College visits can help inform your school list. Often, students take advantage of school breaks to visit campuses with classmates or parents. To get the most out of campus tours, think of the right questions to ask–those ranging from academic opportunities, to how social life works, to what professors are like, to career counseling options. We’ve provided you with a list of questions to ask both current students and admissions representatives specifically so that you can learn more about their experience at the college you’re visiting.
Questions to Ask Current Students During a College Visit
Academics
- Why did you choose your specific major?
- Who is your favorite professor and why?
- What is it like to transition from high school to this college?
- How accessible are professors typically?
- Generally, do you feel that professors are engaged in their students’ education? Can you tell me how one of your professors has supported you or someone you know?
- What was the most impactful or meaningful course (academically or personally) that you have taken so far?
- What’s the academic environment like on campus?
- How many of your classes are taught by TAs?
- What are midterms and finals like?
- What reputation does my major have?
- Could you describe a day in the life of a student in your department?
Campus and Social Life
- What is your typical weekday like?
- What is your typical weekend like?
- Why did you choose this college?
- How would you describe the campus culture?
- What are the best reasons to go to this college?
- What do you do in your free time? What do you love about this college?
- What is it like to live in this city/town?
- What are your favorite and least favorite things about attending this college?
- What are 3-4 things you would like to change about the school?
- How easy is it to get around campus or off campus?
- Are there places within walking distance or do you need a car?
- How is parking on campus?
- What is the relationship between the college and neighboring community like?
- How do students engage in the broader community? (Do they stay on campus or do they participate in the community outside of school?)
- What’s the social vibe like on campus?
- What do students do for fun—on campus and off?
- What do you wish you had known before you started attending this university?
- Where are your favorite places to eat on or near campus and why? What do you order there?
- Do you feel safe on campus?
Student Activities and Involvement
- What is the most impactful or meaningful extracurricular activity that you have been a part of?
- How involved are students in extracurriculars?
- Which activities are most popular?
- What’s Greek life like and how do students feel about it?
- How active is the student body in terms of sports?
- How popular are campus sporting events amongst fans?
- Are any art or music practice spaces available to non-majors?
- What has the school done to help you grow?
- Would you describe students as having a well-balanced life (between school, jobs, extracurriculars, hobbies, and downtime)?
- What can you tell me about the students that I cannot learn from reading the school website?
Residential Life
- Do you like living in the dorms?
- What’s the residential life vibe?
- How many dorms are there, and how do they differ?
- Have you used the student health center? If so, how was your experience?
- How are the amenities, such as the college gym or recreational equipment rental center?
- What are the off-campus living options, and what do they typically cost?
- Have you lived in multiple dorms? If so, did you switch?
Questions to Ask Admissions Representatives During a College Visit
General Admissions Questions
- Is there something in particular that admissions readers look for when evaluating applications at your school?
- What kind of student would not be a good fit for your school?
- Do you recommend applying Early Decision/Early Action over Regular Decision?
- What are some of the best ways to engage with the admissions office as a prospective student (visit/information session/social media, etc)?
Academics
- What is unique about your school’s (your major) department?
- Can you tell me about this particular major?
- What is the most common major at the school?
- Do you admit students based on which major they have chosen? Are there certain concentrations that are more competitive than others for admission?
- How is this particular major different at your college than at others?
- What are some advantages and disadvantages to the average class size at your school?
- How many students are in the typical freshman classes? What about upper-level classes?
- How does the college help students access professors outside of class?
- How many students engage in research or other kinds of projects?
- What student-faculty research opportunities exist for undergraduates?
- What kinds of mentoring and advising relationships do students and faculty have?
Extracurriculars and Student Organizations
- What extracurricular options exist for students interested in XYZ?
- How easy is it for students to start their own club at this college?
- What are the options available for intramural and club sports?
- How involved are students in the local community?
- Is this particular club competitive to get into?
Campus and Social Life
- Does the school have a big athletic culture? What is a typical game day like?
- How does the presence or absence of Greek life affect the campus community?
- What do students typically do on weekends?
- Can you tell me what you enjoy most about the city/town/area where the school is located?
- What are the dorms like? Are there other housing options?
- How are residence halls secured?
- Do most students eat in dining halls? How are the dining services?
- What does the college do to ensure campus safety in general? What about in the event of an emergency?
- What are some popular restaurants and shops near campus?
Career Services
- Where have students from your school interned? Are there any formal internship arrangements with companies?
- How long does it typically take recent grads to find a full-time job in their career field?
- What career advising services are offered, and how long are they available?
- What networking or career fairs are held each year?
- How accessible and involved are alumni?
- What kinds of on-campus or local part-time jobs are available?
Available Resources
- What kind of support services are available to students?
- How common is it for students to receive financial aid or scholarships?
- Are there any major-specific financial aid or scholarship programs?
- Is it easy for students to find jobs on campus?
- What are the on-campus libraries like?
- Does the school have access to any additional library collections (local or other school libraries)?
- How would you describe the college gym/fitness center?
- In what ways does the university support students with technology needs (tech support, access, discounted or free software, etc)?
- In what ways does the university support students in need of educational support (disability services, writing centers, study groups, freshman interest groups/first-year support, etc)?
- What kinds of counseling and/or mental health services are available?
- How does the university foster/encourage multicultural identity in daily life?
- What quiet spaces are available for studying?
These are just a few examples of questions you can ask students and admissions representatives.There might be other topics that you want to learn about further. However, try to avoid yes/no questions and answers that you can easily find with a quick Google search. Show the school that you’re actually interested in acquiring information about their offerings and tailor questions to what you’re genuinely most curious about.
Remember that your time on campus is limited, so it’s important not to ask a question that can be answered by simply searching the school website. Don’t forget to jot down what captures your attention about each college you tour in order to figure out the pros and cons of adding them to your school list. Soon, you will be tasked with deciding where to apply and tailoring supplemental essays to specific schools in order to demonstrate your interest and show school fit. These visits, and drawing on the answers to questions asked during campus tours, will prove very helpful.
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