Students
and parents should make a list of priorities before meeting with the
college representatives. In
order to make a realistic assessment and selection of a college or
university, the following factors need to be considered:
1.
Admissions requirements.
2.
Location.
3.
Public or Private.
4.
Enrollment
5.
Cost
6.
Majors offered.
7.
Nature of the student population.
Bring
a pen or pencil to any college fair. Many representatives will ask
you for your name and address so they an send you additional information.
Bring a notebook or pad so that you an write down the particulars
about each school you investigate. Develop your own list of questions
to ask college representatives by using the topics listed below as
a guide. Jot down the name of the college representative in case you
want to contact him/her later.
Questions
About Admissions Policies:
1.
Which high school courses are required?
2.
Are entrance exams required? Which ones? What range of scores is accepted?
3.
Does the college require a certain GPA or rank in class?
4.
Will my activities and involvement in school be considered?
5.
Is there an essay on the application? Is it read?
6.
Is there an early decision or early action plan?
7.
On what basis are applicants accepted?
8.
Are personal interviews or letters of recommendation required?
9.
Are there special requirements for certain majors?
10.
What percent of applications is accepted?
11.
Can admission denials be appealed?
12.
What are the application filing dates?
Questions
about the college:
1.
Where is the college located (city, small town, rural)?
2.
What is the surrounding community like?
3.
Is the college public, private, church affiliated?
4.
What is the current enrollment?
5.
What special or unique programs are offered?
6.
Does the college have general education or course distribution requirements?
What are they?
7.
Does the college have special programs for transfer students?
8.
What is the academic calendar (semesters, quarters)?
9.
What if you don't know what you want to study at college?
Questions
About The Student Population:
1.
Where do the majority of students come from?
2.
Do most of the students commute or live on campus?
3.
What kinds of activities are there?
4.
Are there sororities and fraternities on campus?
5.
Which athletic programs are available?
6.
Is the surrounding community supportive of the college?
7.
Does the college have a campus visitation program?
8.
Is housing available/guaranteed for freshmen? Is it available all
four years?
Questions
About Academics:
1.
What is the average class size? Largest?Smallest?
2.
How many students in last year's freshman class returned for sophomore
year?
3.
What was the GPA for the freshman class last year?
4.
What is a college's procedure for student orientation, class placement,
and scheduling? Are classes guaranteed?
5.
How is a faculty advisor assigned to students?
6.
What services does the school offer for the student who is undecided
about a major?
7.
How many students complete a degree program?
8.
Do students graduate in four or five years?
9.
What are the most popular majors?
10.
Are students taught by full time faculty members, graduate assistants,
or a combination of the two?
11.
What types of additional services are provided by the school at no
additional cost to the student (e.g. tutoring, career and personal
counseling, developmental reading and study skills workshops, job
placement)?
12.
Is there an honors program? What are the qualifications for entry?
Questions
About Social Life:
1.
What is the average age of your student body?
2.
What is the male to female ratio?
3.
What percent of the students reside on campus?
4.
Do you have coed dorms?
5.
Is yours a "suitcase college" where most students leave
on the weekends?
6.
What are the procedures for selecting a roommate? Can you change roommates?
7.
What are some of the rules and regulations that govern campus and
dormitory life?
Questions
About College Costs:
1.
What are the costs for tuition? Room &board? Are there other fees?
2.
How much did your cost increase from last year to this year?
3.
Is there a difference in the costs for instate and out-of-state students?
4.
Are accepted students required to place deposits for tuition and housing?
Are these refundable?
5.
By when must an accepted student decide whether they will attend?
6.
Are deposits required each year for returning students?
7.
When do bills have to be paid?
Questions
About Financial Aid:
1.
What percent of students receive financial aid based on financial
need?
2.
What percent of students receive scholarships based on academic ability?
3.
What would be a typical financial aid package for a freshman?
4.
What percent of those who apply for financial aid receive it?
5.
Will my financial aid be adjusted if my need increases?
6.
What are the financial aid application procedures and deadlines.
7.
When are financial aid applicants notified of their awards? How long
do they have to respond?
8.
Do you offer a tuition payment plan?
9.
Are campus jobs available? Are there off-campus jobs as well?
