Questions to ask when visiting a college or speaking to a college representative:

Academic:

  • Does your school have my major?
  • What if I’m undecided about my major? When do I have to declare a major?
  • Can I change my major? If so, when?
  • What does the school offer in terms of career counseling?
  • What is the faculty to student ratio?
  • What can I expect as far as class size for a TYPICAL freshmen class?
  • What percentage of classes is taught by grad students instead of professors?
  • Will I have a faculty advisor?
  • Can I choose or change my advisor?
  • Is tutoring or other academic assistance available?
  • What percentage of freshmen return for their sophomore year?

Financial Aid:

  • How much does it cost to go to this school? Tuition:______Room & Board ______Books ______Extras ______
  • Is there financial aid available and if so about how much can I expect?
  • What other expenses might I have?
  • What is your average financial aid package?
  • What is the average increase in tuition, fees, and room and board costs?
  • How much do your graduates typically owe?

Resident Life:

  • Is on campus housing required for 1st year students?
  • Do 1st year students live together?
  • What are the housing options? (dorms, apartments, suites, co-ed, single-sex, etc.)
  • How are roommates assigned? Do I get to choose my roommate?
  • What if I have problems with my roommate?
  • What services and facilities are available? (i.e. laundry, computer, phone, wi-fi, cable, etc.)
  • What is the meal plan like? How good is the food?
  • Are freshmen allowed to have cars on campus?
  • How is parking handled? What fees are there?
  • What kinds of programmed events take place on campus?
  • Who does the programming (students of the university)?
  • What student groups are on campus?
  • What kind of intramural sports are available?
  • Is there a student gym facility? Will I have free access?
  • What are the biggest safety and security issues on the campus?
  • How do students get help if they have a safety or security emergency?
  • How are students notified of safety or security emergencies?