about the availability of libraries, computer labs, tutoring services, career centers, health services, mental health services, disability services, fitness facilities, and other resources will help you determine whether the college is a good fit for your needs. It’s important to ask about the availability of these resources and how you can access them so that you can feel supported and successful during your time at college. Here are the questions to ask when visiting colleges related to campus resources:
- How many books, journals, and other resources are available at the library?
- Are there enough computer labs for students to use?
- Are there plenty of places for students to study?
- Is there a program that offers tutoring services to students who need extra help?
- Are there writing centers where students can get feedback on their writing?
- Is there a career center that provides job search resources and assistance with resume building and interview skills?
- Are there on-campus health services available for students?
- Is there a mental health clinic or counseling center available to students?
- Are there accommodations available for students with disabilities?
- Are there fitness facilities available for students to use?
- Are there art or music facilities available for students to use?
- Are there research facilities available for students who want to conduct research in their field of study?
- What is the average starting salary for graduates?
- What is the job placement rate for graduates?
- What companies recruit on campus?
- What is the alumni network like?
- What are the internship opportunities like?
- What is the availability of career fairs?
- What is the availability of job shadowing or mentoring opportunities?
- What is the availability of networking events?
- What is the availability of job search resources?
Academic Support
As a prospective college student, it’s important to ask academic support questions during your college visit to gain a better understanding of the resources available to you if you need assistance with your studies. By asking about tutoring services, writing centers, and other academic support programs, you can ensure that you’ll have the necessary tools to succeed academically. It’s also important to ask about the availability of study spaces and computer labs to ensure that you’ll have access to the resources you need to complete assignments and conduct research. By asking academic support questions, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which college is the best fit for your academic needs.
- What is the availability of tutoring services?
- What is the availability of writing centers?
- What is the availability of study groups?
- What is the availability of academic coaching?
- What is the availability of academic advisors?
- What is the availability of peer mentors?
- What is the availability of study abroad advisors?
- What is the availability of research advisors?
- What is the availability of technology support?
Facilities and Campus Environment
When you go to visit a college, it’s important to ask about the things they have available for you to use. This way, you can see what resources you’ll have as a student. You can ask about things like the internet and if they have computer rooms you can use. You can also ask about printers and copy machines that you might need. It’s also important to ask about other things like art and music rooms, fitness rooms, and research facilities. By asking these questions, you can see if the college has the things you need to help you succeed as a student. Here are some great questions to ask when visiting colleges:
- How is the campus designed and laid out?
- What style of architecture are the buildings on campus?
- Are there plenty of green spaces on campus for students to enjoy?
- Are there recreational facilities available for students, such as sports fields or fitness centers?
- Are there performance venues on campus, such as theaters or concert halls?
- Are there museums on campus that students can visit for educational purposes?
- Are there art galleries on campus that students can visit for cultural enrichment?
- Are there media centers on campus that provide resources for film and media studies?
- Are there innovation hubs on campus that support entrepreneurial or technological ventures?
- Are there any unique features or facilities on campus that set it apart from other colleges or universities?
Technology
In addition to questions about facilities, you’ll want to drill down on the technological resources offered. This starts with the computers available throughout campus and Internet connectivity. But it also includes the college’s ability to provide special tools like mobile apps and virtual reality, like the Virtual Embodiment Lab at Cornell University, to take your learning to the next level. Here are a few technology questions to ask when visiting colleges:
- Is Wi-Fi easily accessible on campus for students to use?
- How fast is the internet connection on campus?
- Are there enough computer labs on campus for students to use?
- Are there enough printers and copiers available for students to use?
- Are there plenty of digital resources available to students for research and study purposes?
- Are there any mobile apps provided by the college or university that can help students with their studies or campus life?
- Are there virtual or augmented reality tools available on campus that can enhance student learning experiences?
- How does the college or university incorporate technology into its curriculum and overall student experience?
- Are there any unique or innovative technological tools or resources available on campus that set it apart from other colleges or universities?
Research and Innovation
Colleges are great launching pads for researching Big Questions and incubating innovations that solves the world’s biggest problems. The college may offer experiences that enhance your education, so it’s important to ask about all the exciting research projects and programs that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. Questions you can ask include:
- What are the main areas of focus for the college or university’s research programs?
- Is there ample funding available for research opportunities at the college or university?
- Are there adequate research equipment and tools available for students and faculty to use?
- Are there research laboratories on campus that are accessible to students and faculty?
- Are there research centers or institutes affiliated with the college or university that offer additional research opportunities for students and faculty?
- Are there entrepreneurship programs available on campus to support students who want to start their own businesses?
- Are there startup incubators on campus where students can get support and resources to launch their own companies?
- Are there innovation contests or challenges hosted by the college or university to encourage creativity and problem-solving?
- Are there partnerships with industry or corporate organizations that offer research opportunities or internships for students?
- How does the college or university support and encourage research, entrepreneurship, and innovation among its students and faculty?
Global and Community Engagement
When visiting colleges, it’s a good idea to ask questions about how the college is involved in the local community and the world at large. This means finding out about things like programs where you can study in different countries, ways to volunteer and help others, and activities that support your local community. You can also learn about resources that can help you become a better citizen of the world and how to help others. By asking about diversity and fairness programs, you can see if the college cares about helping everyone feel welcome and respected. This can help you decide if the college is a good fit for you and if it can help you become a responsible member of society. Here are some questions to ask:
- Are there study abroad programs available for students to participate in during their college career?
- Are there global research opportunities available for students who are interested in studying and researching international issues?
- Are there service-learning opportunities available for students who want to connect their academic studies to real-world service experiences?
- Are there community service programs available for students who want to give back to their local community?
- Are there volunteerism opportunities available for students who want to get involved in social or environmental causes?
- Are there civic engagement programs available for students who want to get involved in political or social activism?
- What diversity and inclusion programs are available on campus to promote understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures and identities?
- Are there human rights initiatives or programs available on campus to support and advocate for human rights issues?
- How does the college or university promote global citizenship and social responsibility among its students?
- Are there any unique or innovative programs related to global engagement, community service, or social justice that are available on campus?
Faculty and Teaching
Asking faculty and teaching questions during a college visit is important for you because it helps you understand the quality of teaching you can expect from the professors. You can ask about the student-to-faculty ratio, which tells you how many students each teacher has to work with. You can also ask about the professors’ backgrounds and experience, including their education and work experience. By asking these questions, you can get a better sense of the level of expertise and support you can expect from your teachers. Additionally, asking about teaching methods and styles can give you an idea of what the classroom experience will be like, which can help you decide if the college is a good fit for your learning needs and preferences. Ask these questions when visiting colleges to learn about faculty and teaching you can expect:
- What percentage of the faculty at the college or university are full-time versus part-time?
- Do faculty members hold regular office hours for students to drop in and get academic support?
- Are there mentoring and advising programs available to help students with academic and career guidance?
- Are research collaborations available to students who want to work with faculty members on research projects?
- Are teaching assistantships available to students who want to gain teaching experience and support faculty in their teaching responsibilities?
- Are online courses available to students who want to take courses remotely?
- Are there hybrid courses available that combine in-person and online learning experiences?
- Are experiential learning opportunities available to students who want to apply their learning in real-world settings?
- Are interdisciplinary programs available that allow students to study topics across multiple academic disciplines?
- Are there competency-based education programs available that allow students to progress through their coursework based on their demonstrated mastery of competencies rather than traditional measures like credit hours?
Student Services
Finally, be sure to ask questions that ensure you’ll have holistic support while on campus. By asking the right questions, you can learn about the availability of tutoring and academic support services, health and wellness programs, and counseling and mental health services. Additionally, you can ask about the availability of student clubs and organizations, sports and fitness facilities, and career services. Here are the questions to ask:
- Are counseling services available to students who need mental health support?
- Are health services available on campus to support the physical health of students?
- Are wellness programs available to promote healthy habits and lifestyles for students?
- Are disability services available to support students with disabilities in their academic and campus life?
- Are spiritual and religious services available to support students’ spiritual and religious needs?
- Are there a variety of student organizations available for students to get involved in on campus?
- Are there sports teams and athletic programs available for students who want to participate in competitive sports?
- Are intramural sports available for students who want to participate in more casual sports activities?
- Are fitness centers available for students who want to exercise and stay in shape?
- Are outdoor recreation programs available for students who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking?
- Are leadership programs available for students who want to develop their leadership skills and abilities?
- Are there academic clubs available for students who want to connect with peers who share their academic interests?
- Are cultural and diversity clubs available for students who want to celebrate and learn about different cultures and backgrounds?
- Are professional development clubs available for students who want to gain skills and experience related to their future careers?
- Are recreational clubs available for students who have shared hobbies or interests?
- Are special interest clubs available for students who have niche interests or hobbies?
- Are community service clubs available for students who want to give back to their community through service projects?
- Is Greek life available for students who want to join a fraternity or sorority and participate in Greek events and traditions?
- Is student government available for students who want to have a voice in campus decision-making and policy?
- Are student publications available for students who want to gain experience in journalism or writing and share their perspectives with the campus community?
Conclusion + Next Steps
Now that you know the best questions to ask when visiting colleges, you’ll be in a good position to get the most out of your trip. Asking good questions gives you everything you need to decide which college is right for you. Keep in mind that while this list is quite comprehensive, you don’t have to ask every question—just ask the ones that matter to you.
and have the information you need to apply and decide which is right for you ultimately. This is a comprehensive list, so remember you don’t have to ask everything, just the ones that matter to you. When you’re ready to apply, be sure to check out this post, 7 Tips for Creating a Stand Out Application.
