Questions to Ask Admissions
Strategic questions to ask college admissions officers, helping you understand programs, campus culture, and opportunities while demonstrating your serious interest in the institution.
1What makes your institution unique, and what distinguishes it from similar schools?
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What makes your institution unique, and what distinguishes it from similar schools?
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Why this works
Shows you've researched the school and helps you understand their competitive advantages and distinctive features.
2What are you looking for in successful applicants, and what qualities stand out in the admissions process?
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What are you looking for in successful applicants, and what qualities stand out in the admissions process?
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Why this works
Reveals what the admissions committee values and helps you understand how to position your application effectively.
3What support services are available for students, and how do you help them succeed academically and personally?
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What support services are available for students, and how do you help them succeed academically and personally?
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Why this works
Demonstrates concern for student welfare and reveals the institution's commitment to supporting student success.
4What opportunities exist for research, internships, or experiential learning?
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What opportunities exist for research, internships, or experiential learning?
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Why this works
Shows interest in hands-on learning and reveals practical opportunities that enhance education beyond the classroom.
5What is the typical class size, and how accessible are professors to students?
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What is the typical class size, and how accessible are professors to students?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the learning environment and level of personal attention you'll receive from faculty.
6What career services and alumni networks are available to help students after graduation?
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What career services and alumni networks are available to help students after graduation?
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Why this works
Reveals post-graduation support and the strength of the alumni network for career development and networking.
7What is the campus culture like, and what do current students value most about their experience?
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What is the campus culture like, and what do current students value most about their experience?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the social environment and student life beyond academics, assessing cultural fit.
8What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available, and how competitive are they?
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What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available, and how competitive are they?
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Why this works
Clarifies funding options and helps you understand the financial investment and potential assistance.
9What is the graduation rate and average time to completion for students in my intended major?
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What is the graduation rate and average time to completion for students in my intended major?
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Why this works
Reveals program effectiveness and whether students are successfully completing their degrees in a timely manner.
10What study abroad, exchange, or global learning opportunities exist?
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What study abroad, exchange, or global learning opportunities exist?
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Why this works
Shows interest in international experiences and reveals opportunities for cultural immersion and global perspectives.
11How does the institution support diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus?
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How does the institution support diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus?
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Why this works
Demonstrates awareness of social issues and reveals the institution's commitment to creating an inclusive community.
12What opportunities exist for undergraduate research or independent study?
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What opportunities exist for undergraduate research or independent study?
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Why this works
Shows academic ambition and interest in deepening knowledge through research and independent exploration.
13What is the housing situation for students, and what residential options are available?
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What is the housing situation for students, and what residential options are available?
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Why this works
Helps you understand living arrangements and costs associated with on-campus or off-campus housing.
14What are the key differences between your application review process and other schools?
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What are the key differences between your application review process and other schools?
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Why this works
Reveals their unique evaluation criteria and helps you understand how they assess applications.
15What extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations are most popular on campus?
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What extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations are most popular on campus?
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Why this works
Shows interest in campus life beyond academics and reveals opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
16How does the institution support students' mental health and well-being?
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How does the institution support students' mental health and well-being?
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Why this works
Demonstrates awareness of college stress and reveals the institution's commitment to student wellness.
17What makes students choose your institution, and what feedback do they give about their experience?
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What makes students choose your institution, and what feedback do they give about their experience?
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Why this works
Provides insider perspective on the school's strengths and culture from those who know it best.
18What are the post-graduation outcomes for students in my intended major?
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What are the post-graduation outcomes for students in my intended major?
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Why this works
Reveals career outcomes and whether graduates successfully launch careers or continue to graduate school.
19What should I highlight in my application to make my candidacy stronger?
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What should I highlight in my application to make my candidacy stronger?
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Why this works
Seeks personalized guidance on strengthening your application and shows initiative in improving your candidacy.
20What questions should I be asking that I haven't thought of yet?
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What questions should I be asking that I haven't thought of yet?
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Why this works
Shows humility and openness to guidance, potentially revealing important considerations you've missed.
Best Practices for Admissions Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research Thoroughly
Study the institution's website, programs, and recent news before speaking with admissions to ask informed questions.
Be Genuine
Ask questions you genuinely care about rather than trying to impress. Authenticity is valued in admissions interactions.
Take Notes
Write down important information during or after the conversation to help you compare schools and remember details.
Question Sequences
The Program Assessment
The Outcomes Exploration
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions Answered on the Website
Avoid basic questions that show you haven't researched. Ask deeper questions that go beyond readily available information.
Don't Focus Only on Prestige
While reputation matters, focus on fit, opportunities, and how the school will help you achieve your goals.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask About Costs
College is a major investment. Ask about financial aid, scholarships, and the true cost of attendance.