The more you know about each college, the better your ultimate decision will be. Ask questions and weigh your options.

General Academics

How much time do students typically spend on homework?

How much writing and reading are expected?

What is the average class size of introductory classes?

How widely used are teaching assistants on your campus?

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

 

Academic Perks (These are programs that you want available)

Is the a first year experience program?

Are some of the classes interactive or project based?

Where can one study abroad?

Do you offer service learning?

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?

 

Graduation Rates

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?

 

Academic Support

What type of tutoring program do you have? Is it free?

How do you provide academic advice to students?

Do you have a writing center and how do I access it?

What kind of learning disability resources do you have?

 

Other Opportunities

How many students at the college get internships? When do they start?

What percentage of students study abroad? Where can they go?

What type of career services do you offer? Can one start in Freshman year?

 

Student Life

What kind of dorm choices are there for Freshman, Sophomores, etc.?

What percentage of student live on campus?

How long are housing accommodations guaranteed for students?

Do most students go home on the weekend?

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

What activities are offered to students which differentiate your college?

What clubs are popular on campus?

 

Questions for the Financial Aid Department

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?