Questions to Ask Colleges at a College Fair
Strategic questions to help you evaluate colleges, understand programs, and gather information to make informed decisions about your higher education.
1What makes your college unique and different from other institutions?
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What makes your college unique and different from other institutions?
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Why this works
Reveals the college's distinctive qualities and helps you understand what sets them apart from other options in your college search.
2What are the most popular majors and programs at your college?
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What are the most popular majors and programs at your college?
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Why this works
Shows academic strengths and helps you understand what programs the college is known for and what students typically study.
3What's the student-to-faculty ratio and average class size?
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What's the student-to-faculty ratio and average class size?
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Why this works
Reveals academic environment and helps you understand the level of individual attention and interaction you'll have with professors.
4What are the admission requirements and what do you look for in applicants?
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What are the admission requirements and what do you look for in applicants?
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Why this works
Shows admission criteria and helps you understand what you need to do to be competitive for admission.
5What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available?
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What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available?
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Why this works
Reveals financial support options and helps you understand what financial assistance you might be eligible for.
6What's the campus culture and student life like?
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What's the campus culture and student life like?
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Why this works
Shows campus environment and helps you understand the social atmosphere and student experience at the college.
7What are the housing options and what's the campus living experience like?
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What are the housing options and what's the campus living experience like?
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Why this works
Reveals housing choices and helps you understand what living on campus would be like and what housing options are available.
8What are the career services and job placement support available?
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What are the career services and job placement support available?
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Why this works
Shows career support and helps you understand what resources are available to help you find internships and jobs.
9What are the study abroad and international programs available?
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What are the study abroad and international programs available?
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Why this works
Reveals global opportunities and helps you understand what international experiences you might have access to.
10What are the research opportunities for undergraduate students?
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What are the research opportunities for undergraduate students?
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Why this works
Shows research access and helps you understand what research opportunities are available for undergraduate students.
11What are the campus facilities and resources available to students?
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What are the campus facilities and resources available to students?
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Why this works
Reveals campus amenities and helps you understand what facilities and resources you'll have access to as a student.
12What are the internship and co-op opportunities available?
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What are the internship and co-op opportunities available?
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Why this works
Shows practical experience options and helps you understand what hands-on learning opportunities are available.
13What are the graduation rates and student success outcomes?
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What are the graduation rates and student success outcomes?
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Why this works
Reveals student success and helps you understand how well students do at the college and what outcomes you can expect.
14What are the campus safety and security measures?
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What are the campus safety and security measures?
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Why this works
Shows safety considerations and helps you understand what security measures are in place to protect students.
15What are the diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus?
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What are the diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus?
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Why this works
Reveals campus diversity and helps you understand the college's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
16What are the athletic programs and recreational opportunities?
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What are the athletic programs and recreational opportunities?
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Why this works
Shows athletic options and helps you understand what sports and recreational activities are available.
17What are the student organizations and extracurricular activities?
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What are the student organizations and extracurricular activities?
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Why this works
Reveals student life options and helps you understand what clubs, organizations, and activities you can participate in.
18What are the academic support services available to students?
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What are the academic support services available to students?
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Why this works
Shows academic assistance and helps you understand what support services are available to help you succeed academically.
19What are the campus location and surrounding area like?
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What are the campus location and surrounding area like?
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Why this works
Reveals campus setting and helps you understand what the college's location offers and what the surrounding area is like.
20What are the next steps in the application process?
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What are the next steps in the application process?
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Why this works
Shows application process and helps you understand what you need to do next to apply and what the timeline looks like.
Best Practices for College Fair Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Focus on Fit and Match
Ask questions that help you understand if the college is a good fit for your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences.
Gather Specific Information
Ask for specific details about programs, requirements, and opportunities rather than general information you could find online.
Take Notes and Follow Up
Write down important information and contact details so you can follow up with colleges that interest you.
Question Sequences
The Academic Fit Sequence
The Student Life Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions You Could Research
Avoid basic questions about the college that you could find on their website. Focus on deeper insights about programs and culture.
Don't Focus Only on Rankings
While rankings can be helpful, focus on fit, programs, and opportunities that align with your goals and interests.
Don't Ignore Financial Considerations
Ask about financial aid, scholarships, and costs to understand the financial commitment and what support might be available.