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?
Click to see why this works
What makes your program unique compared to other universities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
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?
Click to see why this works
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows academic priorities while revealing whether you'll have access to professors and personalized attention.
3What research or internship opportunities are available for undergraduates?
Click to see why this works
What research or internship opportunities are available for undergraduates?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
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?
Click to see why this works
What support services are available for academic and personal success?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
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?
Click to see why this works
What is the graduation rate and typical time to degree completion?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals student success while providing insight into whether students graduate on time and stay enrolled.
6What career services and alumni networks are available?
Click to see why this works
What career services and alumni networks are available?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows career focus while revealing what support exists for job searches and professional development.
7What are the housing options and requirements for students?
Click to see why this works
What are the housing options and requirements for students?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals living arrangements while providing insight into campus life and residential requirements.
8What is the total cost of attendance including hidden fees?
Click to see why this works
What is the total cost of attendance including hidden fees?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
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?
Click to see why this works
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals funding options while showing your need to understand how you can afford the education.
10What is the campus culture and student life like?
Click to see why this works
What is the campus culture and student life like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows fit awareness while revealing what activities, organizations, and social opportunities exist.
11What study abroad or international programs are offered?
Click to see why this works
What study abroad or international programs are offered?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals global opportunities while showing interest in expanding your education beyond campus borders.
12What is the retention rate from freshman to sophomore year?
Click to see why this works
What is the retention rate from freshman to sophomore year?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows student satisfaction while revealing whether students are happy enough to return after their first year.
13How does the college support diversity and inclusion?
Click to see why this works
How does the college support diversity and inclusion?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals campus values while providing insight into how the school creates welcoming environments for all students.
14What is the academic advising process like?
Click to see why this works
What is the academic advising process like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows planning awareness while revealing how students get guidance on course selection and degree progress.
15What opportunities exist for undergraduate teaching or leadership roles?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities exist for undergraduate teaching or leadership roles?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals leadership development while showing interest in taking on responsibility and developing skills.
16How does the college prepare students for graduate school?
Click to see why this works
How does the college prepare students for graduate school?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows future planning while revealing support for students who plan to continue their education.
17What is the campus safety and security situation?
Click to see why this works
What is the campus safety and security situation?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals safety priorities while providing insight into what measures exist to keep students safe.
18What makes successful students thrive at your institution?
Click to see why this works
What makes successful students thrive at your institution?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows awareness of success factors while revealing what characteristics and approaches lead to success.
19What are the most popular majors and why?
Click to see why this works
What are the most popular majors and why?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
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?
Click to see why this works
Can I connect with current students or recent alumni?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows due diligence while requesting firsthand perspectives on the student experience.
Best Practices for College Admissions Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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.