Questions to Ask College Interviewers
Strategic questions that help you demonstrate your interest in the college, learn about the academic environment, and make a positive impression during your interview.
1What makes this college unique compared to other institutions, and what sets it apart?
Click to see why this works
What makes this college unique compared to other institutions, and what sets it apart?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding what makes the college unique helps you demonstrate genuine interest and gives you insight into the institution's distinctive qualities and values.
2What are the most popular academic programs and majors at this college?
Click to see why this works
What are the most popular academic programs and majors at this college?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding popular programs helps you learn about the academic strengths of the institution and gives you insight into what students are most interested in studying.
3What opportunities are available for undergraduate research and hands-on learning?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are available for undergraduate research and hands-on learning?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding research opportunities helps you assess if the college supports your academic interests and gives you insight into the learning environment and faculty engagement.
4How would you describe the academic culture and learning environment at this college?
Click to see why this works
How would you describe the academic culture and learning environment at this college?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the academic culture helps you assess if the learning environment aligns with your preferences and gives you insight into the intellectual atmosphere.
5What support services are available for students, and how do they help with academic success?
Click to see why this works
What support services are available for students, and how do they help with academic success?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding support services helps you assess if the college provides the resources you need for success and gives you insight into the institution's commitment to student welfare.
6What are the class sizes like, and how accessible are professors to students?
Click to see why this works
What are the class sizes like, and how accessible are professors to students?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding class sizes and professor accessibility helps you assess if you'll receive the attention and support you need and gives you insight into the teaching approach.
7What extracurricular activities and student organizations are most popular on campus?
Click to see why this works
What extracurricular activities and student organizations are most popular on campus?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding extracurricular opportunities helps you assess if the college offers activities that interest you and gives you insight into the campus community and student life.
8How does the college prepare students for careers and graduate school after graduation?
Click to see why this works
How does the college prepare students for careers and graduate school after graduation?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding career preparation helps you assess if the college will support your future goals and gives you insight into the institution's commitment to student success.
9What are the housing options like, and how do students typically live on campus?
Click to see why this works
What are the housing options like, and how do students typically live on campus?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding housing options helps you assess if the living arrangements meet your needs and gives you insight into the campus community and student life.
10What are the most challenging aspects of being a student at this college?
Click to see why this works
What are the most challenging aspects of being a student at this college?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the challenges helps you prepare for what to expect and gives you insight into the academic rigor and demands of the institution.
11How diverse is the student body, and what efforts does the college make to promote inclusion?
Click to see why this works
How diverse is the student body, and what efforts does the college make to promote inclusion?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding diversity and inclusion helps you assess if the college values and supports a diverse community and gives you insight into the institution's commitment to equity.
12What are the most rewarding aspects of being a student at this college?
Click to see why this works
What are the most rewarding aspects of being a student at this college?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding the rewards helps you appreciate the positive aspects of the college experience and gives you insight into what students value most about the institution.
13How does the college handle academic advising and career counseling for students?
Click to see why this works
How does the college handle academic advising and career counseling for students?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding advising and counseling helps you assess if the college provides the guidance you need for academic and career planning and gives you insight into student support systems.
14What are the study abroad and international programs available to students?
Click to see why this works
What are the study abroad and international programs available to students?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding international programs helps you assess if the college supports global learning and gives you insight into the institution's commitment to international education.
15How does the college support students with different learning styles and needs?
Click to see why this works
How does the college support students with different learning styles and needs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding learning support helps you assess if the college can accommodate your learning preferences and gives you insight into the institution's commitment to inclusive education.
16What are the most popular career paths for graduates of this college?
Click to see why this works
What are the most popular career paths for graduates of this college?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding career paths helps you assess if the college prepares students for careers that interest you and gives you insight into the institution's success in career preparation.
17How does the college handle academic challenges and support students who are struggling?
Click to see why this works
How does the college handle academic challenges and support students who are struggling?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding academic support helps you assess if the college provides the help you need during difficult times and gives you insight into the institution's commitment to student success.
18What are the most important qualities the college looks for in prospective students?
Click to see why this works
What are the most important qualities the college looks for in prospective students?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding desired qualities helps you assess if you're a good fit for the college and gives you insight into what the institution values in its students.
19How does the college foster a sense of community and belonging among students?
Click to see why this works
How does the college foster a sense of community and belonging among students?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding community building helps you assess if the college creates a supportive environment and gives you insight into the institution's approach to student engagement.
20What advice would you give to a prospective student considering this college?
Click to see why this works
What advice would you give to a prospective student considering this college?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their advice helps you learn from their experience and gives you insight into their recommendations for making the most of your college experience.
Best Practices for College Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Interest
Ask questions that demonstrate you're genuinely interested in the college and have done your research. This shows you're serious about your education and future.
Understand the Academic Environment
Ask questions that help you understand the academic culture, learning environment, and support systems. This helps you assess if the college is a good fit for you.
Learn About Student Life
Ask questions about extracurricular activities, housing, and community. This helps you understand what life will be like as a student at the college.
Demonstrate Your Goals
Ask questions that show you're thinking about your future and how the college can help you achieve your goals. This demonstrates your maturity and planning.
Question Sequences
The Academic Explorer
The Student Life Learner
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions You Can Find Online
Don't ask questions that can be easily answered by looking at the college's website. Ask questions that show you've done your research and want deeper insights.
Avoid Generic Questions
Don't ask questions that could apply to any college. Make your questions specific to the institution and show you're interested in what makes it unique.
Don't Focus Only on Academics
While academics are important, don't only ask about academic topics. Ask about student life, community, and the overall college experience as well.