66 Questions to Ask on a College Tour

This is the time when many high school students tour college campuses. But what are you looking for when you make the trek all over the US to find the best university? How do you determine if the place you will call home for four+ years is really the right place? Just because it's a beautiful campus does not mean it’s the right place for your young adult. This is your one chance to ask the tough questions, visit with the department staff, and talk to current students about what they enjoy and don't about the campus.

College tours bring back a flood of memories for parents and what they realize quickly is some things haven’t changed and some are much different. Let’s just talk about the size of dorm rooms and the amenities that cater to this generation. We recently received a letter from our daughter's college asking if she’d like laundry service for the year where they pick up, wash, fold, match socks, wrap clothing in a nice plastic wrapping and return to her even though they offer FREE washing machines. Let's just say that letter never made it to her!

A list was created by US News & World Report Education outlining 50 questions to use when touring campuses however I’ve added a few more that are important to consider so take this list with you when you go.

Admission

_____ What is your acceptance rate?

_____ Does demonstrated interest play a role in the admission process?

_____ Does legacy play a part in admissions and, if so, who is considered legacy?

_____ Are there any exceptions to your test-optional policy?

_____ Do admissions interviews, if offered, play a role in the process?

_____ Are interviews conducted by alumni, students, or admissions officers? _____ Are there any majors for which enrollment is capped?

_____ How many students apply for early admission?

_____ What is important to the acceptance process regarding student backgrounds?

_____ What makes your university different from others?

Academics

_____ What is the percentage of Teaching Assistants teaching classes?

_____ How/when do incoming freshmen get course selection advising for their first-semester classes?

_____ Who gets priority in the course registration process – is it by grade level, honors programs, etc.?

_____ How much time do students typically spend on homework?

_____ How much writing and reading are expected?

_____ Are classes more theoretical or hands-on in nature?

_____ How easy is it to switch majors or schools within the university?

_____ What is the average class size of introductory classes?

_____ What is the average class size of upper-division courses?

_____ On average, how likely are transfer courses/credits accepted for dual credits to be used towards degree plans?

_____ What AP score is accepted?

Academic Perks

_____ What opportunities are there for undergraduate research?

_____ How many students participate in undergraduate research?

_____ Is there a culminating senior year experience?

_____ Do you have an honors college? What does it mean to be in the program and what would be

gained by participating?

_____ Are tutoring services free?

_____ Do you have a learning community or other freshman experience?

Financial Aid

_____ What percentage of students receive financial aid?

_____ Are merit scholarship estimates built into the school's net price calculator?

_____ Do they accept the VA benefits/Yellow Ribbon program if military dependent?

_____ What is your average financial aid package?

_____ What is the typical breakdown of loans versus grants?

_____ What percentage of financial need does the school typically meet?

_____ What is the average merit award?

_____ What percentage of students receive college grants?

_____ What is the average college debt that students leave with?

_____ What work-study opportunities are there?

_____ Do financial aid packages remain the same over time or are they adjusted to reflect tuition increases?

_____ How much extra money should I budget for costs beyond room, board and tuition?

Graduation Track Record

_____ What is your four-year graduation rate?

_____ What is your five-year graduation rate?

_____ What does it take to graduate in four years?

_____ What percentage of freshmen return for sophomore year?

_____ What is your "Destination Rate"? Defined by how long it takes for a student, after graduation to be employed, in graduate school, or has joined the military. This number should be high.

Academic Support

_____ What Freshman Success programs do you have?

_____ What type of tutoring program do you have?

_____ How do you provide academic advice to students?

_____ Do you have a writing center and how is it accessed?

_____ What kind of learning disability resources do you have?

_____ What support exists for mental health issues?

Outside Opportunities

_____ How many students at the college get internships?

_____ What percentage of students study abroad? What is the typical cost?

_____ What type of career services do you have?

_____ What percentage of students graduate with a job?

Student Life

_____ What does your Freshman camp entail?

_____ What kind of dorm choices are there?

_____ What percentage of students live on campus?

_____ How long are dorm accommodations guaranteed?

_____ How long are you required to live on campus?

_____ How many students live on campus?

_____ Do most students go home on the weekend?

_____ What percentage of the student body belongs to a sorority or fraternity?

_____ What activities are offered to students?

_____ Ask about student clubs that are important to you specifically and your ability to participate.

_____ What are campus security issues and how are they communicated to students?

_____ What are the hot-button issues on campus?

The trend to take "college trips" is more common these days, however, I want to emphasize you can do much of your research online, saving precious dollars. Websites like CampusTours provide options to do virtual tours, gain critical information, and get an overall feel for a university. However, I'm always surprised to hear how many students are making the decision on a university without stepping foot on the campus. I can't emphasize how important it is to visit the campus you are seriously considering.

This is such an exciting time so enjoy the experience, let your young adult lead the conversation, and the best of luck on finding YOUR college home!

Reeder Consulting: College and Career Paths is a specialist in the career development field and the #1 career counseling company in San Antonio, TX working with clients in all 50 states. We help individuals engage in career and aptitude testing to process information through meaningful conversations and give clarity to the stress of career decisions to Proceed with Confidence. www.reederconsulting.com