the college center at my school distributed this list last week, and i thought i’d share it - obviously not every question will be relevant to you, but it’s a great way to figure out what matters!
what standardized tests are required for admissions to this school?
when is the admissions deadline?
what percentage of applicants was accepted last year?
what is the average rank/grade point average of currently enrolled freshmen?
what were the average act and sat scores of currently enrolled freshmen?
how selective are the admissions standards at this institution?
what is the recommended high school academic preparation program for this school?
does this school require letters of recommendation?
does this school require a personal essay?
does this school offer early decision/action admissions?
does this school have the major/program i’m interested in?
what is the reputation of the department or major i’m interested in?
what is the student/faculty ratio for undergraduate courses?
how may courses do most undergraduate students take each term?
who teaches introductory courses - faculty members or teaching assistants?
what is the average class size of introductory courses?
what is the format of the school calendar?
how many courses will i need to graduate?
does this college offer dual majors?
is there an honors program?
does this school offer a cooperative education program?
what opportunities are there for independent study?
are there exchange programs with other schools?
what opportunities are there to study abroad?
are internships in my field available?
what percentage of students go on to graduate school?
what is the size of the freshman class?
what is the total enrollment?
how diverse is the student body (economically, ethnically, geographically, etc.)?
what is the male/female ratio?
what is the general orientation of students (academic, scientific, social service, arts, etc.)?
student services and programs
will i be assigned an academic counselor or a faculty advisor to help me choose my courses?
is there a career counseling center for help with resume writing, interviewing, and job placement?
is there a personal counseling center?
will i have access to health care on campus?
are there theaters, concert halls, or galleries nearby?
are there movie theaters, restaurants, or sports complexes nearby?
does the school regularly sponsor dances, concerts, guest speakers, etc.?
is there an extracurricular activity i’m interested in on campus?
are intramural sports available?
what percentage of students lives on campus and what percentage commutes?
what role do fraternities and sororities play on campus?
how politically active is the student body?
how religiously active is the student body?
what are the most popular activities/clubs on campus?
what is the crime rate on campus?
are cars allowed on campus?
does this school have an honor code?
housing and dining facilities
are the dorms co-ed or single sex?
are apartments available for off-campus housing?
will dorms be available after my freshman year?
are there fraternity/sorority houses available?
how close are the dorms to the classrooms and dining facilities?
are there any “special” dorms available (languages, honors, international, etc.)?
are most freshman dorm rooms singles, doubles, triples, or quads?
are there a variety of food plans available?
how is the library (to study, do research, are the hours convenient, etc.)?
how are the recreation facilities?
how are the sports facilities?
how accessible are the computer labs?
how are the music practice rooms?
is the student center a comfortable place to hang out?
what condition are the buildings on campus in?
what is the total cost to attend this school (including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, travel expenses, and living expenses)?
are there any special fees for my particular program or major?
what percentage of students receive financial aid?
what is the average financial aid package?
does this school offer institutional scholarships?
are there opportunities to find on-campus jobs?
does this school offer tuition payment options?
are scholarships available for first-generation students?