Questions to Ask Your Admissions Counselor
Strategic questions to maximize your college application success and understand the admissions process from an insider's perspective.
1What makes a strong application stand out in your review process?
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What makes a strong application stand out in your review process?
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Why this works
Reveals the specific qualities and characteristics that admissions counselors value most, helping you understand what to emphasize in your application.
2How do you evaluate extracurricular activities and leadership experience?
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How do you evaluate extracurricular activities and leadership experience?
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Why this works
Shows how to present your activities effectively and reveals whether depth or breadth of involvement is more valued.
3What role do essays play in your decision-making process?
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What role do essays play in your decision-making process?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the importance of essays and what makes them compelling, allowing you to allocate appropriate time and effort.
4How do you handle applications from students with unique circumstances or challenges?
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How do you handle applications from students with unique circumstances or challenges?
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Why this works
Reveals how to present difficult situations constructively and shows the counselor's approach to holistic review.
5What advice do you have for students who are undecided about their major?
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What advice do you have for students who are undecided about their major?
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Why this works
Provides guidance on how to present uncertainty as a positive trait and shows how to explore interests effectively.
6How do you evaluate letters of recommendation and what makes them effective?
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How do you evaluate letters of recommendation and what makes them effective?
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Why this works
Helps you choose the right recommenders and understand what information they should include to strengthen your application.
7What trends are you seeing in successful applications this year?
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What trends are you seeing in successful applications this year?
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Why this works
Provides current insights into what's working for applicants and helps you understand evolving expectations.
8How do you handle applications from students with lower test scores but strong other credentials?
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How do you handle applications from students with lower test scores but strong other credentials?
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Why this works
Reveals how to present your strengths when test scores don't reflect your abilities and shows the counselor's approach to holistic review.
9What questions should I be asking that I might not have thought of?
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What questions should I be asking that I might not have thought of?
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Why this works
Reveals insider knowledge and helps you understand aspects of the application process you might not have considered.
10How do you evaluate demonstrated interest and campus engagement?
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How do you evaluate demonstrated interest and campus engagement?
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Why this works
Shows how to demonstrate genuine interest in the school and reveals what engagement activities are most valued.
11What advice do you have for students applying to competitive programs?
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What advice do you have for students applying to competitive programs?
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Why this works
Provides specific strategies for standing out in highly competitive applicant pools and reveals what makes applications memorable.
12How do you handle applications from students with gaps in their academic record?
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How do you handle applications from students with gaps in their academic record?
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Why this works
Shows how to address academic challenges constructively and reveals the counselor's approach to evaluating growth and improvement.
13What role do interviews play in your admissions process?
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What role do interviews play in your admissions process?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the importance of interviews and what qualities they're designed to assess.
14How do you evaluate applications from students with non-traditional backgrounds?
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How do you evaluate applications from students with non-traditional backgrounds?
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Why this works
Reveals how to present unique experiences and shows the counselor's approach to evaluating diverse applicant backgrounds.
15What advice do you have for students who are the first in their family to attend college?
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What advice do you have for students who are the first in their family to attend college?
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Why this works
Provides specific guidance for first-generation students and reveals how to present this background as a strength.
16How do you handle applications from students with significant community service experience?
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How do you handle applications from students with significant community service experience?
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Why this works
Shows how to present service experience effectively and reveals what makes community involvement compelling to admissions.
17What advice do you have for students who are applying to multiple schools?
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What advice do you have for students who are applying to multiple schools?
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Why this works
Provides guidance on managing multiple applications and reveals how to tailor applications to different schools effectively.
18How do you evaluate applications from students with strong academic records but limited extracurricular involvement?
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How do you evaluate applications from students with strong academic records but limited extracurricular involvement?
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Why this works
Shows how to present academic focus as a strength and reveals what other qualities can compensate for limited activities.
19What advice do you have for students who are nervous about the admissions process?
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What advice do you have for students who are nervous about the admissions process?
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Why this works
Provides reassurance and practical guidance for managing stress while maintaining focus on creating a strong application.
20How can I best prepare for a successful college experience if I'm admitted?
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How can I best prepare for a successful college experience if I'm admitted?
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Why this works
Shows your long-term thinking and reveals the counselor's perspective on what makes students successful in college.
Best Practices for Admissions Counselor Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Come Prepared with Specific Questions
Research the school and your specific situation beforehand. Ask questions that show you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the school.
Be Authentic and Honest
Share your true interests, challenges, and goals. Admissions counselors can provide better guidance when they understand your real situation and aspirations.
Take Notes and Follow Up
Document the advice you receive and follow up on any action items. This shows professionalism and helps you implement their suggestions effectively.
Question Sequences
The Application Strategy Sequence
The Personal Circumstances Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions You Can Find Online
Avoid basic questions about deadlines, requirements, or general information that's readily available on the school's website.
Don't Focus Only on Getting In
While admission is important, also ask about fit, opportunities, and how to prepare for success if admitted.
Don't Be Overly Aggressive
Show enthusiasm without being pushy. Admissions counselors are busy and appreciate respectful, thoughtful questions.