Questions for Campus Visits

These are just ideas . . . . highlight the questions you are interested in and then plan to ask them on your visits.

ACADEMICS:

Do you have a learning community or other freshman experience? 
Do you have a required core curriculum?
How much interaction, if any, will the typical undergrad have with tenured professors?

What departments offer undergraduate research? And how many undergrads typically get to do research?
Does the school have an honors college? If so, what are the requirements to get into the honors college? 
Do seniors complete a capstone experience or project?
How difficult or easy is it for freshmen and sophomores to enroll in the courses they want?
Is there much informal student-faculty contact outside of class such as students and faculty having lunch or playing sports together?
What services are offered to students needing help or tutoring? Are support services offered on a drop-in basis and is there an additional cost?
What percentage of students study abroad?  Does the school have any unique programs? Do students go for the semester, year or over the summer?
Does each student have a personally assigned advisor, or is advising conducted by an “advisement center?” Do students have an opportunity to select or change his/her advisor?
What if I am completely undecided? Does this put me at a disadvantage in the college process? Will it make it hard for me to graduate in 4 years?
How hard is it for students to change majors? If I start out as a communications major, can I transfer into the business school?

ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE

Are the admission standards higher for certain majors?
Do you have a testing-optional or alternative path for admissions?
Is demonstrated interest a factor in your admissions decisions?
What changes do you see taking place on campus in the next five years?
How does the school help freshmen adjust to college life?
What is the interview policy/ procedure?
Where are students from? What are the top 5 states from which students come?
Are your admissions decisions need-blind or need-aware?
Can you share the out-of-state admissions statistics? (only for public universities)
Who is the representative for Northern California? When are they planning to travel on high school visits?

GRADUATION RATE AND CAREER PLACEMENT

What is the four-year, five-year and/or six-year graduation rates for students at your school? What are the main reasons why students don’t graduate on time? 
Does your career center have an optional curriculum for students to pursue?
How does career services help students find internship and research opportunities?
What is the job placement rate for students?
What percentage of students go on to graduate school?

COLLEGE COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID

Does your net price calculator provide an accurate estimate of what your school will cost me?
What percentage of financial aid need does your school typically meet?
Does your institution dispense merit awards or talent scholarships? Do students need to complete a separate application to be eligible for merit awards?
What is the average amount of debt that students graduate with?

CAMPUS LIFE

What do students do on campus during the weekend?
Are freshman required to live on-campus?
Is housing guaranteed all 4 years? Where do students live off-campus?
What activities on campus are the most popular with students?
What transportation is available for students to get to town/airport/train?
Do many students participate in intramural or club sports? What are the most popular sports?
Are there any interesting school traditions or celebrations?

CURRENT STUDENTS