College Tours - Questions to ask

Questions to ask on College Tours

Take note of your first impressions:

• What is the campus like?  Does it feel homey? Can you see yourself walking around?
• Do you need a bike? Or car?  Can you easily get from class to class without too much rush?
• Do the people seem friendly? Do they seem happy? If you stop and ask someone a question, do they seem helpful?
• How is the neighborhood surrounding campus?  Does it feel safe? Does it seem to welcome the college atmosphere?
• How easy is it to get from campus to the neighboring towns?  Does campus provide a free public transportation pass?

Admissions:

• What percentage of students are admitted via Early Admissions?
• What are the average SAT / ACT / GPA scores of the previous year’s class profile?
• What is the acceptance rate?
• What are they looking for in their prospective students?

Classes:

• Ask to see a typical classroom.  How up to date are the materials?  Are there smart boards? Overhead projectors?  How comfortable is the furniture?  Is there adequate lighting?  Left-handed desk-chairs?
• How easy is it to get courses you want at times that are convenient?
• How easy is it to get hold of professors if you have a question? Are they fairly responsive to emails? Available only during office hours?
• Do the professors allow you to turn in papers online? Or is printing required?  
• Are Powerpoint presentations / syllabi posted online?
• What are the typical course requirements: how many exams, research papers, and presentations in a semester class?
• How many elective classes can you take and still graduate in 4 years?
• Is there a PE requirement?
• How do most people buy their books? From the school bookstore? Online? Amazon?

Research / Internships / Finding a job during the summer :   

• How easy is it for students to do research with professors?
• How easy is it for students to write and publish papers/get their names on papers with professors?
• What prerequisites ( activities / grades / classes) do I need to take before I am eligible to work in a lab with professors on their projects? 
• Are students ever able to do their OWN research in labs
• Do the professors who do research work with outside companies?  
• Are research and internship opportunities for undergraduates competitive?

Assistance with classes:

• Do professors have office hours that are convenient?  Is it easy to get hold of professors?
• Are tutors available?
• Are study groups in place? 

Dorms:

• How are dorms chosen?  
• How are roommates chosen?
• Do all dorm rooms have Wifi? Common Areas only? Or in the rooms themselves?        
• Are the dorms air conditioned?  Are the classrooms air conditioned?
• Do most upperclassmen live in dorms? Or do they move off campus?
• What are the laundry facilities like? Coins? Credit Cards?
• Are there exercise facilities in the dorms themselves? 
• Are there dining facilities in the dorms themselves?

Libraries:

• What are the typical library hours on campus?  
• Are the facilities sufficient?  Comfy  / quiet places to work?  Places for groups to gather and work together?
• Do the libraries have wifi?
• Are there printers available in the libraries for students to use?  If so, how much does it cost to print?

Computers:  

• Mac or PC friendly campus?
• Do I need to bring a printer? or is there a printer available on campus?  
• How much does printing cost?
• Are their discounts available for purchasing a computer through the school?

Food:

• I’m a vegetarian.  What are some typical food choices I’ll have at lunch and dinner?
• What is the meal plan like?
• How easy is it to find food on campus if you miss the dining hall meal hours?
• Which dining places on campus accept the meal plan?
• Are there any places off-campus that accept the meal plan?
• How easy is it to get food off campus?

Study Abroad:

• Is the SA program competitive?
• If I find an accredited SA program that isn’t affiliated with the school, would it be possible to attend there and have my credits transfer?
• Do most students who SA stay for a term? or a year?
• Does Financial Aid Transfer over during Study Abroad?
• How easy is it to graduate in 4 years if you study abroad for a term or for a year?
• Is there a way I can talk with one of the students who has attended this program to find out more about their experiences; how good the program is;  what classes transfer;  what they would recommend;  what they would do differently?

Travel:  

• What is the most convenient airport to fly into to get from home to the school? 
• How long does it take to get from the airport to the campus?
• Are there shuttles to campus? 
• How much do the shuttles cost? How much is a cab ride to/from?

Music Auditions:

• Portfolios / Audition Tapes / Auditions / Practice Rooms
• When are your audition and interview dates?
• Do I need to bring an accompanist to my audition?
• May I audition for more than one instrument?
• How do I submit my audition portfolio?
• What are the practice rooms like?  Are they large enough? Which ones have pianos in them?  Do you have to provide your own music stand?
• What are the hours for the practice rooms?
• Are you allowed to practice on stage? If so, when?
• What music teachers are available for lessons? How much do lessons typically cost?
• Are there music scholarships? If so, when is the competition for those?

Art / Theater / Dance

• What are your specific portfolio requirements?
• How many studios do you have?  
• How many performances will I have?
• Can I specialize in dance and something else?
• When are auditions?
• Are there any dance scholarships? If so, when are the competitions?
• How many students apply each year?  How many spots are available?
• Is there a theater/dance/art/music minor?
• How many main stage performances are there each year?
• Can Freshmen perform in main stage performances?
• Are there summer programs available?

Sports / IM:

• When is recruiting?  What is the timeline?
• What is your coaching style?
• What are the practice schedules like?
• What is the regular schedule like?
• What percentage of freshman play all 4 years?
• Scholarships for athletes: What's available? Are they renewable?
• How many walk-ons do you normally have?
• When do I have to come back for summer practice?
• What is the GPA for the team?  Are there study tables / tutors available?

Clubs / Extracurricular Activities:

• Which clubs / extra curricular activities do you have available?
• How often do they meet?
• Insert specific questions here:

Rec center / Gym facilities:  

• Are they open/ available for non-athletes?
• Is there a cost affiliated / associated with the rec center?
• Are they open late at night or on the weekends?  
• How easy is it to get an available treadmill on the weekends? 
• How safe do you feel working out late at night? 

Social atmosphere:

• I read that this campus tends to be a bit more liberal and open-minded.  Do you believe that statement to be true?  Can you give me an example of what you see on campus?
• Do most people stay on campus during the weekends? Or go home?
• Is there an active Greek life on campus?  What percentage of students live in sororities / fraternities?

Health Facilities:

• What are the health facilities available to students?
• How do the folks on campus deal with stress during exam weeks?  Are there planned de-stressing activities for students?  

Safety on Campus:  

• Are the buildings all locked? Do you need a key-card to access?
• Are there campus security officers located?
• Is the campus on the blue-light system?
• How safe do most women feel walking around campus in the evenings?  
• How safe do most women feel during the day?  
• While working out?

Storage: 

• What types of storage facilities are on campus (or near campus) to store items during the summer or over winter break?

Work Study: What types of jobs are available for Work Study positions?

Questions to ask students:

• Where do you study?

• Why should I choose this school over the others I’m looking at?  Why did you choose this school over others you looked at?

• What is a typical week day like for you?

• What is your favorite class you have taken so far?  What made it so great?

• Who is your favorite professor? Why?

• How effective is your adviser? How is academic advising organized here?

• What do you wish you could change about this school?

• Is there anything you know now that you wish you had known as a prospective student?