College Questions to Ask Students
Essential questions to ask current college students for honest insights about campus life, academics, and whether a school is the right fit.
1What's the best thing about going to school here?
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What's the best thing about going to school here?
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Why this works
Opens with positive focus and reveals what students value most.
2If you could change one thing about this college, what would it be?
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If you could change one thing about this college, what would it be?
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Why this works
Honest critique reveals pain points that admissions won't mention.
3How would you describe the academic workload and pressure?
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How would you describe the academic workload and pressure?
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Why this works
Understanding intensity helps gauge fit for your work style and stress tolerance.
4What's the social scene really like outside of what the brochures show?
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What's the social scene really like outside of what the brochures show?
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Why this works
Gets past marketing to understand actual social dynamics and options.
5How accessible are professors outside of class?
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How accessible are professors outside of class?
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Why this works
Faculty availability significantly impacts learning and mentorship opportunities.
6What surprised you most about this school?
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What surprised you most about this school?
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Why this works
Uncovers gaps between expectation and reality—positive and negative.
7How easy is it to switch majors or explore different fields?
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How easy is it to switch majors or explore different fields?
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Why this works
Many students change paths; flexibility matters for figuring things out.
8What do students typically do on weekends?
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What do students typically do on weekends?
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Why this works
Reveals campus culture: commuter school, party school, study-focused, etc.
9How diverse is the campus, and do different groups interact?
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How diverse is the campus, and do different groups interact?
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Why this works
Beyond statistics, asks about actual inclusion and cross-cultural connection.
10What are the biggest complaints you hear from other students?
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What are the biggest complaints you hear from other students?
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Why this works
Common grievances reveal systemic issues that might affect you.
11How helpful is career services, and do companies recruit here?
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How helpful is career services, and do companies recruit here?
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Why this works
Post-graduation outcomes matter; current students see the actual support level.
12Is it hard to get into the classes you want?
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Is it hard to get into the classes you want?
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Why this works
Registration struggles can delay graduation or prevent you from taking desired courses.
13What's the financial aid and scholarship situation really like?
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What's the financial aid and scholarship situation really like?
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Why this works
Beyond initial packages, asks about renewability and hidden costs.
14How much school spirit is there, and does it matter?
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How much school spirit is there, and does it matter?
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Why this works
Understanding community vibe helps gauge social fit.
15What resources exist for mental health and wellness support?
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What resources exist for mental health and wellness support?
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Why this works
College stress is real; knowing support systems matters for wellbeing.
16If you were choosing again, would you still pick this school?
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If you were choosing again, would you still pick this school?
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Why this works
Ultimate test of satisfaction—reveals overall happiness level.
17What's the balance between academics and extracurriculars?
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What's the balance between academics and extracurriculars?
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Why this works
Shows whether students can pursue passions or are solely focused on grades.
18How safe do you feel on and around campus?
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How safe do you feel on and around campus?
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Why this works
Security and comfort matter for parents and students alike.
19What's the biggest lesson you've learned here so far?
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What's the biggest lesson you've learned here so far?
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Why this works
Reveals personal growth and what the school environment teaches beyond academics.
20What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
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What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
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Why this works
Hindsight wisdom about what really matters in college selection.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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