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15 Questions to Ask When Touring Campuses
Making the most of college visits means digging deeper with good questions
Now that campuses in some regions are slowly opening up and allowing in-person visits, prospective students now have a window of opportunity to ask tour guides, students and -- themselves -- incisive questions.
For sure, most college campuses present themselves as attractive and dynamic places to spend four years between high school and adulthood, Still, that sense of personal fit is essential to a student's purpose, happiness and success at college. What do you observe as you look around? How do you see yourself engaging on a daily basis -- and where and with whom? What are you excited to accomplish as an active member of the college community?
Start off by checking out any of the following 15 questions. Click here for a downloaded copy to carry along on your college visits to guide the way as you consider your excellent college fit!
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1. Aside from name or prestige, what pulls me to this school?
2. As I observe students, do they appears upbeat and engaged with each other?
3. Looking at display monitors, bulletin boards. what postings catch my eye?
4. Do I see myself thriving here? — both in and out of the classroom?
5. Do I feel excited about living and learning on this campus? Do I see myself fitting in here?
6. Do I see people I’d like to get to know better? Are there people I might like to hang out with on the weekend?
7. Same for athletes. How do I see myself fitting in with teammates whether in practices, on the field or just hanging out?
8. When speaking with students (not just tour guides), what do they love about their school? What do they wish were different?
9. What is my sense of the intellectual or learning environment at this college? How does it fit me?
10. If I need support, where will I find the right resources?
11. Thinking about my potential areas of study, which majors are available to me? What do I need to accomplish to gain admission to a selective or capped major once enrolled at the college? ex. successful completion of entry-level courses; GPA minimum, etc. If I decide to change my major, are there other good options for me?
12. Can my family and I realistically afford to pay for tuition, room, board and other expenses at this college for each of four years?
13. Can I reach this campus from my hometown without too much hassle?
14. What kind of academic advising will I receive? Career advising?
15. What vibe am I getting from students? Does the level of energy fit with what I’m looking for in my college experience?
Marla Platt, M.B.A. is an independent college consultant based in Sudbury, MA through AchieveCoach College Consulting, providing expert and personalized guidance to students and families throughout the college planning, search and admissions process. Marla is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and can be reached via www.achievecoach.com
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