Good questions to ask college admissions

There are several different ways to go about getting in touch with admissions. If you’re planning a visit or attending an open house, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with staff face-to-face. If you have questions before or after an in-person visit, you can always contact an admissions counselor by phone or email but be sure to introduce yourself and explain your reason for the communication.

Admissions counselors will be able to answer your questions about the university, student life and academics, and the application process, and they may ask you a few questions about yourself as well. This conversation will help you decide if you want to further explore a particular school to see if it could be the right school for you.

Here are a few questions to ask college admissions to help you decide if a college is a good fit:

What are the advantages of going to your university?

Each university will have unique features that will appeal to you. Some students are looking for experiential learning, student support, student life, diversity and so much more, so it’s important to find a school that aligns with your specific interests. Ask an admissions member about the unique qualities and benefits of their university so you can better understand what you like and don’t like about it.

How will the program I am interested in preparing me to get a job in my field?

If you know what you want to major in, explore how the university will support your career choice from faculty to course options to experiential learning and more. If you are undeclared, that’s okay too! Many universities offer programs or support specifically for students to explore their interests.

Where do students spend their free time?

What do students do on and off campus when they’re not studying? Are there shops and restaurants nearby? Are you more of an outdoors person, city person or a mix of both? How do students travel off campus and where do they go for fun? All of these questions and more are important when evaluating a school. Be sure to ask different representatives, including students – everyone's idea of fun is different!

What types of experiential learning opportunities are there for students?

Experiential learning opportunities are essential for students to gain hands-on skills to complement their classroom studies. These include study abroad and domestic, internships, clinicals, centers and institutes, student groups, capstone projects, competitions and student conferences, and serving the community. Ask the admissions counselor what types of learning experiences they offer outside the classroom.

How do you support students in getting a job?

Career centers help students prepare for internships, externships and job searches by practicing interviewing skills, helping with resume preparation, connecting with alumni and so much more to support students and alumni with career services. When connecting with a college admissions counselor, take the opportunity to ask about career guidance and support throughout your academic career and as an alumnus.

Following up after connecting with admissions

There are several steps you can take after you speak with admissions. First, be sure to write down any notes on key points that you covered during the conversation so that you can refer to it throughout your college search. It’s also a great idea to send a personalized thank you note or email expressing your gratitude for their time to further demonstrate your interest and professionalism. Remember, the admissions counselors are here to answer your questions, so as you continue to do more research, you should always feel free to reach out with follow-up questions and even plan a visit.

Knowing the right questions to ask the college admissions counselors and students gives you a deeper understanding of the university, its culture and whether it is a good fit for your personality and career goals. Of course, asking questions is only one piece of your research. It’s also important to visit the campus, talk to faculty and students, and tour classrooms and facilities to discover if this university is one you want to learn more about, apply to and even enroll at.

Interested in learning more about Quinnipiac? Contact our admissions staff or schedule a visit to get your questions answered.