There’s a lot that goes into choosing a college. You need to consider items like cost, scholarships, and available majors. The school will also interview you and request that you submit an application.
But don’t forget that, although you’re technically being interviewed by the college, it’s actually a two-way street. You can interview the college as well. In fact, it’s a good idea to ask at least a few questions that can help you compare different schools and make the right choice for you.
Consider breaking your questions down into different aspects of college life. Some areas to focus on include:
- Academics and academic support
- Financial support
- Campus culture and social life
- Career preparation
Here are some good questions that will get the ball rolling and give you some things to think about during your college search.
Questions About Academics And Academic Support
The schools on your shortlist probably already align with your academic interests to some degree. But consider asking the following questions to fully ensure that a college is the right academic fit:
What Majors Do You Offer That Align With My Academic Interests?
Start by making sure that the school offers a major suitable for your academic strengths. Discuss your interests with the admissions officer, and make sure their college has an appropriate program to help you develop those interests. Too many students choose a school that they think will be fun or that simply meets parental approval but doesn’t offer their desired major. Get that out of the way first.
Are There Separate Program Admission Requirements For My Desired Major?
Depending on the school, you might need to apply for acceptance into a specific department. You don’t always get to just take classes in your desired major without a separate application. Ask about this before committing to a school. If your program of interest does require a separate application, be sure to get a full list of its application requirements.
What Academic Support Services Are Available On Campus?
Confirm that the school offers tutoring labs, writing centers, and other forms of academic support that you can take advantage of. If you have a specific learning need, check to see if the school has adequate resources to accommodate it. Confirm the process needed to request accommodations before making your decision.
Questions About Financial Support
Get an accurate estimation of how much you’ll really pay to study at the school. This goes beyond confirming the cost of attendance and reviewing the financial aid award letter.
Do You Offer A Payment Plan For Balances That Exceed Financial Aid?
Schools may have special payment plans or offer extended due dates for balances that exceed financial aid. Check to see what interest might be charged and what requirements need to be met to take advantage of these programs.
Is There Emergency Aid Available?
A college may offer emergency aid for students who experience homelessness or food insecurity. If you qualify, you might be able to get help paying for rent, covering the cost of textbooks, or getting funds for other items.
Aside from asking about emergency financial support, find out what other on-campus resources are available for students in crisis. Some schools offer their own food pantries, and you might be able to get help applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other government benefits.
What Other Scholarships Are Available?
You may be referred to the financial aid office for this question. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask an admissions officer if specific departments and majors offer scholarships and whether there are additional scholarships available for students who act as school ambassadors or become involved in clubs and activities.
What On-Campus Jobs Help Pay Tuition?
Find out if there are on-campus jobs that can partially cover tuition. For example, you might be able to work as a janitor and get half or even all of your tuition covered, depending on the school. If you qualify for Federal Work-Study, ask for a list of eligible jobs on campus.
Are There Subsidized Health Or Childcare Services Available?
Some schools have health clinics available to students at no cost or for a reduced fee. You might also be able to get childcare or early childhood education for your kids at a reduced rate. Ask about what’s available and the requirements for taking advantage of these services.
Questions About Campus Culture And Social Life
While you’re not going to college just to have fun, understanding a school’s social culture is nonetheless important. Plus, you want to make sure you’ll be able to make valuable connections and participate in activities that can potentially help you later.
What Are Some Of The Most Common Activities Students Engage In?
Find out what students do for fun in the area. The college may have an outdoor culture with opportunities for hiking and skiing, a local art scene, or live music venues near the campus.
Are There Extracurricular Activities And Clubs To Participate In?
Tell the admissions officer about the extracurricular activities you engage in, and ask if there are on-campus clubs and events that align with your hobbies and passions. A college may also have groups oriented toward certain cultural backgrounds or political affiliations, and these present great opportunities to meet like-minded people.
What Student Societies And Organizations Are Present On Campus?
Find out about honor societies and professional organizations. See if the campus has the college version of the professional organization associated with your future career. For example, engineering organizations might have a college chapter. This is a good way to network and meet alumni who might help you get a job later.
Questions About Career Preparation
The main reason to attend college is to prepare for a career that will allow you to support yourself, and you’ll want to choose a college that will make your transition into professional life as successful as possible. Here are some of the best career questions for a college admissions officer.
Are There Internship And Research Opportunities For Undergraduates?
Find out what types of internships (both paid and unpaid) are available for undergrad students. And don’t forget to ask whether the school or its departments help place interns. Getting at least some support from your school can make for a better internship experience.
Ask about research opportunities as well, as this can be a good way to build an attractive resume if you plan to go on to graduate school.
What Services Does Your Career Center Offer?
Career centers may offer help with resumes, interview practice, and job placement. Find out exactly what level of support you can expect as you look for different opportunities to advance in your career while attending school.
How Many Of Your Graduates Get Jobs Out Of School?
Most schools have statistics related to alumni employment. Find out how many of a college’s students get jobs when they finish college. Also, if possible, ask if a school’s alumni typically work in their fields of study.
Bottom Line
Communicating with college admissions officers is a critical component of the admissions process, and you’ll want to be as prepared as possible for these conversations. Think about your needs ahead of time, and create a list of priorities you have for your education and college experience. Then, ask admissions representatives from all the colleges on your shortlist about these items and compare their answers.
Don’t forget that getting some advice from a professional can help you better prepare for your conversations with the various admissions officers. Working with a college admissions consultant can help you stay on track and ask questions that are specific to your academic goals.
Miranda Marquit, MBA, has been covering personal finance, investing and business topics for more than 15 years, and covering crypto topics for more than 10 years. She has contributed to numerous outlets, including NPR, Marketwatch, U.S. News & World Report and HuffPost. She is an avid podcaster, co-hosting the podcast at Money Talks News. Miranda lives in Idaho, where she enjoys spending time with her son playing board games, travel and the outdoors.
Editor: Ashley Barnett Reviewed by: Robert Farrington