What questions should I ask?
A list of questions you may want to ask when visiting a
campus is provided below. Try to ask questions in such
a way that
you won’t get a rehearsed answer from the college
rep. ‘Personalized’ questions will usually
get a more telling answer. For instance, instead of asking, “What’s
the faculty/student ratio?” ask, “How much
interaction do you have with professors?”
Is the interview intimidating?
You may feel intimidated but that is not the purpose of
the interview. This is your opportunity to speak one
on one
with an admissions rep. You can get your questions answered
and they get a chance to get to know you on a more personal
basis than your application form. You will probably be
asked questions about your high school career, activities,
college plans, etc. DON’T PANIC! There is no ‘right’ answer.
Just be yourself and back up your opinion to make a strong
impression.
Should my parents be there?
It can be helpful to have your parents available to accompany
you to college visits. Having an extra set of eyes and
ears to remember the details can be comforting. When
the day is done it’s reassuring to have another
person who knows you well to bounce ideas and thoughts
off.
In addition, the admissions representative will probably
spend time with you alone and then invite your parents
in to ask any questions they might have.
Smart Questions to Ask Admissions Reps & Students
When You Visit a College Campus:
Current Students
- Do you have a car? How do you get around campus?
- What
did you and your friends do for fun last weekend?
- What
is your average class size?
- What activities are you involved
with?
- Where’s the party? (Okay, not a smart question.
Just trying to see if you’re paying attention. You
can always ask about the social atmosphere. “What
do students do for fun on the weekends?” This should
be a comfortable and friendly tour but don’t get
too comfortable!)
- How much interaction do you have with
you professors?
- Why did you choose this college?
- What are your plans
after you graduate?
Admission Counselors
- Are all freshman guaranteed housing?
- What percentage
of students receives financial aid? Live on campus?
Go on to graduate school?
- Is there a high retention rate here?
Do students come back year after year?
- What expenses are
not included in the price of tuition, room, and board
fees?
- Can
you tell me more about the study abroad program?
Tips for the Campus Visit
Schedule your visit
Visit at a time when there will be someone available to meet
with you. If you decide to drop in without an appointment
the college may be having a busy day. Walking around the
campus with only your family will not be as helpful as
being on a guided tour from a current student. Take advantage
of everything that gets offered, try the food, see a dorm
room- remember you may be calling this place home very
soon, you want to be happy with your decision.
Dress appropriately
Dress for weather, comfort and to reflect your personality.
You may not need to show up in a tuxedo but be presentable
and respectful for all that you meet. Also, DON’T
CHEW GUM OR FORGET TO SHAKE HANDS! You want the college
reps to remember you with fondness. Smile.
Reflect and write
If you decide to go on a ‘great college tour’ and
visit 10 campuses in 3 days be sure that you can tell them
apart from one another! Jot down a few notes so you’ll
remember what you liked, disliked and questions that you
need to have answered at each campus.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!
Applying to college has always combined elements of adventure
and worry, triumph and frustration, discovery and anxiety.
You will most definitely have questions along the way.
Your high school guidance counselor, parents, and friends
who are in college are all resources to help guide you
through the process. You can also contact the gurus of
college admissions at The Center for College Planning!
1-800-525-2577 x119
