20 Questions

Questions to Ask Interviewer College

Strategic questions that demonstrate your interest in the college, reveal important information about the academic environment, and help you make an informed decision about your education.

1

What do you enjoy most about working at this college?

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Why this works

Reveals the interviewer's personal connection to the institution and highlights positive aspects of the academic environment.

2

How would you describe the academic culture and what makes it unique?

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Why this works

Provides insights into the learning environment and helps you understand what sets this college apart from others.

3

What opportunities exist for undergraduate research or hands-on learning?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about practical experience and reveals how the college supports student engagement beyond the classroom.

4

How does the college support students who are undecided about their major?

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Why this works

Reveals the college's approach to academic exploration and shows you're thinking about your educational journey.

5

What resources are available for academic support and tutoring?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about your academic success and reveals how the college supports student learning and achievement.

6

How does the college foster diversity and inclusion on campus?

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Why this works

Reveals the college's commitment to creating an inclusive environment and shows you value diversity in your education.

7

What opportunities exist for study abroad or international programs?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about global education and reveals how the college supports international learning experiences.

8

How does the college prepare students for life after graduation?

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Why this works

Reveals the college's approach to career preparation and shows you're thinking about your future beyond college.

9

What support services are available for student mental health and well-being?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about your overall well-being and reveals how the college supports student health and wellness.

10

How does the college handle academic advising and course selection?

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Why this works

Reveals the college's approach to academic guidance and shows you're thinking about your educational planning.

11

What opportunities exist for leadership development and student involvement?

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Why this works

Shows you're interested in personal growth and reveals how the college supports student leadership and engagement.

12

How does the college support students with different learning styles and needs?

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Why this works

Reveals the college's approach to inclusive education and shows you're thinking about your individual learning needs.

13

What are the college's goals and priorities for the next few years?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking long-term and reveals the college's vision and strategic direction.

14

How does the college handle the transition from high school to college?

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Why this works

Reveals the college's approach to supporting new students and shows you're thinking about the adjustment to college life.

15

What opportunities exist for internships and career exploration?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about practical experience and reveals how the college connects students with professional opportunities.

16

How does the college support students who are the first in their family to attend college?

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Why this works

Reveals the college's approach to supporting first-generation students and shows you're thinking about your unique needs.

17

What role does technology play in the academic experience?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about modern education and reveals how the college integrates technology into learning.

18

How does the college handle academic challenges and student struggles?

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Why this works

Reveals the college's approach to supporting students during difficult times and shows you're thinking about your academic journey.

19

What opportunities exist for graduate school preparation?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about advanced education and reveals how the college supports students pursuing graduate studies.

20

What would success look like for a student at this college after four years?

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Why this works

Reveals the college's expectations and helps you understand what the college values in student achievement and growth.

Best Practices for College Interview Questions

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Show Genuine Interest in the College

Ask questions that demonstrate you've researched the college and are genuinely interested in understanding their specific programs and culture.

Balance Academic and Personal

Mix questions about academic programs with those about student life and support services to show you're thinking holistically about your education.

Listen for Red Flags

Pay attention to how they answer questions about challenges, student support, and academic culture to identify potential issues.

Question Sequences

The Academic Culture Sequence

1
Start with: "How would you describe the academic culture and what makes it unique?"
2
Follow with: "What opportunities exist for undergraduate research or hands-on learning?"
3
Deepen with: "How does the college support students with different learning styles and needs?"

The Student Support Sequence

1
Start with: "What resources are available for academic support and tutoring?"
2
Follow with: "What support services are available for student mental health and well-being?"
3
Deepen with: "How does the college handle the transition from high school to college?"

Common Pitfalls

Don't Ask Obvious Questions

Avoid questions you could easily find answers to on the college's website or in basic research. Show you've done your homework.

Avoid Negative Framing

Don't ask questions that assume problems or focus on what's wrong. Frame questions positively to show optimism and solution-focused thinking.

Don't Make It All About You

Balance questions about the college with those about how you can contribute. Show you're thinking about mutual benefit.

Conversation Templates

The College Vision Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: "What are the college's goals and priorities for the next few years?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What would success look like for a student at this college after four years?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "How does the college prepare students for life after graduation?"

The Academic Experience Assessor

1
Step 1: Start with: "What opportunities exist for undergraduate research or hands-on learning?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "How does the college handle academic advising and course selection?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "What opportunities exist for internships and career exploration?"

Further Reading

"The College Interview" by Sarah Myers McGinty
"Fiske Guide to Getting Into the Right College" by Edward Fiske
"The College Application Essay" by Sarah Myers McGinty
"Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be" by Frank Bruni

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