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20 Questions to ask college representatives

Whether you meet them at a college fair or on a campus visit, college reps genuinely enjoy talking

to high school students and answering questions about their college. The following questions will

help start a good dialogue:

  1. What makes your college unique?
  2. What academic programs is your college most known for?
  3. How would you describe the kids that go there? Where do most of them come from?
  4. Where do kids hang out on campus?
  5. What happens on weekends—are there things to do on campus or in town, or do most

kids go home?

  1. Are fraternities and sororities a big part of campus life?
  2. What are the housing options for freshmen?
  3. Do many students live off campus?
  4. Is there a sports complex or fitness center?
  5. What are the most popular clubs and activities?
  6. What’s the security like on campus?
  7. What’s the surrounding area like? Is it easy to get around?
  8. What are the most popular majors?
  9. How would you describe the academic pressure and workload?
  10. What support services are available (academic advisers, tutors, etc.)?
  11. Do I need to bring my own computer?
  12. What’s the faculty like? How accessible are they outside of class?
  13. Are there opportunities for internships?
  14. Is there job placement help for graduates?
  15. Are any big changes in the works that I should know about?

Source: Get it Together for College 2nd ed. (College Board 2011).

Handout 3E

College Counseling Sourcebook, 7th Edition. © 2012 The College Board. All rights reserved.

Permission granted to copy this for educational purposes.

 

Tips for students from the Associat ed Colleges of the Midwest

Going to a college fair

■■ Take along a pen and a small notebook.

■■ Take a bag to carry the brochures you pick up.

■■ Print out some address labels with your name, address, phone number, email address,

high school and year of graduation. Spend your time at the college tables asking

questions, not filling out contact cards!

■■ When you arrive, check out the floor plan and find out where the tables for your topchoice

colleges are located so you can go directly to them.

■■ Write your most important questions down in advance so you don’t forget them.

■■ Check on whether any information sessions, such as financial aid, are being offered.

Interested? Budget your time accordingly.

■■ Jot down notes about a college while your memory is fresh, such as right after visiting the

table.

■■ Pick up the business cards of any representatives you talk to, so you can contact them if

you have any more questions.

After you get home

■■ Make a point of going through the materials and your notes within one week after the

fair. You’ll probably remember more about your conversations with college representatives

while the memories from the fair are still fresh.

■■ Follow up with any college that interests you by contacting the admission office to ask

further questions, and, if possible, plan a visit to the campus.

Source: Associated Colleges of the Midwest (www.acm.edu)