Visiting a college in person is a great way to learn whether the campus is the right place—financially and otherwise—to attain your degree. But it's also the perfect opportunity to ask questions. Whether you are participating in a group tour or an individual visit, be sure to ask questions like the following.
Questions for the Admissions Staff
- Does the student's financial background affect admission decisions?
- Are scholarships available for financially disadvantaged students?
- Does the college offer a pre–freshman year experience, such as a service or camp opportunity?
- Do graduating seniors participate in a special experience?
- What is the average class size for general education classes and for classes in my major?
- Are students required to live on campus? If there is a requirement, is it only for freshmen or for all students?
- Are dorms available or guaranteed for upperclassmen?
- Are students required to purchase a meal plan?
- How are food allergies/sensitivities handled by food service?
- Will credit earned in high school through Advanced Placement, IB and dual enrollment classes be counted toward graduation requirements?
- Can students use standardized test and CLEP scores to pass out of required classes?
- What is the process to sign up for classes?
- Does every student have an academic advisor that will be familiar with their planned coursework?
- How likely is graduation within four years?
Questions for the Financial Aid Office
- Will outside scholarships replace other financial aid or be considered an addition?
- How does the school help place students in work-study positions?
- Are campus jobs available for students who don't receive work–study?
- Are there any alternative opportunities for financial aid that require extra effort on the student's part, such as a service-based scholarship?
- What would my financial aid package look like after freshman year?
- Are campus and departmental scholarships available after freshman year?
Questions for a Faculty Member in Your Major
- What is the student-faculty ratio?
- What is the average class size in higher level classes I would take later?
- Are there opportunities to participate in research or other professional activities as an undergraduate?
- Are students automatically admitted to my major or is there a separate qualification or admission process?
- Will everyone interested in my major be able to enter the major and complete a degree? (Is the major selective, impacted or facing possible elimination?)
- Are internships required, beneficial or not needed?
- Is it hard for students to obtain internships?
- Do students in my major participate in a career fair or are there recruitment opportunities?
- What is the role of graduate students and teaching assistants for my major?
- What does it take to graduate in four years?
Questions for a Tour Guide
- Do many students commute or do most live on campus?
- As a non-art or -music major, could I participate in those activities and classes?
- Do students need to pay for IT services?
- Are students actively supporting athletic teams?
- Does my major have a reputation among students?
- What are emergency procedures in case of severe weather or an active shooter?
Questions for Current Students
- Are dorms crowded?
- What dorms are preferred by students, and why?
- Do many students leave campus on weekends and breaks?
- Why did you decide to come to this school?
- How easy is it to get around campus or to shopping, the airport or the entertainment district?
- What are the options for living off-campus?
- Is it difficult to get into required classes?
- Have you been able to get the help you need with your classes?
- What are your favorite and least favorite things about this college?
- What do students like to do outside of class?
Questions for Yourself
- What impression do I have of the students I saw on campus?
- Did I feel the classrooms, library and other academic facilities meet my needs?
- Are there enough options for dining?
- Is it difficult to get between buildings between classes due to overcrowding or distance?
- What information about the campus and student body did I notice from the activity on campus?