When your student is touring a college for the first time, they will have many opportunities to ask questions. They must not squander the opportunity and take advantage of the chance to get more acquainted with the college and campus life during the college tour.
Before you visit, your student should brainstorm and prepare. Don’t ask questions like “what’s the student/faculty ratio” or “how many people apply every year.” The answers to basic questions like these are usually readily available in the school’s online and offline publications.
For Students
Here’s a comprehensive list from College Essay Guy, courtesy of TS College Tours, of over 60 examples of questions to ask during the tour. They range from questions about college majors, to admission practices, to financial aid, student and faculty interaction, to career advising and more.
You can check it out here: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/questions-to-ask-college-tour
Tour guides will give you basic information, show you around the campus, and answer typical questions regarding class size, student activities, and more. But beyond the typical questions, parents and students should ask some probing ones that dig deep into how the college sees, values, and serves its students.
Here are five unusual questions to ask on a college visit. If the tour guide can’t answer them, ask to be directed to someone who can.
You can find them here: https://www.teenlife.com/blog/5-unusual-questions-ask-college-visit/
For Parents
When parents are on a college tour with their child, they may want to ask a variety of questions to gain insight into the institution and its suitability for their child. Here are some questions parents might consider asking:
Academics:
- How accessible are professors outside of class for students who need extra help or guidance?
- Can you provide examples of recent internships or research opportunities available to students?
- What is the average class size, and what percentage of classes are taught by professors versus teaching assistants?
Campus Life:
- How vibrant is the campus community, and what efforts are made to foster student engagement?
- What housing options are available for freshmen, and what is the typical roommate situation?
- Are there any traditions or events that are unique to this college?
Support Services:
- What academic support services are available to students, such as tutoring or writing centers?
- How does the college support students’ mental health and wellness needs?
- Are there career services available to help students with job placement and internship opportunities?
- How accessible are health services on campus?
Campus Safety:
- What measures are in place to ensure campus safety and security?
- Are there campus police or security personnel available 24/7?
- What is the college’s policy on alcohol and drug use on campus?
- How does the college address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Career and Post-Graduate Opportunities:
- What percentage of students secure employment or enroll in graduate school within six months of graduation?
- Are there networking opportunities or career fairs hosted on campus?
- Can you provide examples of companies or organizations that frequently recruit graduates from this college?
- How does the college support students in finding internships or co-op experiences related to their field of study?
Following are two other lists of questions parents can ask while on a college tour:
These questions can help parents and students gather important information about a college during a campus tour and make an informed decision about whether it is the right fit for them.