Questions to Ask a College Graduate
Thoughtful questions to ask recent college graduates about their experiences, lessons learned, and advice for navigating post-graduation life.
1What's the most valuable lesson you learned in college, inside or outside the classroom?
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What's the most valuable lesson you learned in college, inside or outside the classroom?
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Why this works
Reveals what had lasting impact beyond academics and what truly shaped their development.
2If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?
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If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?
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Why this works
Uncovers regrets, missed opportunities, and wisdom gained through experience.
3What class or professor had the biggest impact on you, and why?
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What class or professor had the biggest impact on you, and why?
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Why this works
Identifies transformative educational experiences and influential mentors.
4How did you choose your major, and would you choose it again?
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How did you choose your major, and would you choose it again?
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Why this works
Provides insight into decision-making and whether they feel satisfied with their academic path.
5What surprised you most about college life?
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What surprised you most about college life?
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Why this works
Reveals unexpected challenges or discoveries that shaped their college experience.
6What skills do you wish you had developed more during college?
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What skills do you wish you had developed more during college?
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Why this works
Highlights gaps they now recognize and practical skills they value in retrospect.
7How did you balance academics, social life, and personal well-being?
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How did you balance academics, social life, and personal well-being?
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Why this works
Offers practical strategies for managing the competing demands of college life.
8What was your biggest challenge in college, and how did you overcome it?
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What was your biggest challenge in college, and how did you overcome it?
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Why this works
Demonstrates resilience and problem-solving approaches that led to growth.
9What do you miss most about college now that you've graduated?
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What do you miss most about college now that you've graduated?
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Why this works
Reveals what aspects of college life they found most valuable or enjoyable.
10How are you feeling about entering the 'real world' after graduation?
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How are you feeling about entering the 'real world' after graduation?
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Why this works
Opens conversation about post-graduation anxiety, excitement, and transition challenges.
11What's your plan for the next year—job, travel, grad school, or something else?
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What's your plan for the next year—job, travel, grad school, or something else?
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Why this works
Provides insight into their immediate goals and how they're navigating the transition.
12What internship or work experience was most valuable during college?
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What internship or work experience was most valuable during college?
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Why this works
Highlights practical experiences that prepared them for their career.
13How did you build your professional network during college?
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How did you build your professional network during college?
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Why this works
Offers strategies for connecting with mentors, peers, and industry professionals.
14What extracurricular activities or clubs were most meaningful to you?
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What extracurricular activities or clubs were most meaningful to you?
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Why this works
Reveals how they developed leadership, found community, and explored interests.
15What's one thing you wish you had known before starting college?
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What's one thing you wish you had known before starting college?
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Why this works
Provides advice for prospective students based on their lived experience.
16How did college change you as a person?
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How did college change you as a person?
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Why this works
Explores personal growth, identity development, and transformation during college years.
17What was the best decision you made during your college years?
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What was the best decision you made during your college years?
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Why this works
Identifies pivotal choices that positively shaped their experience or trajectory.
18How did you manage student loans or financial concerns?
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How did you manage student loans or financial concerns?
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Why this works
Provides practical financial advice for handling college costs and debt.
19What advice would you give to someone starting college or about to graduate?
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What advice would you give to someone starting college or about to graduate?
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Why this works
Synthesizes their wisdom into actionable guidance for others at different stages.
20Looking back, what are you most proud of accomplishing in college?
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Looking back, what are you most proud of accomplishing in college?
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Why this works
Celebrates their achievements and reveals what they value most about their college experience.
Best Practices for Learning from College Graduates
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Let them tell their story rather than seeking yes/no answers. Their narrative contains valuable context.
Listen for Patterns
If multiple graduates mention the same advice or regrets, pay attention—those insights are especially valuable.
Don't Just Focus on Success
Ask about challenges and failures too. These often contain the most valuable lessons.
Follow Up with Specifics
When they mention something important, dig deeper with 'Can you tell me more about that?' to get actionable details.
Conversation Sequences
The Reflection Sequence
The Practical Advice Sequence
The Career Preparation Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Assume Their Path Is Universal
Every college experience is unique. What worked for them may not apply to everyone.
Don't Make Them Defensive About Choices
Avoid questioning their major or decisions in ways that imply judgment.
Don't Only Ask About Grades and Jobs
Personal growth, relationships, and life skills are just as important as academic or career success.
Don't Pressure Them to Have Everything Figured Out
Recent graduates often feel uncertain. Don't add to that pressure with expectations of perfect clarity.