Questions to Ask Colleges: The Comprehensive Guide
Beginning college marks an important transition in your life. Gone are the days of 8:00 am to 3:00 pm classes, 5 days a week. Instead, you’re given greater freedom to create your own personal schedule, explore your academic interests, and develop your independence.
Before you actually get to this point, we’re sure you're filled with questions about college. Curiosity is understandable as you go through the stressful, yet exciting, college application and decision process. Luckily, colleges are aware of the fact that applicants are embarking on an unfamiliar path — colleges have many resources such as social media, websites, high school recruiting visits, and admissions office events for applicants to learn more about campus life.
However, the best insight into a college’s environment may come from an actual student! This is where college interviews and campus tours come into play.
What are College Interviews?
Interviews are usually conducted by alumni or current students. Interviews can be informational and purely held for you to ask questions, or you might be evaluated as part of the admissions process. However, it’s important to note that not all colleges offer interviews; this practice is usually limited to private schools.
Interviews are optional (with a few exceptions) and have been mostly online since the COVID-19 pandemic. While it may seem nerve-racking to be on the receiving end of an evaluative interview, we encourage you to opt-in for an interview, even if it’s optional. Don’t worry — an interview is not a significant factor when college admissions decisions are made. But choosing to participate in an interview may help you, as it shows your willingness and obvious interest in a school.
Good Questions to Ask Colleges During Interviews
Asking questions is a critical component of college interviews. Interviewers appreciate inquisitive and engaged students. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the college experience from your interviewer!
Are you wondering what type of questions you should ask? We've compiled a list of questions to consider asking during your interview. We recommend having questions prepared beforehand. However, if you’re inclined to ask a spontaneous question during your interview, feel free to ask it.
What type of internship and job search resources are available?
What was your favorite thing about this school?
What was your least favorite thing about this school?
What is the sports scene like? Do many students attend sports games?
What’s the performing arts community like? Are shows often promoted throughout campus?
It’s beneficial to ask questions that connect your own interests and values to the school. For instance, if you’re heavily involved in sports, you can ask about the school’s sports scene. If you’re a lifelong dancer or actor, you can ask about the performing arts community. You could even ask a couple of more lighthearted questions that are specific to your interviewer, as listed below.
What was your favorite class?
What were your favorite study spots?
What’s the best spot on campus to relax?
Good Questions to Ask on College Tours
If you decide to go on a college tour, you will likely be led by a college student. Besides being shown around campus, you’ll be able to ask them college-specific questions.
Are class sizes small or large?
Were you able to pick your first-choice classes?
Are there cultural events on campus?
How are the dorms and food facilities? Are facilities well-maintained?
What is the social scene like? What type of events do students enjoy?
Do you have sufficient time to destress?
College Interview Questions to Prepare For
Of course, you're not always going to be the one asking questions. Answering questions on the spot can be scary. However, there are many commonly asked questions that you can expect to hear in a college interview.
Therefore, you can prepare in advance. Before your interview, take the time to practice answering these questions.
Why did you apply for this major?
What drew you to apply to this school?
Why do you want to attend this school?
What do you do for fun?
What makes you unique from other candidates?
Tell me more about yourself.
What is one of your weaknesses? What have you struggled with?
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Who inspires you?
As you contemplate these questions, remember to be specific and most importantly, authentic.
Interviews only last around an hour, so being specific helps you showcase as much of yourself as possible. Let’s examine an example question: “Why did you apply as a biology major?”
A vague answer would be, “I’ve always loved biology since childhood, and this school has a really good biology program.” Although this statement could be true, it could also be applied to ANY applicant interested in biology. Instead, make your answer more personal.
For example, you could discuss your first laboratory experiment in biology class and how it sparked your interest in the human body. Perhaps, this led you to participate in the biology club at your school and discover careers in the medical field through which you could utilize your knowledge.
It's natural to assume that an interviewer is looking for a specific response. However, they are just trying to get to know you better. Colleges want a diverse student body with various interests and strengths.
There’s no mold that you have to fit into. Being your authentic, true self will allow you to stand out and reveal your unique qualities.
Preparing to Speak with Colleges
Before you practice answering possible interview questions, review your resume. You don’t want to forget any accomplishments or activities you have been involved in.
Through your interview, you should be able to highlight different aspects of your life. Think beyond your resume too — what are your priorities? What are your values? How do your values align with the school’s values?
Additionally, you should research the school’s resources, events, and programs. This will make it easier to formulate school-specific questions. Your Interviewer will also be impressed with your depth of knowledge surrounding the school.
After you’ve taken these steps, write out a response to the possible questions you’ll be asked. You don't need to memorize your answers. You want to sound natural, not robotic. It is a good idea to have an idea of what you would say in mind.
Ask a family member or friend to conduct a practice interview with you. It might feel awkward at first, but after a few practices, you should begin to feel more comfortable. By the time your real interview comes around, you’ll feel prepared!
Final Thoughts on Questions to Ask Colleges
Are you ready to express your curiosity and get your questions answered? We hope our advice helps you communicate with colleges. This could be in the form of a campus tour, an interview, or a digital Q&A.
Be confident. Be YOU. You got this! If you want more college advice, meet with a college counselor for free on UPchieve!