40 Unique Questions You Can Ask When Touring Colleges

You may have a picture in your head about what touring a college is like, and you’re probably right. It will likely be a large group of current high school students and their families walking slowly behind a current college student who is walking backwards (dodging puddles and classmates) and pointing out the highlights of the school. There will be eager, inquisitive parents toward the front of the group, with sluggish teens lagging in the back. But don’t let that be you! Take control of your own college tour. One way to do this is to ask unique questions, and here we give you 40 to get the ball rolling!

1. What do students at this school like to do on the weekends?
2. How many students live on campus and how many live off campus?
3. If students live off-campus, where do they live?
4. What are the most hyped events on campus?
5. What do students complain about here?
6. What are the most popular majors on campus?
7. What sporting events do most students attend?
8. Which dorms are the favorites for freshmen?
9. How big is greek life here?
10. How accessible are professors if you need to see them?
11. Is there a freshman orientation in the summer leading up to college or in the fall?
12. How many students study abroad?
13. What are the career services offered?
14. What clubs or activities are offered and well attended?
15. Is it an easy process to change your major?
16. Are there computer labs on campus?
17. Where do students go when they leave campus? What is there fun to do off campus? How often do students leave campus for fun activities?
18. How many students study abroad?
19. What are the best places to study on campus?
20. Are final exams multiple choice, project-based or written?

It’s also okay to ask your tour guide personal questions related to his or her experience at the college… these can often be quite insightful!

22. What did you do for fun last weekend?
23. Where do you live?
24. What are you studying and how do you like that department within the college?
25. Have any of your friends transferred, and if so, why?
26. Do you feel safe walking around at night? Is there a program to assist students if they need it?
27. How often do you meet with your Academic Advisor?
28. How big are your classes?
29. Are your classes taught by professors or teaching assistants?
30. What other colleges did you apply to and why did you choose this college?
31. Do you know where the tutoring office is and have you gone there?
32. How often do you go to your professors for help?
33. Would you say your classes are mostly difficult or relatively easy?
34. How much time do you spend studying each day?
35. Have you ever not been able to register for a course you wanted or needed?
36. How and when did you meet your current friend group?
37. What was the deciding factor that made you choose to attend this school?
38. How often did you go home during freshman year and/or now?
39. Do you or your friends have jobs? On or off campus?
40. Does the school feel very clique-y?
41. What is the schedule of your classes and what do you do if you have a break in the day?

Print out this list and take it with you on your next college tour.  Ask the ones you are truly wondering about, and those that pertain most to what will make you happy at a particular college.  And don’t be the quiet student seeming bored in the back.  Be engaged!