Questions to Ask a College Student
Thoughtful questions to help you connect with college students, learn about their experiences, and understand their perspective on education and life.
1What are you studying and what drew you to that field?
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What are you studying and what drew you to that field?
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Why this works
Understanding their academic interests helps you learn about their passions and what motivates them in their studies.
2What's been your favorite class so far and why?
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What's been your favorite class so far and why?
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Why this works
Learning about their favorite class helps you understand what they find engaging and what learning experiences they value most.
3How do you balance your academic work with your social life?
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How do you balance your academic work with your social life?
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Why this works
Understanding their balance helps you see how they manage priorities and what they value in their college experience.
4What's been the most challenging aspect of college so far?
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What's been the most challenging aspect of college so far?
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Why this works
Learning about their challenges helps you understand what they're navigating and what support they might need.
5What are your career goals and how do you plan to achieve them?
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What are your career goals and how do you plan to achieve them?
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Why this works
Understanding their goals helps you see their vision for the future and what they're working toward.
6What extracurricular activities are you involved in and why?
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What extracurricular activities are you involved in and why?
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Why this works
Learning about their activities helps you understand their interests outside of academics and what they value in their college experience.
7How do you handle stress and pressure during exam periods?
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How do you handle stress and pressure during exam periods?
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Why this works
Understanding their stress management helps you see how they cope with academic pressure and what strategies they use.
8What's your relationship like with your professors and how do you build those connections?
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What's your relationship like with your professors and how do you build those connections?
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Why this works
Learning about their professor relationships helps you understand how they network and what mentorship they're seeking.
9What's been the most rewarding experience in college so far?
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What's been the most rewarding experience in college so far?
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Why this works
Understanding their rewards helps you see what makes their college experience fulfilling and what they value most.
10How do you approach studying and what techniques work best for you?
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How do you approach studying and what techniques work best for you?
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Why this works
Learning about their study approach helps you understand their learning style and what methods they find effective.
11What are your thoughts on the current state of higher education?
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What are your thoughts on the current state of higher education?
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Why this works
Understanding their perspective on education helps you see how they view the system and what changes they think are needed.
12How do you handle making friends and building relationships in college?
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How do you handle making friends and building relationships in college?
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Why this works
Learning about their social approach helps you understand how they connect with others and what relationships they value.
13What are your thoughts on student debt and how do you manage your finances?
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What are your thoughts on student debt and how do you manage your finances?
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Why this works
Understanding their financial perspective helps you see how they're handling the cost of education and what concerns they have.
14How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?
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How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?
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Why this works
Learning about their motivation helps you understand what drives them and how they maintain their commitment to their studies.
15What advice would you give to someone starting college?
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What advice would you give to someone starting college?
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Why this works
Understanding their advice helps you learn from their experience and see what they wish they had known earlier.
16How do you handle disagreements with roommates or peers?
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How do you handle disagreements with roommates or peers?
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Why this works
Learning about their conflict resolution helps you understand how they navigate relationships and what communication skills they have.
17What are your thoughts on the job market and your future employment prospects?
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What are your thoughts on the job market and your future employment prospects?
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Why this works
Understanding their job market perspective helps you see their concerns about employment and what they're doing to prepare.
18How do you approach networking and building professional connections?
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How do you approach networking and building professional connections?
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Why this works
Learning about their networking approach helps you understand how they're building their professional network and what strategies they use.
19What are your thoughts on the role of technology in education?
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What are your thoughts on the role of technology in education?
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Why this works
Understanding their tech perspective helps you see how they view digital learning and what tools they find most useful.
20What are your hopes and dreams for your future?
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What are your hopes and dreams for your future?
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Why this works
Learning about their dreams helps you understand their aspirations and what they want to achieve in their life.
Connecting with College Students
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Having Meaningful Conversations
Show Genuine Interest
Demonstrate authentic curiosity about their experiences and be respectful of their perspective and journey.
Ask Follow-up Questions
When they share something interesting, ask follow-up questions to show engagement and learn more about their experiences.
Share Your Own Experiences
When appropriate, share your own college experiences to create mutual understanding and connection.