Key Questions to Ask College Admissions as a Prospective Student

Choosing the right college for you can be a formidable job because there are abundant factors you need to consider. One way to get a better sense of a college is by speaking with college admissions representatives. Admissions representatives can provide valuable insights into the college's academic programs, campus culture, student life, and more. Indeed, speaking directly with a college admissions counselor, combined with visiting a college campus, can provide a fuller picture of what attending college will be like.

In this BrokeScholar article, we are going to discuss and examine some critical questions prospective students should ask college admissions representatives during the college search process. Read on to find out important questions to ask college admissions officials.

What Is the College's Mission and Values?

Asking about the college's mission and values can provide insights into the college's goals and priorities. This can help you determine whether the college is a good fit for your interests and values. For example, a small private liberal arts college may be vastly different in their mission and values compared to a large public college, as well as when compared to religious-affiliated colleges. Consider asking questions such as:

• What is the college's mission statement?

• What are the college's core values?

• How does the college's mission and values align with your academic and personal goals?

What Academic Programs and Majors Are Available?

Putting forward questions about academic programs and majors can help you determine whether the college offers programs that align with your academic interests and career goals. Consider asking the following questions:

• What academic programs and majors are available?

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the college's academic programs?

• What opportunities are available for research, internships, and study abroad programs?

What Is the Student-to-Faculty Ratio?

Asking about the student-to-faculty ratio can provide insights into the size of the college and the level of personal attention you can expect to receive. It is typical but not universally true that smaller private not-for-profit colleges tend to have better student-to-teacher ratios than large public colleges. Consider asking questions such as:

• What is the student-to-faculty ratio?

• What is the average class size?

• What resources are available for academic support, such as tutoring or writing centers?

What Is Campus Culture Like?

Since you're going to be spending roughly four years at a college, asking about the campus culture is essential. Questions can help provide insights into the social and cultural environment of the college. Some important questions to ask a college admissions representative include:

• What is the campus culture like?

• What types of extracurricular activities are available, such as clubs, sports teams, and student organizations?

• What is the diversity and inclusion policy, and what resources are available for students from diverse backgrounds?

What Is the Cost of Attendance and What Financial Aid Options Are Available?

Asking about the cost of attendance and financial aid options can provide insights into the affordability of the college and the resources available to help you finance your education. Here are some key questions to ask a college admissions counselor:

• What is the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and room and board?

• What financial aid options are available, such as scholarships, grants, and loans?

• What is the average amount of debt for graduates, and what resources are available for managing student loans?

What Is the Retention Rate and Graduation Rate for Students?

Asking about the retention rate and graduation rate can provide insights into the academic success and satisfaction of students at the college. The graduation rate of a college is fairly straightforward in its importance: The higher the graduation rate, the more likely the college is adept at engaging students and shepherding them to graduation. 

Retention rates typically refer to the percentage of students who continue their enrollment at a particular college or university for a given period of time. This can be measured in a number of ways, but one common method is to track the percentage of first-time, full-time students who return for their second year of college. For example, if a college has 1,000 first-time, full-time students in a given year, and 800 of those students return for their second year, then the retention rate for that year would be 80%.

Retention rates are an important measure of a college's success in retaining students and helping them achieve their academic goals. High retention rates suggest that a college is providing a supportive and engaging learning environment that encourages students to continue their studies, while low retention rates may indicate issues with academic programs, student support services, or campus culture. Thus, consider asking questions like the ones below:

• What is the retention rate and graduation rate for students?

• What resources are available for academic support and advising?

• What is the career placement rate for graduates, and what career services are available for students?

What Is the Campus Safety Record?

Asking about the campus safety record can provide a view of the safety and security of the college campus. This question is especially relevant for colleges located in major urban areas as opposed to those located in more remote areas or suburban college towns. Here are some questions worth asking:

• What is the campus safety record?

• What measures are in place to ensure student safety, such as emergency response plans and security personnel?

• What resources are available for reporting incidents of sexual harassment or assault?

What Is Campus Housing Like and What Options Are Available for Students?

Asking about the campus housing options can provide insights into the quality of student housing and the options available for students. Consider asking questions such as:

• What is the campus housing like, including the quality of dormitories and amenities?

• What options are available for off-campus housing?

• What resources are available for finding affordable housing?

What Is the Admissions Process and What Are the Requirements for Admission?

Asking a college admissions representative about the admissions process and requirements can provide insights into the competitiveness of the college and the expectations for applicants. An admissions official can provide you with some excellent and insightful answers on the admissions process. They can also provide you with an overview of what the college looks for in a candidate. Here are examples of questions to ask college admissions people:

• What is the admissions process, and what are the deadlines for applications?

• What are the requirements for admission, such as test scores, GPA, and extracurricular activities?

• How important are extracurricular activities and community service in the admissions process?

What Are the Unique Features and Strengths of the College that Set it Apart from Other Colleges?

Questions that probe the unique features and strengths of the college can provide valuable insights into what makes the college special and why it might be a good fit for you. What’s more, asking questions like these also demonstrates a prospective student’s true interest in potentially attending the school. Below are some key questions to ask of a college admissions representative:

• What are the unique features and strengths of the college, such as academic programs, research opportunities, or campus resources?

• What sets the college apart from other colleges in the region or in the country?

• What do you like most about the college, and why?

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your College Admissions Visits

Speaking with a college admissions official when you’re visiting a college is one of the most important acts you should do when deciding on which colleges you’re truly interested in attending. Here are some tips for making the most of your college admissions visits:

• Plan ahead: Research the college ahead of time and make a list of questions you want to ask. Make sure to schedule an appointment with the admissions office in advance.

• Take notes: Take notes during your visit to help you remember important details and compare different colleges later.

• Maintain an open-mind: Keep an open mind during your visit, and don't be afraid to ask questions or express your interests and concerns.

• Talk to current students: Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to current students, as they can provide valuable insights into the college experience.

• Explore the surrounding area: Take some time to explore the surrounding area to get a sense of what it's like to live in the local community.

• Follow up: After your visit, follow up with any additional questions or concerns you may have. You can also send a thank-you note to the admissions counselor or other staff members you met with.

The Bottom Line on Questions to Ask College Admissions

Asking the right questions during your college admissions visits can provide you with invaluable insights and a clearer overall view of the college and what it’d be like to attend it. College admissions representatives can give you a comprehensive look at the college's mission and values, academic programs, campus culture, student life, cost of attendance, financial aid options, retention and graduation rates, GPA and SAT or ACT requirements, campus safety record, admissions requirements, and unique features and strengths. By being prepared, asking questions, and following up, prospective students can make informed decisions about where to apply and attend college. Remember to keep an open mind, explore the surrounding area, and talk to current students to get a better sense of what it's like to be a student at the college.