Questions to Ask School
Strategic questions that help you evaluate a school's quality, understand its programs, and make an informed decision about your education.
1What's the student-to-teacher ratio in the classes I'm most interested in?
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What's the student-to-teacher ratio in the classes I'm most interested in?
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Why this works
Understanding class sizes helps you gauge the level of individual attention you'll receive and the quality of instruction you can expect.
2What percentage of students graduate on time, and what are the most common reasons for delays?
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What percentage of students graduate on time, and what are the most common reasons for delays?
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Why this works
Graduation rates and completion times indicate the school's effectiveness in supporting student success and helping students stay on track.
3What support services are available for students who need academic help?
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What support services are available for students who need academic help?
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Why this works
Understanding available support services helps you know what resources you'll have access to if you need help with coursework or academic challenges.
4What's the job placement rate for graduates in my field of study?
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What's the job placement rate for graduates in my field of study?
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Why this works
Job placement rates indicate how well the school prepares students for their careers and how successful graduates are in finding employment.
5What opportunities are available for internships, co-ops, or practical experience?
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What opportunities are available for internships, co-ops, or practical experience?
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Why this works
Hands-on experience is crucial for career preparation. Understanding available opportunities helps you plan your education and career development.
6What's the average class size for introductory courses versus upper-level courses?
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What's the average class size for introductory courses versus upper-level courses?
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Why this works
Class size progression shows how the school manages student growth and whether you'll get more individual attention as you advance.
7What technology and resources are available to students?
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What technology and resources are available to students?
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Why this works
Understanding available technology and resources helps you know what tools you'll have access to for learning and research.
8What's the school's approach to student mental health and wellness?
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What's the school's approach to student mental health and wellness?
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Why this works
Mental health support is crucial for student success. Understanding the school's approach helps you know what support you'll have access to.
9What opportunities are available for research, independent study, or special projects?
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What opportunities are available for research, independent study, or special projects?
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Why this works
Research opportunities help you develop deeper knowledge and skills. Understanding available opportunities helps you plan your academic development.
10What's the school's policy on academic accommodations for students with disabilities?
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What's the school's policy on academic accommodations for students with disabilities?
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Why this works
Understanding accommodation policies helps you know what support you'll have access to if you need it for your learning.
11What's the average time it takes students to complete their degree in my program?
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What's the average time it takes students to complete their degree in my program?
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Why this works
Understanding degree completion times helps you plan your education timeline and budget for your education.
12What opportunities are available for study abroad or international programs?
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What opportunities are available for study abroad or international programs?
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Why this works
International experience can enhance your education and career prospects. Understanding available opportunities helps you plan your academic development.
13What's the school's approach to career counseling and job placement assistance?
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What's the school's approach to career counseling and job placement assistance?
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Why this works
Career services help you transition from school to work. Understanding available services helps you plan your career development.
14What opportunities are available for leadership development and extracurricular activities?
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What opportunities are available for leadership development and extracurricular activities?
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Why this works
Leadership and extracurricular activities help you develop skills beyond academics. Understanding available opportunities helps you plan your personal development.
15What's the school's policy on academic integrity and plagiarism?
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What's the school's policy on academic integrity and plagiarism?
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Why this works
Understanding academic integrity policies helps you know what's expected of you and how to maintain academic honesty.
16What opportunities are available for networking with alumni and professionals in my field?
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What opportunities are available for networking with alumni and professionals in my field?
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Why this works
Networking opportunities help you build professional connections. Understanding available opportunities helps you plan your career development.
17What's the school's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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What's the school's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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Why this works
Understanding the school's commitment to DEI helps you know if you'll be in an inclusive environment that values different perspectives.
18What opportunities are available for financial aid, scholarships, or work-study programs?
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What opportunities are available for financial aid, scholarships, or work-study programs?
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Why this works
Understanding financial aid opportunities helps you plan how to pay for your education and manage your finances.
19What's the school's policy on academic probation and dismissal?
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What's the school's policy on academic probation and dismissal?
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Why this works
Understanding academic policies helps you know what's expected of you and what happens if you don't meet academic standards.
20What opportunities are available for graduate school preparation and advanced degrees?
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What opportunities are available for graduate school preparation and advanced degrees?
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Why this works
Understanding graduate school opportunities helps you plan your long-term academic and career development.
Best Practices for School Evaluation
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Focus on Your Goals
Ask questions that help you understand how the school can help you achieve your specific academic and career goals. Don't ask generic questions that could apply to any school.
Understand Support Systems
Ask questions about support services, resources, and policies that will help you succeed. This includes academic support, mental health services, and career services.
Evaluate Outcomes
Ask questions about graduation rates, job placement, and student success metrics. These indicators show how well the school prepares students for their careers.
Consider Your Needs
Ask questions that help you understand if the school can meet your specific needs, whether that's academic accommodations, financial aid, or specific programs.
Question Sequences
The Academic Explorer
The Career Planner
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Generic Questions
Don't ask questions that could apply to any school. Make your questions specific to your needs and goals to get more useful information.
Avoid Focusing Only on Academics
Don't only ask about academic programs. Ask about support services, career services, and other resources that will help you succeed.
Don't Ignore Outcomes
Don't focus only on inputs like class size. Ask about outcomes like graduation rates, job placement, and student success metrics.