Students are often excited to go to a university fair but are struck shy standing in front of a real admissions officer. “What should I say? What if I don’t know what I want to major in? What might impress the smiling admissions counselor on the other side of the table who seems to hold my future in their hands?”
You will want to know the basics, for sure: Size, Location, availability of Major (if you know what you want to study) and scholarships (but please make sure you are not asking for information that you can get in their websites). What else? Ask these questions to get the real story you might not learn from a website!
Applying
How does the application process work?
What is the deadline to apply?
Where can I find the admission requirements?
Are there different admissions requirements for different departments or majors?
Do you require the SAT / ACT exams (explain that you are pursuing an IB curriculum)? Are you testing optional/flexible?
Do you require an audition as part of the admissions process if you want to be a theater or music major?
Do you require the TOEFL or IELTS? Are there any exemptions for this requirement?
Can you give me an idea of how the visa process works?
Is there an advantage to submitting my application early?
Can I apply undecided?
How easy is it to double major?
Can I switch majors later?
Am I considered an international applicant if I have a passport from the country that your school is in?
If I have dual passports, which passport should I use to apply with?
Campus life and academic experiences
What makes your university unique or distinctive?
How much flexibility do I have to explore different courses or change my major/minor during my studies?
What are a few extraordinary experiences I might expect at your university?
How would you describe the personality of the university or student body?
Does the university offer international experiences (can I study in different countries for a term or a stage of my studies)?
What is the average class size (number of students per class)? Which is the maximum number of students that attend a class? (It is important to know not only the average size, but also, which is the maximum number of companions you can expect in a class).
What is the student:faculty ratio?
Will I be taught by mainly Professors or Teaching Assistants?
What is the city of (fill in city name) like living in? Is it safe?
How would you assess safety on campus, and where can I get more information?
How do students get involved on and off campus and what activities are offered?
Would it be possible for me to create my own student organization?
What housing and meal plan options are available?
Is accommodation guaranteed? How much do students typically pay in rent?
Are dorms rooms single occupancy, double occupancy or more?
Regarding accommodation, can I live at the campus? Can I choose to live nearby?
Can I have a microwave/fridge in my dorm room?
Are bathrooms private or shared?
Can I pick my own roommate(s)?
What are the transportation options in (fill in city name) off campus?
Is it easy to get around campus and the surrounding area without a car?
Does the university provide transportation anywhere?
Is it close to the city, to the beach, etc? (Whatever applies to that specific area).
What are the most popular sports & student clubs on campus?
Which are the local hangouts where students go?
Are there any businesses that offer discounts for college students?
Cost & Financial Aid/ Scholarships
Does your school offer financial aid or scholarships? How can I qualify?
How much am I going to pay each year to attend your school?
What is the cost of living around campus?
How much should I calculate to spend on accommodation, food and average personal expenses? What is the cost of tuition, books, fees, campus housing and meal plan options? What is the average cost of living in your city?
Can you tell me about other fees and costs in addition to tuition?
Are there separate deadlines for admission and scholarship applications?
How is financial aid awarded? Is a special application required for scholarships?
What is a typical aid package? Does it include grants and work or is it mostly loans?
Does the scholarship cover accommodation and food? And study materials?
What opportunities are there for on campus employment?
Does the cost differ for residents versus international applicants? Can I qualify as a resident if I have a passport from the country that your school is in?
Career Preparation
What are some examples of internships held by students majoring in [blank] at your school?
Does your school have student support with securing an internship or work experience?
Are paid internship & research opportunities available across all programs or only certain programs?
What are the main industries in an institution’s state/province or city?
Which are the university’s career preparation services?
How accessible are professors and research opportunities to underclassmen? To freshman?
How will your program in [blank] help me achieve my career goals?
Does the university help you find a job after finishing university?
What percentage of students find summer internships and/or jobs before graduating?
Where will a degree from this university take me?
How many students get jobs after a year of having graduated? (%)
Do students go on to graduate school?
Are there opportunities to network with alumni or others who are working in the chosen industry?
Don’t forget to ask about the faculty’s professional experience. Have they had a career in the major they teach?
Where do students go after graduation?
Can I stay in that country after finishing my studies?
Does your country offer post-graduation work permits?
Student Support Services
Are there academic support services on campus such as tutoring and writing centers?
If I have a learning disability, can I receive accommodations while at college?
Does your school assist with career placement after graduation?
Is there academic support for student athletes?
What support services are offered to international students?
Student Experience
What do students enjoy most about this university?
What do students do for fun? Are the events mostly on campus or off campus? What were some of the biggest or most popular events on campus last year?
How large are the largest classes? How small are the smallest classes? What is the average class size?
Do all majors have the chance to have internships and are they a common part of the educational experience?
Are there any Student Ambassadors I can speak to about their experience?
Can I speak to current students before accepting my offer?