Questions to Ask on a Campus Visit

Summer can be a good time to stop in and visit a college campus or two, either close to home or while on vacation. Campus visits offer younger students an opportunity to become familiar with college. For students in the midst of planning for life after high school, college visits help narrow the choices. Make sure to visit again during fall or spring, when a full schedule of courses is in session, to get a better idea of the environment.

Here are some questions to ask on a campus visit:

What activities and services are available to help students get settled (academically and socially) during their first year?
How big are the classes?
(Ask current students) How easy is it to meet with faculty?
(Ask current students) Are you able to register for the classes you want?
What is the total cost of attending the college?
What types of financial aid does the college offer and how do students apply?
Are all freshmen assigned to an academic advisor?
Where do most freshmen live?
Can we take a tour?
What activities are available for students?
Who teaches the courses for first-year students?
How successful are the college's graduates in finding jobs?
What services (such as transportation and shopping) are available locally?
What is there to do on weekends? Do most students stay or leave campus on weekends?