College Visits Part 3: Questions To Ask

This final post gives you an idea of the kinds of questions to ask while on your visit. Make a list of the ones that will help you personally get a good feel for how well the college fits what you are looking for. Bring that list with you and review it as you go! Soon after your visit while it is still fresh in your mind, add to your College Research Scavenger Hunt spreadsheet so you remember what you learned. Send me an email with your review!

1. Pay attention to how students are getting around campus - bikes? Bus? On foot?

2. Check out the vibe on campus. Do you see students like you?  Do students look happy and positive or stressed and exhausted? 

3. Here are some ideas for questions to ask during your college visit. Be sure to review your College Research Scavenger Hunt spreadsheet to customize your questions to your personal interests:

1. Student Housing and Dining:

1. Where do freshmen live? Are roommates randomly assigned, or can you select your own? 

2. Where do upperclassmen live? What is the housing requirement and how many years are guaranteed on campus?

3. How does the meal plan work? How does the food taste? Are there options for [your dietary restriction]?

2. Academic:

1. How many large lecture courses do students have and how big are they on average?

2. How easy is it to meet with professors?

3. What does the academic advisory system look like?  Freshman-specific? By college/major? How difficult is it to get an appointment?

4. How challenging is it to sign up for classes as a freshman and ensure you have what you need?

5. When do I have to declare my major? How hard is it to change majors? Are any majors off-limits?

6. Where are the best places to study?

3. Student Life:

1. What percentage of students are in Greek life? Does Greek life dominate the social scene? When is a rush, and is there a “dirty rush”? How many sororities and fraternities are there and how many do they take in a pledge class? Where are the Greek houses and who lives in them?

2. What are the best traditions or annual events on campus?

3. What is there to do off-campus? What do students do in their free time?

4. Do students support athletic teams - going to pep rallies and games?  What sports are well attended?

5. What kind of intramural and club athletics are available? What is the time commitment? How difficult is it to make a club team?

6. What clubs and activities are popular? Is it competitive to get into certain clubs?

7. What kind of students find their people here? What is the overall vibe of students?

4. Additional academic and student life opportunities:

1. What percentage of students study abroad? What is the most popular time to go? What programs/locations is the college known for?

2. How many students do research as an undergrad? Are freshmen able to participate in research?

3. Are jobs available on campus for work/study or just to have additional income?

4. Are internships available during the school year?

5. What kind of support does the career center provide in finding internships? Jobs after graduation? When should students start to meet with them?

6. Pre-professional questions:

   💡 For Pre-Med/Pre-Health Students:

   • What percentage of students get into med school from here?

   • Are there hospital/clinic volunteer opportunities nearby?

   • Is there pre-health advising?

   • How competitive is it to complete research?

   💡 For Business Students:

   • Does the business school have a strong alumni network?

   • Are there investment clubs, pitch competitions, or business incubators?

   • What companies recruit on campus?

   💡 For Engineering Students:

   • What kind of hands-on projects do students work on?

   • What are the co-op or internship opportunities like?

   • What companies recruit on campus?

   • What percentage of students go on to industry or graduate school?

5. Resources and first-year experience:

1. What kind of support do first-years have? Is there an orientation and/or first-year course? 

2. Where is the best place to go when you have a problem to get help? RA? Advisor?

3. What kind of academic, physical health, and mental health support services are there? If you need access to accommodations, how do you go about securing them?

4. What advice do you have to give freshmen? What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

6. Application/College Choice:

1. Why did you choose this college? What other colleges did you consider?

2. What is unique about this college’s application process? What advice do you have about applying to this college or college in general?

3. Are additional application elements like videos, interviews, resumes, and portfolios mandatory for any majors or considered for all students?