Questions to Ask on a College Interview
Strategic questions that demonstrate your interest in the college, help you evaluate if it's the right fit, and show your engagement during the interview process.
1What makes this college unique compared to other institutions, and what are you most proud of?
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What makes this college unique compared to other institutions, and what are you most proud of?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in the college's distinctiveness and helps you understand what sets it apart from other institutions.
2What opportunities are there for undergraduate research, and how do students get involved?
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What opportunities are there for undergraduate research, and how do students get involved?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your academic interests and helps you understand the research opportunities available to undergraduate students.
3How does the college support student success and what resources are available for academic help?
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How does the college support student success and what resources are available for academic help?
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Why this works
Shows you care about academic success and helps you understand the support systems available to help students thrive.
4What is the college's approach to diversity and inclusion, and how do you foster a welcoming environment?
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What is the college's approach to diversity and inclusion, and how do you foster a welcoming environment?
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Why this works
Reveals the college's commitment to diversity and helps you understand how they create an inclusive environment for all students.
5What are the most popular majors and programs, and what makes them stand out?
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What are the most popular majors and programs, and what makes them stand out?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in academic programs and helps you understand the college's academic strengths and popular areas of study.
6How does the college prepare students for careers and what career services are available?
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How does the college prepare students for careers and what career services are available?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your focus on future career prospects and helps you understand how the college supports career development.
7What is the college's approach to student life and what activities and organizations are most popular?
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What is the college's approach to student life and what activities and organizations are most popular?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in campus life and helps you understand the social and extracurricular opportunities available.
8How does the college handle student mental health and wellbeing, and what support is available?
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How does the college handle student mental health and wellbeing, and what support is available?
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Why this works
Reveals the college's approach to student wellness and helps you understand the mental health resources and support available.
9What are the college's goals and how do you see the institution evolving in the next few years?
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What are the college's goals and how do you see the institution evolving in the next few years?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in the college's future and helps you understand their vision and plans for growth and development.
10How does the college support students from different backgrounds and what programs are available for first-generation students?
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How does the college support students from different backgrounds and what programs are available for first-generation students?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your awareness of student diversity and helps you understand the support available for students from various backgrounds.
11What are the college's strengths and what areas are you working to improve?
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What are the college's strengths and what areas are you working to improve?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in the college's development and helps you understand both their strengths and areas for improvement.
12How does the college approach sustainability and environmental responsibility?
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How does the college approach sustainability and environmental responsibility?
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Why this works
Reveals the college's commitment to environmental issues and helps you understand their approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
13What are the college's expectations for students and what kind of student thrives here?
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What are the college's expectations for students and what kind of student thrives here?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the college's expectations and whether you're a good fit for the academic and social environment.
14How does the college support students who want to study abroad or have international experiences?
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How does the college support students who want to study abroad or have international experiences?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in global experiences and helps you understand the international opportunities available to students.
15What are the college's relationships with local communities and how do students get involved?
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What are the college's relationships with local communities and how do students get involved?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in community engagement and helps you understand how the college connects with local communities.
16How does the college handle student feedback and what role do students play in shaping the institution?
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How does the college handle student feedback and what role do students play in shaping the institution?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in student voice and helps you understand how students can influence the college's development and policies.
17What are the college's traditions and what makes the campus culture unique?
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What are the college's traditions and what makes the campus culture unique?
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Why this works
Reveals the college's culture and traditions, helping you understand what makes the campus community special and unique.
18How does the college support students who are interested in entrepreneurship or starting their own businesses?
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How does the college support students who are interested in entrepreneurship or starting their own businesses?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in entrepreneurship and helps you understand the support available for students interested in starting businesses.
19What are the college's relationships with alumni and how do they support current students?
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What are the college's relationships with alumni and how do they support current students?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in alumni networks and helps you understand how alumni support current students and career development.
20What questions do you have for me about my interests, goals, or what I'm looking for in a college?
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What questions do you have for me about my interests, goals, or what I'm looking for in a college?
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Why this works
Shows your engagement and interest in the position while giving you insight into what the college values in prospective students.
How to Ace Your College Interview
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research the College Thoroughly
Learn about the college's programs, culture, and values so you can ask informed questions and demonstrate genuine interest.
Show Your Academic Interests
Ask questions that demonstrate your academic interests and help you understand if the college is a good fit for your goals.
Demonstrate Engagement
Ask thoughtful questions that show you're engaged and interested in the college, not just going through the motions.
Question Sequences
The Academic Fit Sequence
The Student Life Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions You Can Find Online
Focus on questions that require personal insight and can't be easily answered by looking at the college's website.
Don't Sound Desperate
Show enthusiasm without appearing desperate. Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the college.
Don't Ignore Fit
Ask questions that help you understand if the college is a good fit for your academic and personal goals.