What Questions Should I Ask on my Campus Visits?

Chances are good your tour guide will be a college student, so this is a perfect opportunity for you to hear what they think about their college. Remember, they were chosen or hired to do that job, so there will be things they’re probably not supposed to say, and they’re almost assuredly going to be positive about the school. But if you ask their opinion, you’re likely to get it. Be sure to ask open-ended questions so they’ll have to elaborate on their answer.

You’re not going to have time to (and you probably won’t want to) ask all of the following questions, but here are some ideas…

Why did you choose to go to school here?
What do you like most about it?
Do students hang around campus on weekends or do they go home? What do they do when they’re here?
What are the professors like? Are they available to students?
Do you feel safe here? What about walking on campus after dark? (if the tour guide is female)
What majors is this school known for?
Do you work during the school year? How much? Where?
How tough is it to get a scholarship to attend school here?
Do freshmen live on campus? Where?
What are the biggest activities or events on campus in a year?
Where do the students go to eat in town?

If you visit with an admission counselor, advisor, professor, or other employee, there will be several questions you could ask. Here are a few suggestions:

Where do I stand with regard to admission? (if you’re visiting before Senior year, you want to know if you meet the requirements, during Senior year, you want to know the status of your application)
Where do I stand with regard to scholarships? (same as above, but you want to know what you qualify for or what GPA and ACT/SAT you need to qualify)
When are the appropriate application deadlines? (if you’re an underclassman) What is my next step if I’m serious about attending college here? (if you’re a senior)
When will I know what financial aid I’ve been offered?
What is unique or exceptional about the program in my major?
How does the college help put students in the best possible position in the job marked after graduation?
If I were to have academic difficulties while attending school here, what resources are available to help me?
What kind of career services are available to help me get a job while I’m in school and after graduation?

Back to Articles List