Evaluating Colleges: 40 Questions to Ask Your Admissions Counselor

Admissions counselors love to support and serve prospective students and families. They want to hear your unique story and help you wherever you are in the admissions process. Here are some questions you can ask your admissions counselor:

General

1. What are the strengths of this school? Weaknesses?

2. What are some unique things about this university?

3. How does the school support students in their transition from high school to college?

4. What type of student succeeds at this school?

Admissions

5. What are the most important deadlines for applications, financial aid or scholarships? Is there an early action or early decision deadline?

6. Can you provide information about the average standardized test scores and GPA of admitted students?

7. What are admissions officers looking for in an application essay?

8. How is the financial aid process different from the admissions process?

9. What percentage of students receive financial aid?

10. What types of merit-based scholarships are available?

11. How can you calculate the net price of college with financial aid?

Academics & Career

12. What are the most popular majors, and what unique opportunities do they offer?

13. What are the average class sizes for my desired major/program?

14. What is the graduation rate for students at this university? What is the main reason students don’t graduate on time?

15. Does my desired program have a strong track record of internship placement?

16. How does the college facilitate networking opportunities with alumni and industry professionals?

17. Are there specific academic support services for challenging majors or programs?

18. How does the college integrate real-world experiences, like co-op programs, into the curriculum?

19. Are there opportunities to study abroad?

20. Are there opportunities for undergraduate research?

21. Does the school have an honors college?

22. Can you describe the school's alumni network and how it benefits current students?

Student Support

23. How accessible are faculty members to students outside of the classroom?

24. Are counseling and mental health services available for students?

25. How does the college provide support and resources for first-generation students?

26. How does the college provide support and resources for international students?

27. How does the college provide support and resources for commuter students?

28. How does the college provide support and resources for online students?

Campus Life

29. Can you tell me about the housing options on campus, and how do housing assignments work? Are students required to live on campus?

30. Which are the most popular campus traditions, events or extracurricular activities?

31. Which clubs or organizations on campus are students involved in?

32. What is the quality of the athletic programs at the school?

33. What is the quality of the fitness facilities for students?

34. What are the recreation and intramural sports opportunities available for students?

35. How is the campus safety and security program implemented on campus?

36. Are drugs and alcohol permitted on campus?

Faith

37. How are the mission and values actually carried out at this school — in courses, chapels, etc?

38. Are all students, faculty and staff required to profess faith?

39. Are there opportunities for ministry and missions for students?

40. What kind of spiritual care is available to students?

View more in this section: “Which Christian college is the best fit for me?”