20 Questions

Questions to Ask at a College Interview

Strategic questions to ask during a college interview to demonstrate your interest, gather valuable information, and make informed decisions about your educational future.

1

What makes this college unique compared to other institutions I'm considering?

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Why this works

Shows your research and helps you understand the college's distinctive features and competitive advantages.

2

What opportunities are available for students in my intended major or field of study?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your academic focus and helps you understand the resources and opportunities available in your area of interest.

3

How do you support student success and what resources are available for academic support?

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Why this works

Shows your commitment to academic success and helps you understand the support systems available to help you thrive.

4

What are the most popular extracurricular activities and how do students get involved?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in campus life and helps you understand the opportunities for involvement and community building.

5

How do you help students with career planning and job placement after graduation?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your focus on future success and helps you understand the college's career services and job placement support.

6

What is the typical class size and how accessible are professors to students?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in academic quality and helps you understand the learning environment and faculty accessibility.

7

What research opportunities are available for undergraduate students?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your academic ambition and helps you understand the opportunities for hands-on learning and research experience.

8

How do you support diversity and inclusion on campus?

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Why this works

Shows your values and helps you understand the college's commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment.

9

What is the campus culture like and how do students typically spend their time?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the student experience and whether the campus culture aligns with your preferences and values.

10

What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to students?

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Why this works

Critical for understanding funding options and helps you plan for the financial investment in your education.

11

How do you support students with different learning styles and needs?

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Why this works

Shows your awareness of diverse learning needs and helps you understand the support available for different learning styles.

12

What are the most important qualities you look for in successful students?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the college's expectations and what qualities are most valued in their student body.

13

How do you handle student housing and what are the different options available?

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Why this works

Important for understanding your living arrangements and helps you plan for your campus life experience.

14

What study abroad or international opportunities are available to students?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in global experiences and helps you understand the international opportunities available.

15

How do you support students' mental health and well-being?

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Why this works

Shows your awareness of student wellness and helps you understand the support available for mental health and well-being.

16

What are the most important trends in higher education and how is the college responding?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in the future of education and helps you understand how the college is adapting to changes.

17

How do you support students' transition to college life and what orientation programs are available?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in a smooth transition and helps you understand the support available for new students.

18

What are the most important factors for student success at this college?

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Why this works

Helps you understand what it takes to succeed and provides guidance on how to make the most of your college experience.

19

How do you handle academic advising and what support is available for course selection and planning?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in academic planning and helps you understand the guidance available for course selection and academic planning.

20

What advice would you give to someone considering this college?

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Why this works

Provides valuable insights from the college's perspective and helps you understand what they want you to know about the institution.

Making the Most of Your College Interview

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

Preparing for Your Interview

Research the College

Thoroughly research the college's website, programs, and recent news to ask informed questions.

Know Your Goals

Be clear about your academic and career goals and how they align with the college's offerings.

Prepare Your Questions

Develop thoughtful questions that show your interest in the college and your educational future.

Dress Professionally

Present yourself professionally to make a positive impression and show your seriousness about the opportunity.

Strategic Question Approach

Show Genuine Interest

Ask questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the college and your educational future.

Be Specific

Ask specific questions about the college rather than generic ones that could apply to any institution.

Listen Actively

Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions to show you're engaged in the conversation.

Take Notes

Take notes during the interview to remember important details and show your seriousness about the opportunity.

Following Up Effectively

Send Thank You Notes

Send personalized thank you emails to interviewers, referencing specific points from your conversation.

Stay Connected

Connect with the college on social media and attend additional events to maintain your relationship with the institution.

Update Your Application

Use insights from your interview to strengthen your application and demonstrate your understanding of the college.

Ask for Clarification

Follow up on any questions that weren't fully answered or areas where you need additional information.

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation