Many high school seniors have a sense of what they want out of a college, but don’t know where to go from there. Being prepared with questions makes your college visits easier, more beneficial and enjoyable. Understanding the types of questions to ask when touring a college can also help you in the decision-making process. These questions will assist you in your college search and allow you to make every campus visit a worthwhile one.
Questions to Ask During an Open House.
Ask Yourself
When you step foot on campus, before you ask an admissions counselor or tour guide anything, ask yourself, “Does the campus feel like home?” “Is it the right fit?”
Picture yourself next year on campus. What does that world look like? Are you thriving? Do you see yourself participating in what student life has to offer? And most importantly, are you comfortable?
Then Ask Others
Ask current students what they like about their programs, faculty and student life in general. Are there academic and social clubs? What campus activities are there, including athletics and special events? You should be able to get a good feel for what it’ll be like on campus from those currently enrolled.
Talk to Professors
Ask questions of the people from whom you’ll be learning. Ask about their backgrounds, philosophies and teaching style. Do they seem personable? Do they encourage student interaction? Remember, you’ll be relying on these people to be more than teachers. They’ll be your mentors. So asking the right questions will go a long way toward building a positive rapport with them.
It’s Important to Ask Career-Minded Questions
You go to college to get a job you love and start building a career. So why not ask the professors and admissions counselors not only what types of jobs you can get through certain programs, but also how career services help prepare graduating students to succeed in the workplace once they’ve earned their degrees? Are there regular job fairs on campus? Does the school have any professional internship programs? If so, what makes the most sense for your interests and when is it recommended that you participate in such a program?
Go Beyond Your Major
Identifying the right major for you and your future is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in college. It puts you on a path for a lifelong career. But be sure to ask questions about what minors and additional academic opportunities are appropriate complements to your major. For example, at Daemen College we offer Plus Pathways opportunities to enhance your degree, making you more marketable. Adding a minor or area of interest helps broaden your education, which in turn widens your net for prospective job opportunities upon graduation. Think of it this way — when ordering a burger at a restaurant, you’re more likely to be satisfied if that burger comes with a side of fries.
Get a Feel for the Lay of the Land
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the campus, take some time to explore the surrounding neighborhoods and city. This is especially important for out-of-town students. Ask commuting students what it was like growing up in the area. Then ask students where they like to go on the weekends. What’s the food like? What are their favorite things about the area? Where do they like to go off-campus? Where do they prefer to study?
Plan Ahead
Once you get all of these questions, and ones like them, answered during your open house visits, begin your application process. Narrow down your preferred schools and remember the process consists of more than just your application. You can apply for your FAFSA in October (right around our Open House date of October 20th), so you can receive your financial package as soon as possible. You’ll then be able to make a more informed decision sooner, allowing you to enjoy the rest of senior year and focus on graduation.