Questions to Ask College Graduates
Thoughtful questions to ask recent college graduates about their experiences, career plans, and insights to help guide your own educational and professional journey.
1What was the most valuable thing you learned during your college experience?
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What was the most valuable thing you learned during your college experience?
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Why this works
Understanding their key takeaways helps you learn from their experience and identify what might be most valuable for your own education.
2How did you choose your major, and do you feel it was the right decision?
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How did you choose your major, and do you feel it was the right decision?
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Why this works
Learning about their decision-making process can help you think more critically about your own academic choices.
3What was the biggest challenge you faced in college, and how did you overcome it?
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What was the biggest challenge you faced in college, and how did you overcome it?
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Why this works
Understanding their challenges and solutions can help you prepare for similar obstacles and develop resilience strategies.
4How did you balance academics with other aspects of college life?
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How did you balance academics with other aspects of college life?
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Why this works
Learning about their time management and prioritization strategies can help you develop better balance in your own college experience.
5What advice would you give to someone just starting college?
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What advice would you give to someone just starting college?
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Why this works
Their guidance can provide valuable insights for navigating college successfully and avoiding common pitfalls.
6How did you build relationships with professors and mentors?
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How did you build relationships with professors and mentors?
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Why this works
Understanding their networking strategies can help you develop meaningful academic and professional relationships.
7What extracurricular activities or experiences were most valuable to you?
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What extracurricular activities or experiences were most valuable to you?
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Why this works
Learning about their involvement can help you identify opportunities that might benefit your own college experience.
8How did you handle the transition from high school to college?
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How did you handle the transition from high school to college?
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Why this works
Understanding their transition experience can help you prepare for the changes and challenges you might face.
9What would you do differently if you could go back to college?
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What would you do differently if you could go back to college?
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Why this works
Learning from their regrets can help you avoid similar mistakes and make the most of your college experience.
10How did you prepare for life after college, and what resources were most helpful?
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How did you prepare for life after college, and what resources were most helpful?
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Why this works
Understanding their preparation strategies can help you plan for your own post-college transition.
11What role did internships or work experience play in your college journey?
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What role did internships or work experience play in your college journey?
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Why this works
Learning about their practical experience can help you understand the value of internships and work opportunities.
12How did you handle academic pressure and stress?
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How did you handle academic pressure and stress?
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Why this works
Understanding their stress management strategies can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms for college challenges.
13What was your favorite class or professor, and why?
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What was your favorite class or professor, and why?
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Why this works
Learning about their positive experiences can help you identify what makes a great learning environment.
14How did you make friends and build a social network in college?
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How did you make friends and build a social network in college?
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Why this works
Understanding their social strategies can help you develop meaningful relationships and support systems.
15What financial advice would you give to someone starting college?
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What financial advice would you give to someone starting college?
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Why this works
Learning about their financial experiences can help you make better decisions about money management and budgeting.
16How did you explore different career options and interests?
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How did you explore different career options and interests?
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Why this works
Understanding their exploration process can help you develop strategies for discovering your own interests and career path.
17What was the most surprising thing about college?
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What was the most surprising thing about college?
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Why this works
Learning about their surprises can help you prepare for unexpected aspects of college life.
18How did you handle homesickness or adjusting to being away from family?
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How did you handle homesickness or adjusting to being away from family?
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Why this works
Understanding their adjustment strategies can help you prepare for the emotional challenges of college life.
19What skills did you develop in college that you use most in your current life?
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What skills did you develop in college that you use most in your current life?
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Why this works
Learning about their skill development can help you identify what abilities might be most valuable to cultivate.
20How did you stay motivated and focused on your goals throughout college?
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How did you stay motivated and focused on your goals throughout college?
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Why this works
Understanding their motivation strategies can help you maintain your own drive and commitment to your education.
Learning from Graduates
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Meaningful Conversations with Graduates
Ask Follow-up Questions
When they share something interesting, ask follow-up questions to deepen your understanding and learn more about their experience.
Take Notes
Keep track of their advice and insights so you can refer back to it when making your own college decisions.
Be Respectful of Their Time
Be mindful of their schedule and show appreciation for the time they're taking to share their experience with you.