Questions to Ask for College Admissions
Questions to Ask for College Admissions
Strategic questions to ask during college admissions process, helping you choose the right school and demonstrate your interest.
1What makes your program unique compared to other universities?
What makes your program unique compared to other universities?
Reveals the school's distinctives while showing you've researched other options and are evaluating fit.
2What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
Shows academic priorities while revealing whether you'll have access to professors and personalized attention.
3What research or internship opportunities are available for undergraduates?
What research or internship opportunities are available for undergraduates?
Reveals practical experience options while showing your interest in hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
4What support services are available for academic and personal success?
What support services are available for academic and personal success?
Shows awareness of support needs while revealing what resources exist for tutoring, counseling, and wellness.
5What is the graduation rate and typical time to degree completion?
What is the graduation rate and typical time to degree completion?
Reveals student success while providing insight into whether students graduate on time and stay enrolled.
6What career services and alumni networks are available?
What career services and alumni networks are available?
Shows career focus while revealing what support exists for job searches and professional development.
7What are the housing options and requirements for students?
What are the housing options and requirements for students?
Reveals living arrangements while providing insight into campus life and residential requirements.
8What is the total cost of attendance including hidden fees?
What is the total cost of attendance including hidden fees?
Shows financial awareness while revealing the true cost beyond tuition including fees, books, and living expenses.
9What types of financial aid and scholarships are available?
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available?
Reveals funding options while showing your need to understand how you can afford the education.
10What is the campus culture and student life like?
What is the campus culture and student life like?
Shows fit awareness while revealing what activities, organizations, and social opportunities exist.
11What study abroad or international programs are offered?
What study abroad or international programs are offered?
Reveals global opportunities while showing interest in expanding your education beyond campus borders.
12What is the retention rate from freshman to sophomore year?
What is the retention rate from freshman to sophomore year?
Shows student satisfaction while revealing whether students are happy enough to return after their first year.
13How does the college support diversity and inclusion?
How does the college support diversity and inclusion?
Reveals campus values while providing insight into how the school creates welcoming environments for all students.
14What is the academic advising process like?
What is the academic advising process like?
Shows planning awareness while revealing how students get guidance on course selection and degree progress.
15What opportunities exist for undergraduate teaching or leadership roles?
What opportunities exist for undergraduate teaching or leadership roles?
Reveals leadership development while showing interest in taking on responsibility and developing skills.
16How does the college prepare students for graduate school?
How does the college prepare students for graduate school?
Shows future planning while revealing support for students who plan to continue their education.
17What is the campus safety and security situation?
What is the campus safety and security situation?
Reveals safety priorities while providing insight into what measures exist to keep students safe.
18What makes successful students thrive at your institution?
What makes successful students thrive at your institution?
Shows awareness of success factors while revealing what characteristics and approaches lead to success.
19What are the most popular majors and why?
What are the most popular majors and why?
Reveals program strengths while providing insight into what the school is known for and does best.
20Can I connect with current students or recent alumni?
Can I connect with current students or recent alumni?
Shows due diligence while requesting firsthand perspectives on the student experience.
Want to learn more?
Best Practices for College Admissions Conversations
Want to learn more?
Best Practices for College Admissions Conversations
Best Practices
Do Your Research First
Review the college website and materials before asking questions to demonstrate genuine interest and avoid basic questions.
Ask Specific Questions
Focus on questions that aren't easily answered online and show you've thought deeply about fit and goals.
Take Notes and Follow Up
Record the answers you receive and send thank-you notes to demonstrate professionalism and interest.
Question Sequences
The Academic Focus
The Student Success Focus
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions Easily Found Online
Avoid basic questions about majors, campus size, or other information readily available on the website.
Avoid Focusing Only on Rankings or Prestige
Ask about fit, programs, and student experience rather than just reputation or rankings.
Don't Skip the Financial Questions
Ask about costs, financial aid, and scholarships to understand the true financial commitment.