Before choosing a college, make sure the school you choose matches your needs. When visiting the college or speaking to a representative on the phone, find out the answers to all of these questions.
Ask Questions About Academics
- What majors or programs do you offer?
- What is the average length of your programs?
- What percent of your students graduate?
- Do you have internship programs?
- Will I have an advisor to help me with scheduling and program-related questions?
- How difficult is it to get the class schedule I need?
- Do you offer tutoring services if I need them?
Ask Questions About Admissions
- When is your enrollment deadline?
- What standards do you use for acceptance?
- Do I need to take an entrance exam?
- When may I tour your campus?
Ask Questions About Financial Aid
- What type of financial aid is available to me?
- How do I apply?
- Do you have a financial aid application deadline?
- Are there scholarships available through the college?
- What is the total cost of my program including books, fees, and tuition?
Ask Questions About Student Life
- What type of housing is available for students?
- How many students are enrolled at your college?
- What is the average class size?
- How big is the largest class?
- Do you have student organizations and activities?
Ask Questions About Technology
- What type of technology courses are offered at your college?
- What equipment and software do you currently use?
- Does each student have access to a computer during class time?
- Does your college have a student Intranet?
- Will I have an email account and access to the Internet?
Ask Questions About Career Services
- What type of career placement assistance do you offer?
- Will you help me find a part-time job while I attend school?
- What is your placement rate?
- What types of jobs are your graduates getting?
I'm Jay Willingham. My main focus is to help you make better grades, more friends and more money during college by showing you how to develop study skills through new technology.
4 Comments
Hi.
These are all good questions, but they are all ones that can be answered by perusing a college’s website. Don’t waste an admissions officer’s time by asking silly questions (“what majors do you have?”). Rather, demonstrate that you are serious and that you have done your homework. Also tie the questions to something specific that you are particularly interested in, such as: “I have been looking at your art history major and at your business major. I’m interested in arts management and perhaps learning about museum management. Do students regularly combine art history with business? Is there a faculty member who is particularly interested in this sort of thing with whom I could get in touch?”
While there may be no dumb questions in life, there are questions that are best answered by doing a modicum of homework and reflection…and THEN seeking the advice and counsel from the person who has the power to admit or deny your entrance to a university.
Good point Mark. These days, most college websites will be able to answer 90% of these questions. However, these are good things to know when casually looking around at different colleges.
Thanks for the advice.
This is some really good info. I cam across your site via collegeblender, and it is really informative to college students like myself. Regarding the financial aid section, something else college students might find useful is 89 Financial Aid For College Tips by StudentLoansForCollege.org
Anyways, great site, I’ll be back for sure!
Cole
Hey Coley,
Thanks for the kind words. Collegeblender is a great site, I’m glad you found CB though them.
The 89 tips are great! Thanks for sharing.
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