What Questions to Ask College Admissions
Essential questions to ask college admissions officers to understand the application process, requirements, and gain insights into what they're looking for in applicants.
1What are the most important factors you consider when evaluating applications?
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What are the most important factors you consider when evaluating applications?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their evaluation criteria and ensures you know what they value most in applicants, which is crucial for strengthening your application.
2What makes an application stand out and what are you looking for?
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What makes an application stand out and what are you looking for?
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Why this works
Reveals what they find compelling and helps you understand how to make your application more competitive and memorable.
3What are the common mistakes applicants make and how can I avoid them?
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What are the common mistakes applicants make and how can I avoid them?
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Why this works
Shows the pitfalls to avoid and helps you understand what not to do, which is just as important as knowing what to do.
4What's your advice for writing a compelling personal statement or essay?
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What's your advice for writing a compelling personal statement or essay?
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Why this works
Reveals their essay preferences and helps you understand how to craft a personal statement that resonates with admissions officers.
5How do you evaluate extracurricular activities and what matters most?
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How do you evaluate extracurricular activities and what matters most?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to activities and helps you understand how to present your extracurricular involvement effectively.
6What's your perspective on standardized test scores and how do you use them?
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What's your perspective on standardized test scores and how do you use them?
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Why this works
Reveals their view on test scores and helps you understand how they factor into the admissions decision.
7What are the different types of financial aid available and how do I apply?
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What are the different types of financial aid available and how do I apply?
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Why this works
Shows the financial aid options and helps you understand what assistance is available and how to access it.
8What are the different application deadlines and what's the process?
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What are the different application deadlines and what's the process?
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Why this works
Reveals the timeline and helps you understand when to submit materials and what the application process involves.
9What are the different interview options and what should I expect?
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What are the different interview options and what should I expect?
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Why this works
Shows the interview process and helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare for admissions interviews.
10What are the different campus visit options and what should I do?
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What are the different campus visit options and what should I do?
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Why this works
Reveals the visit opportunities and helps you understand how to make the most of campus visits and what to look for.
11What are the different academic programs and what should I know about them?
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What are the different academic programs and what should I know about them?
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Why this works
Shows the academic offerings and helps you understand what programs are available and how to choose the right one.
12What are the different student support services and what's available?
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What are the different student support services and what's available?
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Why this works
Reveals the support resources and helps you understand what assistance is available for students and how to access it.
13What are the different housing options and what should I know?
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What are the different housing options and what should I know?
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Why this works
Shows the housing choices and helps you understand what options are available and how to secure housing.
14What are the different career services and what support is available?
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What are the different career services and what support is available?
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Why this works
Reveals the career support and helps you understand what resources are available for career development and job placement.
15What are the different study abroad options and what should I know?
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What are the different study abroad options and what should I know?
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Why this works
Shows the international opportunities and helps you understand what study abroad programs are available and how to participate.
16What are the different research opportunities and what's available?
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What are the different research opportunities and what's available?
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Why this works
Reveals the research possibilities and helps you understand what research opportunities are available and how to get involved.
17What are the different internship opportunities and what should I know?
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What are the different internship opportunities and what should I know?
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Why this works
Shows the internship options and helps you understand what internship opportunities are available and how to secure them.
18What are the different student organizations and what should I know?
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What are the different student organizations and what should I know?
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Why this works
Reveals the campus life options and helps you understand what student organizations are available and how to get involved.
19What are the different diversity and inclusion efforts and what should I know?
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What are the different diversity and inclusion efforts and what should I know?
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Why this works
Shows the school's commitment to diversity and helps you understand what inclusive programs and resources are available.
20What's the most important thing I should know about applying to this school?
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What's the most important thing I should know about applying to this school?
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Why this works
Gives them a chance to share what they think is most important for you to know, providing valuable insights about the application process.
Best Practices for College Admissions Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Interest
Demonstrate genuine curiosity about the school and the admissions process. Ask thoughtful questions that show you're engaged and interested.
Be Respectful of Their Time
Be mindful of their schedule and responsibilities. Ask if they have time to talk and be concise in your questions.
Ask Follow-up Questions
Show engagement by asking follow-up questions that build on their answers. This demonstrates active listening and deeper interest.
Question Sequences
The Application Understanding Sequence
The Process Assessment Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Make Assumptions
Avoid assuming you know their process or requirements. Ask questions to understand their specific approach and criteria.
Don't Be Overly Critical
While healthy skepticism is good, avoid being overly critical or dismissive of their process. Show respect for their expertise.
Don't Focus Only on Controversial Topics
While important topics are worth discussing, don't make every conversation about controversial or divisive subjects.