20 Questions

Good Questions to Ask During a College Interview

Strategic questions to demonstrate your interest in the college, learn about academic programs, and show your enthusiasm while gathering valuable information about your potential educational experience.

1

What makes this college unique compared to other institutions, and what sets it apart?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals the college's distinctive features and shows what makes it special, helping you understand the unique value proposition and educational approach.

2

What opportunities are available for undergraduate research in my field of interest?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your academic interests and reveals what research opportunities are available, helping you understand how to engage with your field of study.

3

How does the college support student success and what resources are available for academic support?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their student support approach and shows what resources are available for academic success, helping you understand how to get help when needed.

4

What is the college's approach to diversity and inclusion, and how do you promote equity?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their commitment to diversity and reveals their approach to creating an inclusive environment, helping you understand the campus culture and values.

5

What opportunities are available for internships, co-ops, or experiential learning?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their experiential learning approach and shows what opportunities are available for practical experience, helping you understand how to gain real-world skills.

6

How does the college prepare students for graduate school or career opportunities?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their career preparation approach and reveals what support is available for future goals, helping you understand how to plan for your future.

7

What is the college's approach to student life and what activities are available outside the classroom?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their student life philosophy and shows what activities and opportunities are available, helping you understand the campus community and social life.

8

How does the college handle different learning styles and what support is available for students with different needs?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their learning support approach and reveals what accommodations are available, helping you understand how to succeed academically.

9

What is the college's approach to technology and how do you integrate it into the curriculum?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their technology focus and shows how they use technology in education, helping you understand the learning environment and tools available.

10

What opportunities are available for study abroad or international experiences?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their global education approach and reveals what international opportunities are available, helping you understand how to gain global perspective.

11

How does the college support student mental health and well-being?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their wellness approach and shows what support is available for mental health, helping you understand how to maintain your well-being.

12

What is the college's approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their environmental commitment and reveals their approach to sustainability, helping you understand their values and environmental practices.

13

What opportunities are available for leadership development and student involvement?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their leadership development approach and shows what opportunities are available for involvement, helping you understand how to develop leadership skills.

14

How does the college handle different academic challenges and what support is available for struggling students?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their academic support approach and reveals what help is available for academic difficulties, helping you understand how to get support when needed.

15

What is the college's approach to innovation and entrepreneurship?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their innovation focus and shows what opportunities are available for entrepreneurial activities, helping you understand how to develop business skills.

16

What opportunities are available for community service and civic engagement?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their community engagement approach and reveals what service opportunities are available, helping you understand how to contribute to the community.

17

How does the college support different career paths and what guidance is available for career planning?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their career guidance approach and shows what support is available for career planning, helping you understand how to prepare for your future career.

18

What is the college's approach to academic rigor and what expectations do you have for students?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their academic standards and reveals what they expect from students, helping you understand the academic environment and requirements.

19

What opportunities are available for networking and building professional relationships?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their networking approach and shows what opportunities are available for building connections, helping you understand how to develop professional relationships.

20

What advice would you give to someone considering this college, and what should they know before making a decision?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their honest perspective and reveals what they think is most important for prospective students, providing valuable insight into the college experience.

Best Practices for College Interview Questions

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Show Genuine Interest

Ask questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the college and its programs. This shows you're serious about your education and have done your research.

Be Specific About Your Goals

Ask questions that relate to your specific academic and career goals. This shows you're thinking about how the college can help you achieve your objectives.

Listen Actively and Take Notes

Pay attention to their answers and take notes if appropriate. This shows you value their insights and want to remember important information.

Question Sequences

The Academic Programs Sequence

1
What makes this college unique compared to other institutions, and what sets it apart?
2
What opportunities are available for undergraduate research in my field of interest?
3
How does the college support student success and what resources are available for academic support?
4
What is the college's approach to academic rigor and what expectations do you have for students?

The Student Life and Support Sequence

1
What is the college's approach to student life and what activities are available outside the classroom?
2
How does the college support student mental health and well-being?
3
What opportunities are available for leadership development and student involvement?
4
What opportunities are available for community service and civic engagement?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Ask About Admissions Chances

Avoid asking about your chances of getting in or about other applicants. Focus on learning about the college and its programs instead.

Don't Make Assumptions

Avoid making assumptions about the college or its programs. Ask questions to understand their specific approach and offerings.

Don't Ignore Their Time

Be mindful of their time constraints and don't monopolize the conversation. Ask concise questions that can be answered efficiently.

Conversation Templates

The Academic Programs Focus

1
Step 1: Start with: "What makes this college unique compared to other institutions, and what sets it apart?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What opportunities are available for undergraduate research in my field of interest?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "How does the college support student success and what resources are available for academic support?"
4
Step 4: Conclude with: "What is the college's approach to academic rigor and what expectations do you have for students?"

The Student Life and Support Focus

1
Step 1: Begin with: "What is the college's approach to student life and what activities are available outside the classroom?"
2
Step 2: Investigate with: "How does the college support student mental health and well-being?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "What opportunities are available for leadership development and student involvement?"
4
Step 4: Clarify with: "What opportunities are available for community service and civic engagement?"

Further Reading

"The Complete Guide to College Interviews" by National Association for College Admission Counseling
"College Interview Best Practices" by American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
"The College Interview Handbook" by National Association for College Admission Counseling

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation