Essential Questions to Ask During College Visits and Tours

When exploring colleges and universities, visiting the campus can be a crucial step in the decision-making process. Whether through in-person or virtual tours, college visits provide an opportunity to determine if an institution is the right fit academically, socially, and personally. Asking the right questions during these visits can help narrow down options and instill confidence in the college admissions process. In this article, we will guide you on what to ask during a college visit to make the most of your experience.

Making the Most of Your College Visit

During college visits, time is limited, so it's important to ask targeted questions to the right people to maximize your experience. Potential sources for information include college admissions representatives, financial aid representatives, current students, faculty, alumni, and athletics coaches. Typically, campus visits consist of a tour and a visit to the admissions office, where you may attend a presentation about the school and receive information on the admissions process. You may have the opportunity to meet with an admissions representative or a current student. For individual meetings, scheduling in advance may be necessary, so a focused approach is key.

Asking the Right Questions

While a vast amount of information is available online and through various resources, it's important to ask questions that may not be easily found online and avoid repeating information provided in admissions presentations. Specific interests and concerns may not be addressed in general formats, and the experiences of current students can provide valuable insights. Focus on subjects that matter most to you and compare the findings across schools. Keep in mind the timing of your questions. If you have the chance to meet with an admissions representative, current student, or faculty member, take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions. However, if time is limited, prioritize your questions and address them at the appropriate moments. If important questions are not answered or time runs out, consider scheduling a meeting with someone who can provide further information, if available.

Question to Ask During a College Visit

Questions can be divided into broad categories such as admissions, academics, campus life, students, and career opportunities. Each category can be addressed by different individuals on campus. Here are some suggested questions:

Admissions & Financial Aid Questions for Admissions Representatives:

- What are the graduation rates? Reasons students do not graduate in four years?

- Are admissions rates different for different majors?

- Does demonstrated interest make a difference in the admissions process?

- Is the school test optional?

- How important is legacy?

- Can I speak with a financial aid officer? What scholarships and merit awards are available, if any? Are there athletic scholarships? Average financial aid package?

- Can the school meet financial need? Average loan debt for graduates?

- Do you have need-blind admissions?

Academic Questions for Admissions Representatives, Current Students, or Faculty:

- What are the most popular majors? Best reputations? When do students need to declare? Is double-majoring or majoring and minoring common?

- Is it easy to switch majors after declaring?

- Does the school operate on a quarter, trimester, or semester system?

- How many classes do students typically take each semester/trimester/quarter?

- What is the typical teaching style (lecture, seminar, TA vs. professor, etc.)?

- Average classroom size?

- What are some favorite classes and why?

- Homework load? Group projects or presentations required?

- Study abroad options? Popularity of studying abroad?

- Research opportunities for undergraduates?

- Honors college or program?

- Academic advising? Professors as advisors? Tutoring programs or support?

- Capstone projects required for seniors?

- Professor accessibility? Office hours?

- Popular study spots on campus?

Campus Questions for Tour Guides or Current Students:

- What makes this campus unique or special?

- Availability of campus housing? Housing options?

- Percentage of students living on campus? Is it required? Roommate selection process?

- Dorm descriptions (students per room, bathrooms, kitchens, lounges, etc.)? Criteria for dorm separation (year, interests, culture)?

- Meal plan options? Quality of food?

- Availability of health resources?

- Helpful disability services? Resources offered?

- Can students have cars on campus?

- Percentage of students in sororities or fraternities?

- Social scene on campus? Parties? Prevalence of drugs and alcohol?

- Popular hangout spots on campus?

- Workout facilities for non-athletes?

- Other facilities available (libraries, labs, theaters)?

- Common mode of transportation on campus?

Student Life Questions for Current Students:

- Are you happy here? Why did you choose this school?

- What do you dislike about this school? Suggestions for improvement?

- Campus safety? Safety in the surrounding community?

- What does a typical day look like?

- Frequency of off-campus activities? Percentage of students living off-campus?

- Available activities and popular student organizations?

- What do students do for fun?

- Attendance at sporting events? Athletic division? Sports' role in campus culture?

- School spirit?

- Friendliness of people on campus? Social scene?

- Diversity of the student population? Number of international students?

- Campus engagement in social justice? Recent protests on campus?

Career & Post-Graduate Questions for Admissions Representatives or Alumni:

- What career support and guidance are available for undergraduates? Are alumni actively involved in the school? Who are some notable alumni? Is there job placement assistance? Do recruiters come to campus? Are there on-campus or off-campus internships available? What opportunities exist on campus to build a professional profile? Are there service-learning opportunities? Are there summer jobs or work-study options? Is there a co-op program? How involved are students in the surrounding community? What percentage of students go on to graduate school or earn advanced degrees?

Conclusion

By asking the right questions during college visits and tours, you can gather valuable information that will help you make informed decisions about which institution is the best fit for you. Remember to focus on subjects that matter most to you, compare findings across schools, and make use of the limited time available. Whether you're inquiring about admissions, academics, campus life, students, or career opportunities, the answers you receive will provide insights into the college experience. Use this information to determine which college or university aligns with your academic and personal goals. Good luck with your college visits, and may they lead you to the perfect institution for your future endeavors.

Closing thoughts: Your college visit experience is unique to you. Asking thoughtful questions will empower you to make the best decision for your education and future success.