Questions to Ask College Admissions
Strategic questions to ask college admissions officers to demonstrate interest and gather crucial information about your potential school.
1What makes your institution unique compared to other colleges?
Click to see why this works
What makes your institution unique compared to other colleges?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows genuine interest and helps you understand what sets this school apart from others you're considering.
2What opportunities are available for undergraduate research in my field of interest?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are available for undergraduate research in my field of interest?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates academic curiosity and helps you understand research opportunities that could enhance your education.
3How do you support students who are undecided about their major?
Click to see why this works
How do you support students who are undecided about their major?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important if you're unsure about your major - shows how the school helps students explore different academic paths.
4What's the typical class size for introductory and upper-level courses?
Click to see why this works
What's the typical class size for introductory and upper-level courses?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand the learning environment and whether you'll have access to professors or be in large lecture halls.
5What support services are available for academic success and mental health?
Click to see why this works
What support services are available for academic success and mental health?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're thinking about your overall well-being and success, not just academics.
6How do you help students with career planning and job placement?
Click to see why this works
How do you help students with career planning and job placement?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates forward-thinking and helps you understand how the school prepares students for life after graduation.
7What study abroad or international programs do you offer?
Click to see why this works
What study abroad or international programs do you offer?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in global experiences and helps you understand opportunities for cultural and academic enrichment.
8How do you handle financial aid and what types of scholarships are available?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle financial aid and what types of scholarships are available?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Critical for understanding affordability and what financial support might be available to you.
9What's the campus culture like and how do students typically spend their time?
Click to see why this works
What's the campus culture like and how do students typically spend their time?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you assess if the social environment matches your personality and interests.
10How do you support diversity and inclusion on campus?
Click to see why this works
How do you support diversity and inclusion on campus?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you value inclusive environments and helps you understand how the school supports all students.
11What internship and co-op opportunities are available in my field?
Click to see why this works
What internship and co-op opportunities are available in my field?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in practical experience and helps you understand how the school connects students with employers.
12How do you help students transition from high school to college life?
Click to see why this works
How do you help students transition from high school to college life?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the adjustment period and helps you understand support systems for new students.
13What housing options are available and how do you handle roommate matching?
Click to see why this works
What housing options are available and how do you handle roommate matching?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important for understanding living arrangements and how the school helps students find compatible roommates.
14How do you support students with learning differences or disabilities?
Click to see why this works
How do you support students with learning differences or disabilities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important if you have specific learning needs - shows how the school accommodates different learning styles.
15What opportunities are there for leadership development and student organizations?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are there for leadership development and student organizations?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in personal growth and helps you understand how to get involved in campus life.
16How do you handle academic advising and course selection?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle academic advising and course selection?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand how the school guides students through academic planning and course selection.
17What's the retention rate and graduation rate for students in my intended major?
Click to see why this works
What's the retention rate and graduation rate for students in my intended major?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Provides insight into student success and satisfaction with the academic program.
18How do you support students who want to change majors or add a minor?
Click to see why this works
How do you support students who want to change majors or add a minor?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows flexibility and helps you understand how the school accommodates changing academic interests.
19What opportunities are available for community service and civic engagement?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are available for community service and civic engagement?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in giving back and helps you understand how the school encourages community involvement.
20How do you help students prepare for graduate school or professional programs?
Click to see why this works
How do you help students prepare for graduate school or professional programs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows long-term thinking and helps you understand how the school prepares students for advanced education.
Making the Most of College Admissions Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
How to Prepare for Admissions Conversations
Research the School Thoroughly
Learn about their programs, campus culture, and recent news. This helps you ask informed questions and show genuine interest.
Prepare Your Questions in Advance
Write down specific questions about programs, opportunities, and aspects that matter most to you.
Know Your Goals and Interests
Be clear about your academic interests, career goals, and what you're looking for in a college experience.
Take Notes During the Conversation
Write down important information and follow up with additional questions if needed.
How to Show Genuine Interest
Ask Specific Questions
Avoid generic questions that could apply to any school. Ask about specific programs, opportunities, or aspects unique to this institution.
Connect to Your Goals
Relate your questions to your academic interests, career goals, and what you hope to achieve in college.
Show You've Done Your Research
Reference specific programs, faculty, or opportunities you've learned about to demonstrate your interest and preparation.
Ask Follow-up Questions
Show engagement by asking follow-up questions based on their answers, demonstrating active listening and curiosity.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Vague or Evasive Answers
If admissions officers can't provide specific information about programs or opportunities, this could indicate problems.
High Pressure Tactics
Be wary of schools that pressure you to make immediate decisions or commit before you're ready.
Lack of Support Services
If they can't clearly explain support services for academic success, mental health, or career planning, this could be concerning.
Poor Communication
If admissions staff are difficult to reach, unresponsive, or unhelpful, this could indicate broader institutional problems.