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Academics
Are some majors or departments considered stronger or more popular than others?
How large are the classes?
Are the classes more lecture-based or discussion-based?
Would you describe any classes as especially innovative or project-based?
How many of the classes are taught by a professor, and how many are taught by a teaching assistant?
Are the professors accessible outside of class?
What kind of classes have smaller section meetings? What are they like?
Are there any especially popular classes or must-have professors?
How much freedom do freshmen have in choosing courses?
Are students usually able to take their first choice courses?
How are freshman advisors assigned?
Is it easy to change your major?
How would you describe the freshman experience, in terms of advising or any classes that everyone has to take?
Do the professors hold office hours? How often can students interact with professors outside of class?
Can undergraduates work with professors on research?
Are there honors programs or capstone classes? If so, what are they like?
How many hours of class do students typically have each week? How much homework outside of class?
Are finals more exam-based or project / essay-based?
Where are the best places to study on campus?
What are the hours for the library? Do these change during reading periods or exam weeks?
Are there any research methods or databases I should learn about for my classes?
Do any majors require seniors to write a thesis or complete a senior project?
As mentioned above, you might alter some of these questions to refer to a specific major or class. An intro science lecture, for instance, might contain hundreds of students, while a literature class could be discussion-based and limited to twelve students. Keep this in mind as you check out the rest of the questions on this college visit checklist.
Academic and Social-Emotional Support
Can you get help from professors outside of the classroom?
Is there free academic support or tutoring? Is it effective?
What kind of resources are there for international student support and orientation?
What kind of learning disability resources does the school offer?
Is there a writing center to help with essays and research papers?
Are academic advisers accessible and effective?
Do the librarians help with research?
Do students organize study groups or online discussion forums?
Are there computer labs?
How accessible and helpful is health services?
Do students or administrators organize conversations for students to talk about their feelings on important issues and events?
Are there social orientation programs for freshmen? Are they enjoyable?
Is there career counseling? Is it helpful?
Research, Internship, and Study Abroad Opportunities
What kind of opportunities exist for undergraduates to work on research or academic projects with professors?
What kind of internships are available? Do a lot of students get internships?
Are any departments known for their contribution to research?
Do any majors prepare students to continue as researchers in a Master’s or doctoral program?
Are study abroad programs popular? Any ones in particular?
Do most students study abroad on a program through the school or an external program?
Do students of certain majors, like engineers, find it difficult to study abroad?
Are there internship opportunities abroad?
Are there opportunities through the school for summer internships or research?
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