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Questions to Ask on College Visits

ByCheree Liebowitz

Visiting the college is an important part of your college decision process. It’s one thing to read about a school, but quite another to visit it. Once on campus, students should talk with as many people as they can. This list can include admissions officers, professors, students, and coaches. Students shouldn’t leave until all their questions have been answered and until they feel they are able to make an informed decision about what life on campus is truly like. Here is a list of sample questions to ask during campus visits:

Academic Qs

  • Are professors accessible outside of class?
  • What is the typical way to get in touch with a professor? Email? Phone call?
  • Do you usually get in all the classes that you need to register for?
  • How many courses are taught by professors and how many by a teaching assistant?
  • What are the most popular majors? The least popular majors?
  • What is the grading system like?
  • Are the classes discussion/project-oriented or mostly lecture-orientated?
  • What is the study abroad program here like?
  • What are the strengths of the program or department?
  • What kinds of coursework can I expect to complete for my particular major?
  • How successful are college graduates in finding jobs?

Financial Qs

  • If you have financial need, will you be able to get a financial aid package that meets all of your demonstrated need?
  • Are there work-study jobs available on campus? Off campus?
  • If you don’t qualify for work-study, what jobs are available near campus that you could apply for?

Safety Qs

  • How safe is the campus? How often are crimes reported?
  • Is the campus well lit?
  • How large is the campus security force? Does it patrol campus regularly?
  • Is there a pick-up or shuttle service for students walking at night? How late does it run?
  • What services are offered by the campus health center? How large is it?
  • Is there a hospital nearby? How big is it?

Campus Qs

  • Does the campus seem too big? Or too small?
  • Does the campus look well cared for?
  • Do you feel comfortable and safe?
  • Do most of the students seem to be like you, or are they completely different?
  • Are you required to live on campus your first year?
  • Are the dorms single sex or coed?
  • Do freshmen live in their own dorms?
  • Are the dorms quiet or noisy? Do they seem crowded?
  • What are the rules for students living in dorms?
  • What types of meal plans are available?
  • What hours are food services available?

Social Qs

  • What do students do on weekends? Stay on campus? Go home?
  • What are the most popular extracurricular activities?
  • What are the biggest student hangouts in and around campus?
  • Are there sororities and fraternities on campus?  How many students participate?
  • Are parties allowed on campus?

Athletic Qs

  • Is the college considered an athletic school?
  • What sports are the most popular?
  • Do athletes have to miss a lot of classes in order to participate in games?
  • Do athletes have their own dorms?
  • What’s the condition of the playing fields and the sports equipment?

Qs for Students or Alumni

  • Why did you choose this particular college?
  • What’s your least favorite thing about (name of school)?
  • Are professors helpful and accessible?
  • What do you do on a typical weekend?
  • What are your favorite school traditions?
  • What has been your favorite class you’ve taken so far and why?
  • How hard do you have to work to get good grades?
  • If you had to do it over again, would you still choose to attend?

Community Qs

  • Do you like the surrounding city or town?
  • Is the city or town big enough for your taste? Does it have enough entertainment for you?
  • How easy is it to get to places off campus? Will you need a car? Are there places within walking distance?
  • What is the city’s public transportation system like?