questions for college tour guides

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 118 great questions to ask on a college tour.

College Admissions

Touring your prospective colleges is a great opportunity to learn from the people who study, work, and teach on campus. By keeping your eyes and ears open, you can gain a strong sense of a school and its culture, far beyond the facts and figures on its website.

To make the most of your visits, you should prepare thoughtful questions to ask on a college tour. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive college visit checklist of questions for your tour guide, current students, admissions officers, financial aid officers, and professors. Plus, we'll offer some advice on what not to ask.

Before breaking out the list of college tour questions, let's review the point of campus visits in the first place.

Why Are College Tours Important?

If you have the means and time to do so, you should definitely take advantage of campus tours. They're an invaluable opportunity to explore your prospective college campuses , as well as their surrounding areas, in person.

You can check out the school's facilities, like the library, dorms, dining halls, gym, and science labs, as well as branch out to see its surrounding city or, if you're aiming for rural , dairy farms. Gathering your impressions of your college's campus and beyond will help you gain a much stronger sense of whether or not it's a place you'd like to live and learn for four years.

If you have an amazing visit, then you might feel that much more empowered to put together a stellar application . If not, then you might save an application fee and cross that school off your list.

Besides sampling the dining food or hanging out on the quad, you can also learn a lot about the student experience from your tour guide, usually a current student, and other students that you meet. You might arrange to stay overnight in a dorm or set up meetings to speak with admissions officers, financial aid officers, and/or professors.

All of these people can offer their unique perspectives and experiences, especially if you ask meaningful college tour questions that lead to broader conversations. As everyone reading this will have different goals, keep in mind that you should pick and choose based on your specific interests. If a question asks about popular classes in general, for instance, you can adapt it to ask specifically about popular classes in, say, the Biology Department.

Besides customizing to your interests, you also would be well served to prepare different questions for different people. This first group of good questions to ask on a college tour would be best suited to your tour guide or other current students of the college.

Find out what students have to say about their college experience.

Questions to Ask Your Tour Guide or Other Current Students

Most college tour guides are big fans of their colleges and are enthusiastic to share why. They tend to know lots of history and fun facts about the school, but you shouldn't necessarily expect them to rattle off specific data and statistics about graduation rates and financial aid packages (save those kinds of questions for administrative officers).

Apart from knowing a lot about the college, tour guides are usually current students, so they can also speak to their personal experience. Remember, they were in your shoes just a few years before!

Let's consider what questions would be appropriate for tour guides, divided up by academics, support resources, internships , study abroad programs, extracurriculars, residential life, and general culture. Finally, we'll suggest some personal questions for your tour guide. As you read, consider which questions you'd like answered, and how you might customize them to meet your specific interests and needs!

• Are some majors or departments considered stronger or more popular than others?
• How large are the classes?
• Are the classes more lecture-based or discussion-based?
• Would you describe any classes as especially innovative or project-based?
• How many of the classes are taught by a professor, and how many are taught by a teaching assistant?
• Are the professors accessible outside of class?
• What kind of classes have smaller section meetings? What are they like?
• Are there any especially popular classes or must-have professors?
• How much freedom do freshmen have in choosing courses?
• Are students usually able to take their first choice courses?
• How's the Wi-Fi?
• How are freshman advisors assigned?
• Is it easy to change your major?
• How would you describe the freshman experience, in terms of advising or any classes that everyone has to take?
• Do the professors hold office hours? How often can students interact with professors outside of class?
• Can undergraduates work with professors on research?
• Are there honors programs or capstone classes? If so, what are they like?
• How many hours of class do students typically have each week? How much homework outside of class?
• Are finals more exam-based or project / essay-based?
• Where are the best places to study on campus?
• What are the hours for the library? Do these change during reading periods or exam weeks?
• Are there any research methods or databases I should learn about for my classes?
• Do any majors require seniors to write a thesis or complete a senior project?

As mentioned above, you might alter some of these questions to refer to a specific major or class. An intro science lecture, for instance, might contain hundreds of students, while a literature class could be discussion-based and limited to twelve students. Keep this in mind as you check out the rest of the questions on this college visit checklist.

Like the fearless owner of this rainbow Beetle, don't be afraid to customize your college visit questions.

Academic and Social-Emotional Support

• Can you get help from professors outside of the classroom?
• Is there free academic support or tutoring? Is it effective?
• What kind of resources are there for international student support and orientation?
• What kind of learning disability resources does the school offer?
• Is there a writing center to help with essays and research papers?
• Are academic advisers accessible and effective?
• Do the librarians help with research?
• Do students organize study groups or online discussion forums?
• Are there computer labs?
• How accessible and helpful is health services?
• Do students or administrators organize conversations for students to talk about their feelings on important issues and events?
• Are there social orientation programs for freshmen? Are they enjoyable?
• Is there career counseling? Is it helpful?

Research, Internship, and Study Abroad Opportunities

• What kind of opportunities exist for undergraduates to work on research or academic projects with professors?
• What kind of internships are available? Do a lot of students get internships?
• Are any departments known for their contribution to research?
• Do any majors prepare students to continue as researchers in a Master's or doctoral program?
• Are study abroad programs popular? Any ones in particular?
• Do most students study abroad on a program through the school or an external program?
• Do students of certain majors, like engineers, find it difficult to study abroad?
• Are there internship opportunities abroad?
• Are there opportunities through the school for summer internships or research?

Extracurriculars

• What are some of the most popular extracurriculars and why?
• What clubs or other opportunities exist for community service?
• Do sports play a large role on campus? What divisions are the sports teams ? What about intramurals or exercise classes?
• Can you talk about the fill-in-the-blank club? (Examples might include the student newspaper, student magazine, international relations clubs, art groups, science clubs, musical performances, plays, bands, ensembles...whatever you're interested in!)
• In what ways do students connect with and volunteer in the surrounding community ?

How many students do they really squeeze into those dorm rooms?/em>

Residence Life

• What are the dorms like? Are there lounges, laundry, and kitchens? Shared or private restrooms?
• Do certain dorms appeal to students with different interests, like a "healthy living" dorm?
• Do most students live in the dorms? What about after sophomore or junior year? If they move off campus, do they live in apartments or shared houses?
• Are any students placed in triples?
• How are the resident counselors? Do they plan social events for freshmen to get to know one another?
• Do most students get along with their randomly assigned roommates?
• What would I do in case of a conflict or need for a room switch? Is that possible?
• What kind of food does the dining hall serve? Are there different options? How is it, really?
• Does the dining hall accommodate special dietary restrictions?
• Are there any aspiring chefs on campus who host occasional exclusive gourmet pop-up dinners? (This question may be exclusive to this kid and this kid . So cool!)

Campus Culture and Surrounding Area

• Where do students tend to hang out on and off campus?
• Are there movie theaters and concert venues? What about good cafes for getting work done or finding the perfect pumpkin spice latte?
• How would you describe the presence of Greek life ? Do a lot of students belong to fraternities or sororities?
• How ethnically diverse is the campus?
• How many international students are there? What countries do they come from?
• Do students stick around or go home on weekends?
• What's the party scene like? (This might be a question to ask current students away from the group tour.)
• Have there been any recent student protests? What were they protesting, and how did staff and faculty respond?
• What are some big campus events, like homecoming or alumni weekend?
• Is it easy to get around campus or get off campus without a car?
• What transportation options are there around campus?
• Is it a safe area to walk around at night? What kind of safety measures are in place?
• Do many students work on or off campus? How easy is it to find a part-time job?

You don't want to put your tour guide too much on the spot, but you should feel free to ask about her experience at college!

Personal Questions

As mentioned above, tour guides are typically current students who went through the same college application process just a few years earlier! Most tour guides are also, presumably, happy about their choice to attend. I wouldn't recommend prying into their high school grades and test scores, but there are other personal questions that are fair game, like the following:

• What's your favorite class and why?
• What's it like to study in your major?
• How helpful did you find your freshman year advisor?
• What do you wish you had known going into freshman year?
• What do you wish you had asked on a campus tour when you were in my place?
• What's a typical weekday like for you?
• What surprised you about campus life here?
• Is there anything you wish you had done differently to improve your experience here?
• Are there any things you'd like to change about the school?
• What would be your most important advice for freshman?
• What's your favorite spot you've discovered on campus since arriving?

Your tour guide, along with any other current students you meet, is a great resource for honest, firsthand feedback about the student experience. As students, they're likely to have similar experiences and concerns as you, and they can give you a sense of what's in store if you're accepted and decide to enroll in the college.

For more technical information on admissions policies and financial aid offers, you might set up meetings with the relevant offices. Read on for questions to ask the administrative staff.

Boldly go where no college student really has to go again once she's accepted.

Questions to Ask an Admissions Officer

Making contact with the admissions office can not only get your questions answered. It can also get your "demonstrated interest" on file, which may help when it comes time to review your application. Rather than appearing as an anonymous applicant, admissions officers may recognize you from a meeting, email, or other records of contact. Not all schools keep track of this, but for some, establishing some kind of relationship may help show your enthusiasm for the school and thereby give you a bit of an edge.

If you want to meet with an admissions officer, make sure to set up a meeting via email or calling beforehand. If it's application season, usually March and April, try to schedule this a few weeks early to make sure they're not too busy to meet with prospective students. Then have your list of questions ready to show that you prepared and are ready to make the most of your conversation. Here are a few questions you might ask.

• What's unique about this college?
• What leads most students to choose this college?
• What qualities and experiences are you looking for in applicants?
• Can you tell me more about the application evaluation process ?
• How large of a role do SAT scores play in admissions?
• Do you have any advice for applicants? Does this differ for early versus regular decision applications?
• What percentage of students graduate in four years?
• What are the college's most important values, and how does it demonstrate this to students?
• What sort of student would succeed here?
• What sort of student might not be happy here?
• Can you tell me about career placements or grad school acceptances for graduates?
• How do you help students prepare for post-grad employment?
• Do you have an active alumni network?

Just as the admissions office will have lots of facts and advice about the admissions process, the financial aid office can walk you through your financial application. The next section covers questions you might have for them.

All of these are good topics to discuss with a financial aid officer.

Questions to Ask a Financial Aid Officer

Most schools offer a good deal of information about the cost of tuition, room and board, books, and other fees online, as well as the steps to take to apply for financial aid. If financial aid's an important factor for you, it could be helpful to meet with an officer and make sure you're doing everything you can to get your financial needs met.

I would suggest researching the school's financial aid website first, so you're not asking about info that's readily available online. Then you can use that base knowledge as a stepping off point for other queries, like the ones below:

• What kind of need-based financial aid do you offer?
• Do you meet 100% of demonstrated financial need ?
• What information do you require besides the FAFSA ?
• How many students receive merit-based scholarships? How much is offered?
• Are there other scholarships that students can apply for at the time of application?
• How much do students typically owe after graduating?
• Can I renegotiate my offer if it's lower than I expected?
• What are some opportunities for work-study ?

The financial aid office is the best place for any and all your money-related questions. If you get the chance to meet with a professor , then you can shift back into academic mode.

Tell me, Professor McGonagall, how serious are you about deadlines?

Questions to Ask a Professor

Finally, meeting with a professor could be a great way to make contact and learn about a department and class, especially if you have a strong sense of what you want to study . You can learn about her teaching style, the department's approach, and any opportunities for independent projects or research.

• What are your expectations for students in your class?
• How can students succeed in your class?
• What are typical requirements, like exams, papers, or presentations in a semester?
• What kind of materials would I use in your class?
• What skills or knowledge would you consider to be prerequisites?
• Do you offer any opportunities for students to do research?
• What other opportunities are available outside of the classroom to reinforce my learning, like cultural clubs or festivals?
• How often do you meet with or mentor students outside of class?
• What are the strengths of your program? Department?
• What's the community of students who major in this program like? Do they act as peer mentors, collaborate on projects, or form study groups?
• What could I do to prepare for further research at the graduate level?
• Would I be required or able to write a senior thesis or do a capstone project?
• How much flexibility would I have in shaping my major or taking an interdisciplinary approach?

As you can see, there's a wide range of questions you could prepare to ask tour guides, admissions officers, financial aid officers, and professors. In addition to knowing what to ask, it can also be useful to know what not to ask. Are there any questions you shouldn't ask on your campus tours?

This question, for example, would be less than ideal.

Questions to Avoid on College Visits

I know, I know, they say there are no dumb questions—but there may be some worth keeping to yourself on your college visits. For instance, I mentioned above that it would probably be inappropriate to ask your tour guide to recite her high school resume to see how your grades, scores, and involvements stack up. While she can talk about her experiences applying and attending, asking for specific info like that would probably cross the line from curious to prying.

You should also avoid asking questions that are overly personal and not helpful to others in the group when you're on your tours. For example, I wouldn't advise sharing your life story and then asking your tour guide (or a professor, for that matter) to speculate about your admissions chances. She probably can't speak to highly specific concerns, and your fellow tour group members won't find it helpful either. If your question feels like it's too personal for a group setting, then cross it off your list.

A final good rule of thumb to follow is to avoid asking basic questions that can be easily answered via Google or a quick search of the school's website. For instance, questions like the following fall into that category:

• Do you have a psychology major?
• When was the school founded?
• How many students are in the freshman class?
• What was last year's rate of acceptance?

Based on these guidelines and suggestions, you probably have a sense of the kind of questions to ask on a college tour that will help you make the most of your campus visits. Most are prompts that may open into a more in-depth discussion. That being said, how can you use these questions to prepare for your college tours?

Start gathering your tastiest college tour questions.

How to Prepare for Your College Tours

Your first step is scheduling and signing up online for your college tours, as well as any other meetings or overnight stays. The best time to tour is when classes are in session so you can get the truest sense of the college in action.

Since you should prepare questions and take notes on the answers, I recommend writing them down and bringing a notebook (paper or electronic) to take notes. You'll be getting a lot of information, along with walking around and seeing everything, so it will be useful to have a record to which you can refer at the end of the day.

You certainly don't need to go overboard with the college tour questions. I would suggest preparing five to ten of your most important questions for each person (student, admissions officer, professor, etc). You may find you should choose about three during your tour, while you may be able to ask a lot more during a one on one conversation or meeting. Better to over-prepare than under-prepare, and you could list your highest priority questions at the top to make sure you get to them first.

In addition to asking questions and jotting down notes on the responses, you should take the time to observe everything going on around you. Beyond viewing the facilities, try to notice how the staff responds to you or how students interact with one another. Perhaps most importantly, is it a place where you'd feel comfortable?

Finally, spend some time writing and reflecting after your visit. Does the school seem like a good fit with your personality, interests, and goals? Do you feel excited about the prospect of attending? At the end of the day, you must save the final questions for yourself.

What's Next?

Are you in the midst of researching colleges and narrowing down your college list? This guide has some seriously helpful suggestions for figuring out what you want and choosing the colleges that best match your goals.

Once you've found some exciting schools, head on over here to learn when to apply. This comprehensive guide goes over the various application deadlines you need to know, along with some examples of regular and early deadlines for popular schools.

Finally, check out this guide on all the steps to apply to college , starting with choosing the best high school classes as early as freshman year and finishing with submitting your college apps!

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

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Want to know what life’s really like at your dream school? Chat up the real experts on campus—the students.

When you tour colleges, make sure you talk with as many current students as you can. Ask them what they love and what bothers them most about their schools. This list of potential questions will help you spark some conversations with students on all your college visits , so you can find the school that fits you best.

Why did you choose this school?

Are you happy here?

What are your school's strengths?

What’s your #1 complaint about your school?

What else could stand to be improved?

How accessible are administrators, registrars, financial aid officers, etc.?

What majors are popular?

What departments or programs have the best reputations?

What’s your favorite class?

Are your professors good teachers?

Do your professors hold office hours, and will they meet with you outside of class?

Are most of your classes taught by professors or teaching assistants?

Were you able to take most of your first-choice classes?

Are your classes lecture-based or discussion-based?

How much reading and writing is required in your courses?

How often are collaborative work or group presentations required?

How satisfied are you with academic advising?

Do students use any on-campus tutoring programs or writing centers?

How big are your classes?

Does your major require an independent study or capstone project ?

Are professors available for research with students?

Is it popular to study abroad ?

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Campus Life

What's it like to be a first-year student here?

What's a typical day like?

How much time do students spend studying per week?

What do you do when you're not in class?

What do you do on the weekends?

What is the social scene like?

What kinds of things are there to do in your school's hometown?

How’s the food ?

Do most students live on-campus?

How are the dorms ?

Which clubs and student organizations are popular?

Do lots of students belong to fraternities or sororities?

What's your favorite place on campus?

Where do you like to study?

What are the facilities like (science labs, libraries , theatres, gyms, etc.)?

Are there enough computer labs?

How is the WiFi on campus?

Is it easy to get around campus?

Are sports popular?

Is there a lot of school spirit?

Read More: Search for Colleges

Student Body

How would you describe your fellow students?

Are the students here friendly?

What makes the student body unique?

Is there diversity on campus?

Are there many students from other countries?

Do students of different races and classes interact easily?

Are students cliquish?

Career Services

Are internships available? How do you find them?

Is Career Services helpful?

Do you have a mentor?

Does your school have a co-op program ?

Are there opportunities to build leadership skills on campus?

What options exist for service learning in the community?

Do employers recruit students on campus?

How easy is it to find summer jobs and other kinds of work through your school?

Who are some of the notable graduates from your college?

How visible is your school's alumni association on campus?

What kinds of hands-on or practical experiences have you had in and outside of the classroom?

You can find academic information, campus life stats, and more—including quotes from real students—in our college profiles . Search for a school on your list, or check out our Best Colleges rankings.

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57 Essential Questions to Ask on a College Visit

Updated on August 4th, 2023

A campus tour for college admission is an opportunity. Visitors have a chance to learn more about the school, which can be critical for the  college selection process . But figuring out what questions to ask on a college campus visit isn’t always easy. Your student only has a small amount of time to find out what they need to know.

College visit questions need to allow your student to discover the information they can’t find elsewhere. It’s a crucial part of making the most of the college tour experience . At times, this means broaching topics that aren’t discussed on the school’s website, in the college’s brochures, or student reviews. In others, it’s all about diving deeper into a subject that’s only touched on online or in college materials.

Luckily, choosing the questions to ask on a college visit doesn’t have to be a challenge. If your student doesn’t know where to begin, here are some helpful questions to ask when touring a college they can use.

• 1 Why College Visit Questions Are Important
• 2.1 Basic Questions to Ask on College Visits
• 2.2 Academic Questions to Ask During a College Visit
• 2.3 Campus Life College Visit Questions
• 2.4 Residence Life Questions to Ask When Touring a College
• 2.5 Student Body Questions for a College Visit
• 2.6 Work and Career Questions to Ask on a College Tour
• 3 When to Bring Up Your Questions to Ask When Visiting Colleges

Why College Visit Questions Are Important

Most colleges make a ton of information available to prospective students. A school’s website is often massive, providing students with a solid overview of everything from the admissions process to the available programs to housing. Even extracurricular activities and academic support are typically covered. Usually, the site provides more details than any student would be able to cover.

Plus, schools usually have other information resources available. Booklets and brochures are the most common option. Additionally, many colleges have YouTube channels, allowing them to easily share videos that showcase the college campus, curriculum, and student life.

With all of that information available, it wouldn’t seem like your student needs to ready any questions for a college visit. But that isn’t the case. While preparing questions to ask when touring a college doesn’t seem critical on the surface, it’s incredibly important.

Even with all of the available resources, specific topics might not be covered. By creating a list of questions to ask when visiting colleges, your student makes sure that they can discover details that aren’t discussed elsewhere during campus visits.

Additionally, a ‘questions to ask on a college tour’ list lets your student focus on subjects that matter most to them. Not only will students succeed because they guarantee that they don’t overlook something critical to their decision-making process, but they also ensure they cover the same information at every college tour. That way, they can fairly compare their options.

Sample Questions to Ask on a College Tour

When it comes to questions to ask when visiting colleges, the options seem nearly endless. However, by focusing on the right areas, your student can gather crucial details they need. Then, when it comes time to choose a college, they have enough information to make that decision.

In most cases, your student will have a chance to speak with the college tour guide themselves. However, they can also reach out to current students, and alumni network as they can be an excellent resource when you want to learn about that school’s college experience.

Here are 57 sample questions to ask on a college tour, broken into categories.

Basic Questions to Ask on College Visits

• Why differentiates this school from other colleges?
• Are you happy being a student (teacher) at this school?
• What are this school’s strengths?
• If you had to say, what’s your biggest complaint about this college?
• What is one area where this school could improve?
• How accessible are the professors, financial aid officers, student services employees, etc.?
• What’s the average financial aid package look like?
• What do the four-, five-, and six-year graduation rates look like?
• How many freshmen return here for their sophomore year?

Academic Questions to Ask During a College Visit

• Which majors are the most popular here, and why?
• How many courses/hours does the average full-time student take each semester?
• What programs or departments have the strongest reputations?
• What teaching style do most professors here use?
• Are most classes led by professors or teaching assistants?
• Is accessing first-choice classes a challenge?
• Do classes tend to be discussion-based or lecture-based?
• How much time should students expect to dedicate to studying and assignments outside of the classroom?
• Are collaborative or group projects common requirements?
• Do students have access to tutoring programs, writing centers, computer labs, or other learning-oriented resources?
• What’s the average number of students in a classroom at a time for introductory courses? What about advanced classes?
• Is studying abroad an available or popular option?
• Are there opportunities for undergraduate research?
• Is the Disability Services office helpful? What resources do they make available to qualifying students?

Campus Life College Visit Questions

• What does an average day for a first-year student look like here?
• What do students do when they aren’t in class?
• What are weekends like on campus?
• Is there a vibrant social scene?
• Where do students go to hang out?
• Is there something about the local community that sets it apart?
• What student organizations or clubs are the most popular?
• Are there a lot of fraternities or sororities?
• If a student was looking for a great place to study, where on-campus should they go besides their dorm room or the library?
• What facilities (gyms, libraries, theaters, labs, etc.) are available to students?
• Is the WiFi on campus fast? Are there dead spots on campus? Does it go down a lot?
• Are sports a big part of this school’s culture?

Residence Life Questions to Ask When Touring a College

• What is the dorm environment like? How many students are there per room? Are the bathrooms private or shared? Are there kitchens, laundry rooms, or lounges?
• Are dorms separated by shared interest, academic year, or another criterion?
• Do most students get along with their initially assigned roommate or are changes frequently requested?
• If I need a room switch, is that possible? Who do I contact?
• How’s the cafeteria or on-campus food?
• Do the dining halls accommodate special dietary requirements?
• Are there any local restaurants that students love?
• Can you get around easily without a car? What are the available transportation options?

Student Body Questions for a College Visit

• What makes this student body unique?
• Is this a diverse campus? Are there international students?
• Are students generally friendly?
• What percentage of the students live in the dorms?
• Does this school have a lot of cliques?
• Does it ever feel too crowded here?
• Have there been any student protests on campus recently? What issue was the focus?

Work and Career Questions to Ask on a College Tour

• Can you find internships here? Where do you go to learn more about them?
• Are work-study options available?
• Is the Career Services office helpful?
• Are there leadership opportunities on campus?
• Does the school help students get involved in the community? What opportunities are available?
• Can students find summer jobs through the college or in the local community with ease?
• Is the alumni association active and visible on campus?

When to Bring Up Your Questions to Ask When Visiting Colleges

If your student wants to go through their questions to ask on a college visit list, they need to time them wisely. Interrupting the guide or preventing others from having an opportunity to ask their questions are both bad ideas. Similarly, broaching topics at strange moments – such as asking about dorm life when you haven’t made it to the dorm part of the campus housing tour – isn’t a great move.

Instead, your student should try to align their questions with each segment of the campus tour. For example, as they go through the classroom buildings, asking about the academic experience is appropriate. Once they reach the cafeteria, asking about the food is fine.

Just make sure your student gives others a chance to get their questions answered, too. They probably aren’t the only student participating, so they need to give others the space to find out what they want to know.

Additionally, your student shouldn’t stress if they can’t get every question answered during the tour. Usually, once the exploration part is done, there will be another chance to learn more about topics that weren’t covered.

If you and your student want to learn more about finding scholarships, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar ! Head over to  https://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar  to reserve your spot today .

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February 6, 2020 at 4:03 pm

Great list of questions to ask when visiting colleges. I think the one that stands out the most, to me, is asking about popular majors. Colleges tend to have their own specialties, even if their majors are broad, so knowing which ones are the most popular will help students get the most out of their college experiences.

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80 Questions to Ask on a College Campus Tour

November 4, 2020

by Matt Hughes

Choosing a college is about more than just numbers and data; it's about a feeling, and there's no better way to tell whether a college is the right or wrong place for you than by visiting in person .

When you're on campus for a tour, you'll get to see for yourself where you could be spending the next four years of your life: where you'll study, sleep, eat, play and kick back. You'll get a glimpse of the students you'll be surrounded by and the professors you'll learn from, the activities you'll pursue and the teams you'll cheer to victory, as well as the larger region you'll explore and make your home.

To make the most of your campus tour, you'll want to ask the right questions — ones that get to the heart of what you're looking for in a college experience. Choosing good questions is especially important now, as the pandemic has put limits on the time you may have to spend on a campus or the places you can visit while you're there.

Plan a visit to Bucknell

To help you make the most of your visit, we've compiled a list of questions to think about as you prepare, organized into five areas that together represent the whole of a college experience:

• Student and Residence Life
• Student Support
• Careers and Alumni Life

As you'll see, there are far too many questions on this list to ask in a one- or two-hour visit, especially if there are other families in your tour group. Instead of starting at the top, use this list to help refine your own shorter list of questions that get to the heart of what's most important to you.

And of course, feel free to add a few questions of your own to your list. Choosing a college is all about finding what you're looking for.

Before we begin, a few words of advice:

Do Your Homework First

A lot of campus visitors ask questions about data and numbers during their tour: How many students go here? How many graduate in four or six years? What's your student-faculty ratio? What's the average class size? These are all important things to know before making your decision, but they should also be easy to find on any college's website (you can find answers to all of them on Bucknell's Fast Facts page). You'll only have so much time to ask questions during a campus tour, so make the most of that opportunity to dig deeper by asking questions that get to the heart of what you're looking for in a college experience.

What About Financial Aid?

Questions about financial aid also fall into this category, but for a different reason: The answers you're looking for are highly individual. On any campus you'll find students who pay full tuition and those who pay no tuition at all; it all depends on their individual circumstances and the scholarships they receive. The student or admissions officer leading your tour won't know anything about your family's financial situation, so they can only explain so much. They might tell you about the college's average aid package or scholarship opportunities, but you can probably find that information yourself on the college's website.

While you should ask questions about financial aid, your best bet for getting the answers you need is to set up a separate call or meeting with the college's financial aid office (you can reach Bucknell's at [email protected] or 570-577-1331).

You can also use the net price calculator you can find on many college websites (Bucknell's is here ) to get a better sense of how much aid you might be eligible to receive.

During your tour, you may also want to ask about specific scholarships that might apply to you, such as merit scholarships for the arts, sciences or athletics. Just bear in mind that the tour guide can only give you general answers.

With that advice out of the way, here are some suggestions for questions to ask on your campus tour.

Academic Questions — What Are Classes Like?

• Why did you decide to attend this college?

Ask this question if your tour is being led by a student tour guide. There's no better way to get a sense of whether a college might be right for you than to hear first hand what sealed the decision for someone who goes there now. If there's any question we recommend you ask, it's this one.

• Is there anything you don't like? If you had to say, what would you change about this college?

Another revealing question that can give you perspective you won't find in admissions materials or online marketing.

• What makes this college different from other schools you looked at?
• What majors are most popular here?
• Are most classes led by professors or teaching assistants?
• Are classes mostly discussion-based or lecture-based?
• What's the largest class you've ever taken here?
• How large was your average first-year class?
• How much freedom do first-year students have in choosing courses?
• How easy/hard is it to enroll in a class you want to take?
• Are there any popular classes that always fill up quickly?
• How much room is there to take classes outside your major?
• Is it possible to take classes from another college (within a university) or get a minor or second major from another college?
• Is it easy to change your major?
• Is there an honors program? What does it require?
• Are there any capstone courses or senior-year projects all or most students take part in? What do you do?
• Are there any particularly interesting, innovative or unique classes you can talk about?
• How popular is studying abroad at this school?
• Does the school run any of its own study abroad programs? Where are they?
• Are there opportunities to do research or fieldwork as an undergraduate student?
• Are collaborative or group projects common?
• Do classes often connect to the community or with outside businesses and organizations?

Student Life Questions — What’s It Like to Live Here?

• What does an average day for a first-year student look like?
• How do first-year students tend to make friends and meet other students?
• What do students do when they aren't in class?
• Where do students go to study besides their rooms?
• What are weekends like on campus? Do most students stay here or do they tend to go home or off campus (or to a nearby city) to hang out?
• How are the connections with the local community? Do you feel like part of the community here?
• What makes this community special? Why do you like living here?
• Is there anything you don't like about this community/living here?
• Is housing guaranteed all four years? Do most students usually live on campus all four years or move off campus when they're allowed to?
• What are the housing options for students in each class year?
• Is there special-interest housing, like housing focused on a particular major or academic interest, students from particular backgrounds, or students who wish to pursue a substance-free lifestyle?
• How are first-year roommates assigned? Do most students get along with their assigned roommate? What was your roommate like?
• How easy or hard is it to change roommates if you're not a good match?
• Are there a lot of fraternities or sororities? How important are they to the social scene on campus?
• What are the fitness facilities like? Do they get crowded?
• What options are there for club and intramural sports or fitness classes?
• How's the food on campus? Are there a lot of options?
• Do the dining halls accommodate special dietary requirements?
• What local restaurants do students love?
• Is it easy to get around without a car?
• What transportation options does the college provide?
• Is the area safe to walk around at night? What kind of safety measures are in place?
• Do many students work on or off campus? Are there opportunities to find jobs that will help my resume?
• What are the big annual events on campus?
• What are the sporting events like here?

Support Questions — How Easy Is It to Get Help?

• How easy or hard is it to get help from professors outside of class?
• How often do professors have office hours? Is it easy to schedule a time to meet or do they fill up quickly?
• Is there free academic support or tutoring? Is it available to all students in all subjects?
• Is there a writing center to help with papers?
• How can the library help with research? Do librarians or other staff provide individual help?
• What resources and accommodations are available for students with learning disabilities or other special needs?
• What is academic advising like? Is it easy to meet with your adviser, and what kind of help do they offer?
• Do students organize study groups or online meetups? Does the school help coordinate those meetings?
• Are computer labs open 24 hours? Are they easy to access or do they get crowded at certain times?
• What health and mental wellness services are available on campus?
• What is orientation like? How long is it and do any onboarding activities continue throughout the year?

Admissions Questions — What Are You Looking for in a Student?

• What qualities and experiences are you most looking for in an applicant?
• How are applications evaluated? What are the different things you consider?
• Are interviews required or available as part of the application process?
• How large of a role do standardized test scores play in admissions?
• Are you test-optional?
• Does this school give credit for AP or IB courses, or college courses taken while in high school? How much/what classes are eligible?
• Do I need to declare a major on my application? What if I'm not sure?
• How easy is it to change my major if I decide it's not for me?
• What's your best advice for someone who wants to get into this school?
• What leads most students to choose this college?
• What sort of person wouldn't be happy here?

Career/Alumni Questions — What’s It Like to Be a Graduate of This School?

• What sort of help does the college provide for finding internships?
• Are there a lot of internships available in the community or do you have to go farther away?
• Are there any internship opportunities on campus?
• Are work-study programs available? What about co-op programs for majors like engineering or science?
• Is there special advising for students who want to go to medical school, law school or other graduate programs?
• What does career advising and counseling look like?
• Do many recruiters come to campus? How many of them are alumni?
• How does the career center help students identify job opportunities?
• Are career advising services available after graduation?
• What other help does the career services office provide?
• How many/what percentage of students find jobs in their field of study?
• How active is your alumni network? Is the alumni association visible on campus?

Touring Bucknell

So there you have it — enough questions to keep a campus tour guide talking all day. We hope this list gives you lots to think about as you begin exploring colleges in person.

If you'd like to visit Bucknell for a campus tour, get started by exploring your visit options here . You'll find a menu of visit experiences including traditional guided tours and self-guided alternatives. Just as we believe in empowering students to create their own college experience, we also give prospective students choices to experience our campus the way that suits them best.

You can also get a taste of what you'll experience on campus through our virtual tour .

And if you have questions you'd like to ask us now, please contact us anytime at [email protected] or 570-577-3000.

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BY CAROLINE LEIGH FRIEDL

COLLEGE , college tips · April 29, 2022

45 In Depth Questions To Ask On College Visits You Need To Get The Full Picture

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here .

In this post, we’re covering the most essentials questions to ask on college visits to help you find a university where you’ll thrive.

College campus visits are a beast. After traveling a few hours by car or flying halfway across the country, it can be ridiculously overwhelming being herded at light speed across a campus through dorms, dining halls, and presentations.

Well, walking through a university isn’t the overwhelming part. The overwhelming part is that massive question in the back of your mind…is this where I’m going to spend the next four years of my life?

Doubtless you’ve heard the stories of people who walk on a campus and it “just clicks” or others who toured twenty colleges and still didn’t know what the right choice is. You want to see all the right places and ask all the right questions to figure it out for yourself.

As a third year college student at UW-Madison, I’m going to help you navigate this clusterf*ck by telling you all the who, what, when, where, and why questions you need to be asking on your tour. I tagged along with my sister for her tours, and I toured universities in the Midwest and East Coast from Big 10 schools to art schools like Parsons so I’m decently well seasoned in what questions to ask during college visits.

Basically, I’m giving you a list of everything you should be asking yourself during the process — it’s the random little things that really count. For example, who knew having a cheap grocery store that’s close to campus would be so important?! Definitely not freshman year me lol.

45 Essentials Questions To Ask On College Visits

Student life questions:, ♡ what is the school spirit like, ♡ what social activities or sports are available to students is there a student fair where i can see what’s offered, ♡ is there greek life on campus what percentage of students participate and how much presence does it have, ♡ what is the university’s health services like what do they offer and how easy is it to get an appointment, ♡ what does the school spirit look like for the university’s sports what is the university’s most popular sport, ♡ what is the best way for students to buy tickets to the university’s sports events, ♡ what does the typical day in the life of a student look like, ♡ what does student life look like on the weekends do a lot of students go home, ♡ does the university offer internships or career services for life off campus, ♡ what is the food scene in the city like what are the student hotspots, ♡what is the student workout facility like do they offer classes for students, ♡ is it necessary to have a car on campus, {related post: 13 college tips that no one else will tell you }, dorm life questions:, ♡ what are the dorms like which ones are the most social versus the more study oriented dorms, ♡ which dorm halls have the best rooms and what are the best locations on campus, ♡ how good is the dining hall food how many are on campus and what is the meal plan like, ♡ can i request a roommate is it a random process, ♡ how long is student housing offered when will i be required to move “off campus”, ♡ when do people starting signing housing leases for the next year, ♡ are there any policies for overnight guests, ♡ are the dorms co-ed or are the floors gender specific, ♡ where are the closest / most affordable grocery stores on campus, ♡ what’s the best way to find housing if i’m looking to sublease or to find roommates is there a facebook group i can join.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ACADEMICS:

♡ does the university offer the major / minor i’m interested in does the university have a well known department for that subject, ♡ how easy is it to switch majors, ♡ what will the average class size be for my major will i prefer big or smaller lectures, ♡ what is the student / professor relationship like do they encourage office hours, ♡ how many ap or ib credits from high school will be accepted at this university, ♡ what student services are offered to help with academics is there a tutoring or writing center, ♡ will they assign me a student advisor how often will i have to meet with them, ♡ what study abroad opportunities are offered is it popular at this university what year do students normally go, ♡ how difficult is it to enrol in classes as a freshman, ♡ how many hours a day on average are spent doing homework for my prospective major, {related post: 16 life-saving tips to ace college finals week }, questions about campus:, ♡ how safe do students feel on campus what are the safety measures the university provides, ♡ what is the public transportation like on campus how much does it cost and do students get a discount, ♡ is there a main spot that people hang out on campus, ♡ what are the libraries like which are the popular ones or are there any designated quiet ones, ♡ is there campus wide wifi how well does it actually work, questions to ask your tour guide:, ♡ how has your perspective of the university changed from going on tour to being a student what is the expectation versus reality what surprised you, ♡ what did you think about freshman orientation how long is it, ♡ how easy is it to meet people and what is the best way to do so on a new campus, ♡ what is something the admissions value the most on an application from a student perspective, ☆ bonus question for the bold: what are the best student bars on campus which ones are most likely to let you in with a fake id (psa i’m not condoning underage drinking, but this is definitely helpful information to have…), {related post: 30+ cute & creative college school supplies you'll obsess over }, personal questions:, ♡ how far away is the university from my home how long does the travel time take and how much will it cost to go back for breaks, ♡ do i need scholarships or financial aid to attend this university would i need to take out loans, ♡ if the tuition is above my budget, what about this university is worth my investment, ♡ what is the campus size do i think i would thrive in a larger or smaller campus.

This post covered the absolute best questions to ask on college visits during your search.

Did you find a question in this roundup you hadn’t considered? Let us know what topic you want more of in the comments!

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+17 College Tour Questions To Ask Your Campus Tour Guide

Visiting a college campus is one of the most exciting things! You get a small glimpse into a potential new home. I remember vividly going on college campus tours with my parents and older sister when she was looking for a college to attend and I was always so fascinated with the architecture, what the people looked like, and definitely how knowledgeable the student tour guides were! Asking good college tour questions during your visit is very important.

This is a prime opportunity to learn everything you possibly can about this school. So make sure you’re prepared with questions to ask along the way. My little sister has been touring colleges with athletic scholarships but you better believe I have been there with questions to make sure she is well-informed to make the right decision.

Here I have listed ~super~ important questions you should consider asking while you go on your own college tours.

General College Tour Questions

Are there any ways the college/university helps high schoolers transition to college life?

My college has a required class that all freshmen have to take during their first year of college. It is specifically designed to help freshmen with the transition from high school to college!

Fun fact: I met one of my freshman year best friends in this class! We were both lost in the building and bonded over looking for this class together, lol. You can meet new friends anywhere. Definitely ask about your tour guide’s transition to college!

What is your favorite thing about going to school here?

This helps give some insight on what you can look forward to while going to school here. I loved hearing their answers because it’s nice to see what people value in their college experience. This question helps you get a better picture of life at [insert college name].

What is this school known for?

My college life was so amazing because I had a feel of the campus culture. Now, my school has a lot. to improve on, but the overall big themes of the school are things I loved. This is a great question to see if the college culture will be for you. If they say something about sports, you want to ask yourself if that is something you value a lot.

What are the big majors at this school?

This is another thing that will help you determine if it is a good fit for you or not. If they say they have a world-renowned business program, you may want to ask yourself how much funding or thought goes into the STEM majors at your school.

What is the graduation rate?

This question is important because low graduation rates reflect badly on a college/university. First, look online to see if you can find it before you tour the college. You want to know the college cares for the students and will do their best to prepare you for life after college!

Are there writing labs and other helpful resources for students?

I had so much fun visiting the writing lab at my university! If you don’t know, a writing lab is a place on campus that you can go to to get help with your writing. I went a couple of times for my essays and my grade always got better after I went! My writing lab guaranteed that your grade would increase a whole letter grade after visiting for help (and it always did 🥲 )

In addition to a writing lab, my school also had a lab where people would help you with your presentation! If you ever have a presentation, they will help you make sure it is as good as can be.

How are the professors here? Do students here use rate my professor ?

Asking about the professors is where I get much-needed insight as to how students here feel about their professors. Now keep in mind your tour guide isn’t a fair representation of every student on campus. But, one time I got such useful information on who NOT to take for a physics class and she was SO right.

Ratemyprofessor.com is life-saving… forreal. It is a database where students go in and review each and every (ok not everyone is on here like new professors probably won’t be reviewed yet) professor on campus. Most of the time, the reviews are spot on! I check this site before every semester to make sure the professors I chose are top-notch and actually care about their students.

Does your advisor help you stay on track with your classes? How is your relationship with your advisor?

Advisors can be extremely helpful or a pain in the you know what. Ask them to see if their advisor has been a helpful part of their experience! I also recommend you reach out to the advisor yourself. You want to make sure they are helping you stay on track to graduate!

How well is the university at helping students getting internships?

This is something I did not focus on enough in college! I initially did the pre-med route and solely focused on potentially going to med school and I didn’t really have a backup. I think having a plan b and plan c is so essential and internships can help you figure out what you want to do in the future!

Is there an honors program here? If so what are the requirements?

Most colleges do have some type of honors program. If you are interested, ask what the requirements are so you can get in!

NOTE: For this section, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a financial aid advisor because they will have much more information that you want than your tour guide, who is probably a student. But I do leave a couple of questions because when my older sister was on her campus tour, the girl gave her a business card of a very helpful person to ask for scholarships!

How helpful is the bursar/financial aid office?

The bursar office is where you will take care of your financial needs. Ask for scholarships, grants, loans, all of it.

Who do I talk to for information on scholarships and grants?

This information is on their website I assure you. But, you can still ask if you want!

Getting Involved

Do you all have leadership programs on campus?

My FAVORITE thing I got involved with was the Leadership Scholars program for the college of arts and sciences. It was life-changing and I met my other best friend through this group. We were the “ambassadors” of the college. We volunteered, put on events for our college, and traveled abroad together.

What are you involved in on campus?

Since they give campus tours, this is probably one of the main things they’re involved in because it takes up a lot of time. It’s a job! But, hearing what else they are involved with is awesome because it gives you ideas of what you can get into when you arrive .

Are there study abroad opportunities?

Studying abroad is too much fun! I went for a couple of weeks in the summer with the leadership program I mentioned. Get out there! There are so many things out in the world, explore while you study.

Are there quiet hours?

I get that you will be having fun with friends and possibly inviting people over to your dorm every now and then. But, you will want quiet hours during midterm week, dead week, and finals week… I promise you.

Are the dorms same-sex or co-ed?

This is important because my dorm had co-ed floors, but my floor was same-sex. I loved it! This is a great question to ask just so you are aware of how your living situation will be.

What are the best dorm halls for freshmen?

Do students get free tickets for sports?

I went to a university that is big for sports. All sports were free for students, except for football and basketball.

I HIGHLY doubt the tour guide won’t take you to these places but if you haven’t made it to these places during the tour, I recommend you ask to see the following places :

• Bursar / Financial Aid Office
• Student Union
• Freshman Dorms
• Parking Lots / Garages

If you are an athlete on a tour, ask these questions…

My sister is an athlete so we typically got a tour with a student and the coach! These are additional questions we asked to predict how life would be as a student-athlete in college.

Do the teammates get along on the team?

How is the balance of sports and school?

Is there tutoring available for athletes?

Do you all take away scholarship money from athletes?

Let me know about more helpful college tour questions that have been helpful for you!

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100 Questions to Ask on a College Tour

Posted: March 08, 2022 | Author: Abbie Cochrane | Read Time: 12 minutes

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Book a College Tour

Think about what you want to get out of college. Think about the campus of your dreams--what does it look like? Look into any flyers or pamphlets you may have gotten in the mail from colleges. Do any of those schools interest you? In order to pick a college, you have to start by rooting through lots of them. 

1. Where do I want to study? Do I like cold or hot weather? Rural or urban? 

2. Do I want to stay close to home or start fresh somewhere far away? How much does it cost to travel home (via car, plane, shuttle, bus, etc.). Or do I want to study abroad in a different country?

3. Do I want to go with my friends? Or do I want to meet entirely new people? 

4. What field am I thinking about going into? What is my desired major? Are there any colleges nearby that have good programs? Or would I be better off in a different state? 

5. Do I want to live on a big campus with thousands of people or a small campus? Public or private university? 

6. What is the reputation of the school I’m applying to? How will I represent my school and how will the school represent me? 

7. What is the surrounding area like? Small college town or busy city? What is there to do around campus? 

8. What campus do I want to tour? 

9. How am I going to pay for school? 

10. Is the surrounding area considered safe? 

Learn About the School History

Learn a little bit about the school you are applying to. What about the history of the school interests you? 

11. How old is the school? When was it founded?

12. Who founded the school? What’s the story behind the school’s founding? How did it happen?

13. How has the school changed since it opened its doors?

14. What are the historical landmarks of campus?

15. Is there special meaning behind locations, buildings, or statues around campus? 

16. Who are the buildings named after? Why? 

17. What is the history of the city or town around the school? How has it changed over time too? 

18. Why is your school’s mascot what it is? What is the school’s motto? 

19. How has the school attained the reputation it has today? 

20. What are some time-honored traditions at the school? 

Get to Know Your Tour Guide

Remember, your student guide on a campus tour is just that; a student. This is your chance to ask questions about their experience. Get to know them and hear about their personal experience attending classes and living the college life. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that might have a negative answer. Choosing a college is all about weighing the pros and cons. Start with questions like;

21. Why did you choose this school? 

22. What strengths does this school have? What weaknesses do you want the school to improve upon? 

23. If you could change one thing about your experience here, what would it be? 

24. How accessible are student resources on campus? 

25. How accessible are the professors, administrators, financial aid officials, etc.

26. What makes this school unique and stand out from other schools? What are you most proud of about the school? What is the school known for? 

27. How many graduates and undergraduate students are there? 

28. How diverse is the campus? Are there any disability learning services? What about international students? 

29. How financially stable is the school? 

30. What is the orientation process like for freshmen students or transfers? What was your orientation experience? 

Ask About Financial Assistance

Knowing if you are able to afford attending school at a given university is vital to your future because you don’t want to be drowning in debt and student loans for the next twenty years. Ask your guide about these things to get a better idea of your final balance; 

31.How much is tuition? What does the sticker price mean? 

32.What are the usual costs outside of tuition (i.e. textbooks, meal plans, housing, etc.)

33.Are there any scholarships or grants offered to students? Are there scholarships for a specific program or major? Where can I find all the scholarship applications? How do I apply? Do I even qualify for any of those? What percentage of students qualify for scholarships or grants?

34. What is the FAFSA? How do I apply for federal aid? Could I afford this school without scholarships or federal aid? 

35. What does your average financial aid package look like?

36. What does your average merit award look like? What are the requirements to receive a merit scholarship? How do I apply for one if I do qualify? 

37. Is my financial aid affected if I take longer than four years to graduate? 

38. How has the annual tuition rate risen or fallen in recent years? 

39. What is the average amount of loan debt that students accumulate by the time they graduate? 

40. Does your net price calculator provide an accurate estimate of what your school will cost me and when did you last update the net price calculator?

Learn More About Academics

Academic quality is one of the most important things to ask about because the whole reason you are going to college is to get your education. If you’re paying for it, then you should be able to get your money’s worth and know that you are learning the things you need to help you succeed. 

41. What are the most popular majors? When do students have to declare a major? 

42. What departments or programs are offered? What makes them special? Is there an honors college? If so, what are the requirements?

43. Are the classes taught by professors that collaborate with their students or is it mostly just lecture-style learning? Are there often discussions and group projects or lots of individual reading?

44. How big is your typical general education class? What about upper-division and major based class sizes? 

45. Is it possible to do a double major? What minors are offered? 

46. What are the academic admissions standards for potential students? 

47. Is studying abroad an option? If so, do lots of students participate? What about research opportunities in a given field? What departments offer undergraduate or graduate research opportunities?

48. What tutoring options are available?

49. How easy or difficult is it to register for classes? How is the academic advising process? If you want to transfer, how difficult is it to transfer credit?

50. How many hours do students typically spend on homework?

Graduation Rates and Student Success Questions

Do you want to experience all four years of college? Do you want to go to graduate school? It’s important to know what graduation rates at a certain college mean and how that can affect when you graduate. 

51. What is the average graduation rate? What’s the average GPA?

52. How many years does it take to graduate with a bachelor’s degree? 

53. Are there any fast track programs to help me graduate in less that four years?

54. What is the main hindrance to students graduating on time? If I were to go here, how could I avoid that?

55. If I double major, will that make it harder for me to graduate? Will it take more time? 

56. What’s the retention rate for freshmen coming back as sophomores? 

57. How many students transfer each semester? 

58. Do you know the main reasons why some students drop out or leave prematurely?

59. Is there a master’s or doctorate program here? What percentage of students go on to graduate or professional schools? What majors offer a higher degree? 

60. What’s the average size of a graduating class in a typical year? 

Internships and Job Opportunities 

College is the starting line to the rest of your career. You want to be able to get a good job out of college and sometimes, universities offer a gateway to a career that can last you a lifetime. Ask about any of these options and whether or not you could be considered. 

61. Are there any internships offered? How can I apply for those?

62. Are there any on-campus or work study job opportunities? Where can I find the applications for those? What about summer jobs?

63. How active is the alumni network?

64. Are career services available for students or alumni? How helpful is it?

65. Does this school have a co-op program?

66. Do employers recruit students on campus? Are there any programs that feed into the workplace? 

67. What is the job placement rate? How is that calculated? Are figures self-reported? On average, how many students get a job right after graduation? 

68. Does my desired major or program of study help with job placement? 

69. Are there any famous or well-known alumni of the school? 

70. Where could I find a job around campus, not limited to just on campus? 

What is Campus Life Like

It’s important to get a good idea of what your life will be like outside of the classroom. For example, knowing where to hang out on the weekends can help you make new friends and connections faster. Ask yourself what matters to you. What kind of experiences do you want to have? What environment do you want to live in? Then ask your tour guide some of the following: 

71. What is there to do? What are popular hangout spots? Where are the best places to eat? Where is the nearest grocery store? Are meal plans offered?

72. What are the dorms like? Are freshmen required to live on campus? What percentage of students who aren’t freshmen live on campus? How are roommates assigned? Could I room with a friend? 

73. What are off-campus housing options? 

74. Are there any fraternities or sorority houses? How can I rush for them if I’m interested? 

75. What facilities are available (i.e. library, gym, science lab, student center, counseling center, theatres, etc.) to students? What benefits are there for students (i.e. gym access, medical visits, mental health care/ therapy, dental or vision care, etc.)? 

76. Where is your favorite place to study? What is your favorite spot on campus?

77. Is it easy to get around campus? What is parking like? Are students able to bring a car? What about bikes, motorcycles, skateboards, scooters, etc.?

78. Is there lots of school spirit? Are there sporting or theatre events? What activities are popular? Are there any school-wide activities throughout the year? 

79. What clubs or service options are available for students to join? How do I sign up? 

80. Is the campus considered safe? Is there a way I could see the statistics of crime in the area on and around campus? What is the most common crime committed, if any? What safety precautions do other students take that I should take part in as well? How prevalent are drugs, alcohol, or other illegal and addictive substances on campus? 

Diversity and Inclusion on Campus 

This is more about the character of the students on campus. What kind of people are you going to be surrounding yourself with? Think about how you want to fit in here. Where are there places where you are free to be yourself?

81. What is the student body like? Is it diverse? What are the gender ratios? What does the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people look like? 

82. How are students treating each other? Are there cliques or a popularity pyramid scheme? Is there a high rate of bullying or prejudice against particular groups of students?

83. Are students more focused on academics or the social aspects of college? 

84. How many international students are there? 

85. Is there a dominant religion among students or a specific affiliation to a sect within the school? If there is, is it something I would enjoy? Will the school’s religious influence make me feel uncomfortable? Is there a place I can practice my own religion if I am not tied to the central faith?

86. Are the students friendly? How can I make friends quickly? 

87. How do I resolve conflict with my roommate(s)? Who would I bring in to mediate the situation? What if I get bullied in my own dorm? Is there a possibility for authoritative intervention if I am not respected in my dorm or on campus as a whole? If things get worse, how would I move out or move forward?

88. Is there a possibility for couple’s counseling for me and my partner should we need it?

89. Are service animals an option for students on campus? How do you get clearance for those? 

90. What about disabled parking, are there special spots? 

Questions for Current and Former Students

If you know someone who went to or is going to the school you’re looking at, ask them about their experience! How has that affected their life and career? 

91. How would you describe or rate your college experience? What did you like? What didn’t you like? What would you change? (If they’re an alumni, ask them what has changed since they were a student there).

92. Do you think this school helped prepare you for your future and your career? How? 

93. How would you rate the campus itself (i.e. the dorms, the facilities, professors, etc.)

94. What advice would you give to anyone considering attending this college or university? What did you wish you knew coming into your first year of college? 

95. What programs do/ did you participate in? Did you like them? Why or why not?

96. Why did you choose to come here? 

97. How was your experience with other students? Where did you fit in? 

98. Is the campus easy to navigate? How do I know where I’m going? (Ask current students or recent alumni this question)

99. Did you take any internships? Did you do work-study or have a campus job? If so, how did they prepare you for your career and the real world?

100. Did you participate in any research opportunities or study abroad programs? If so, how did that affect your education and overall experience? 

Of course, there are hundreds of other questions you can come up with before your next college tour, but if you start here, then consider yourself on the road to your freshman year! For more information about how you can better prepare for your next tour, visit the T-Bird Nation Blog. Your future awaits!

202 Powerful Questions to Ask on a College Tour

by Melissa Brock | Jul 27, 2020 | Ask the admission office | 0 comments

I loved it when families came for college tours. They were excited, happy and sometimes even nervous. However, some families weren’t sure what questions to ask because everything (everything!) was new to them. 

I compiled a list of must-ask questions to ask on a college tour for admission counselors, financial aid professionals, professors, coaches and more. You may think of others that pertain directly to your child’s situation, but this should give you a great start!

By the way, check out this post if you’re curious about learning how to set up a college visit .

Student Tour Guide Questions

Admission counselor questions, admission requirements and process, future visit details, academic details, demographics, social life and other activities, financial aid professional questions, faculty member questions, coach questions, get your questions answered.

The student tour guide offers the most candid look at what a college is like. Spend as much time as you can with your child and the tour guide and make sure your child asks questions, even if the tour guide probably isn’t going to be your child’s best friend. Yes, the student is groomed to give canned responses to some questions but talking to the tour guide is the best way to get a feel for a college.

• What’s your favorite thing about this college?
• What’s your least favorite thing about the college you attend?
• Where might my child spend a lot of time if he/she is a student here?
• Why did you choose this college?
• What are the students like?
• Which residence hall is your favorite? Where did you live your first year?
• Where do you live now? Why did you choose to live there?
• What is the food like?
• What is your major?
• Is this a suitcase college? (Do people go home a lot on the weekends?)
• What activities does the college have available for students?
• Is it easy to get an internship here? Have you had an internship?
• How available are professors? 
• How does the college handle communication?
• Have you found it difficult to handle the costs of college?
• What are your plans for after graduation? Do you plan to go to graduate school? Get a job?
• Is it easy to get a work-study job on campus? Why or why not?
• Where do first-year students typically get assigned for work-study? Can they request a work-study job?
• How have online classes gone due to COVID-19? Has that been a seamless transition?
• Are the classes rigorous? Have you found them manageable?
• How do you manage classes and athletics? (If the student is an athlete and your child is a prospective athlete as well.)
• How many tours did you go on before you chose this college?
• Is this college far away from your hometown? How do you manage going home during breaks?
• Is it easy to get involved in extracurricular activities?
• Was it easy or difficult for you to get accepted into this college? How many other colleges did you apply to?
• What do you do for fun and what is the social scene like?
• What was the most surprising and difficult thing about adjusting to college life?

You can call an admission counselor an “admission counselor” or an “admissions counselor.” What does an admissions counselor do ? Check it out before you go on your visit! Generally, this is the person who will help you throughout the college search process. Your child will be assigned an admission counselor based on geography. You can search a map of the United States on any college’s website and find your child’s admission counselor. Here are some great questions to ask your child’s admission counselor. (I spent 12 years in college admission and I loved it when families asked me these questions!) 

• What’s the application process?
• What is the admission process, from start to finish, and what should my child expect after an application?
• What ACT/SAT scores does my child need to attend your college? Is it optional?
• Do you superscore test results (take the best score of each subject test on multiple ACT or SAT dates)?
• Can my child self-report my standardized test scores?
• Should my child aim for a certain grade point average? What are the requirements?
• Does my child need to submit an essay or letters of recommendation? If so, what are the requirements?
• Are there any other admission requirements we need to be aware of? What types of supporting materials does my child need to provide?
• Does my child need to do an interview with an alumnus or college staff member to be admitted?
• Are there different admission requirements for various departments or majors?
• How can my child make his or her application stand out?
• What are the most important admission factors at your college or university?
• Do you accept the Common Application, the Coalition Application or the Universal College Application or do you have your own application?
• What types of deadlines do you have for your applications?
• Do you charge an application fee? How do we pay it?
• Can we get a waiver for the application fee if the fee is a hardship for our family?
• Do you have an applicant portal my child will need to use?
• What are your recommendations for teacher evaluations, if required?
• What does your ideal applicant look like?
• How do you look at extracurricular activities and work experience in the admission process?
• If my child applies early decision or early action to another college or university, can he or she apply to another college?
• Do you defer admission to some students? If so, why, and what can my child do to be admitted?
• Can my child defer admission once admitted?
• Is the rigor of my high school taken into consideration when my child applies?
• Who will read my child’s application?
• Will it help my child to take advanced, accelerated or honors courses?
• Can my child add/remove something from his application once it’s submitted?
• How does my child track the status of her application?
• Does your college ever rescind an admission offer?
• If my child is rejected Early Decision, can he apply Regular Decision?
• Does my child need to submit mid-year reports of her grades?
• Are my child’s chances for admission to your university’s graduate school greater if she attends your university as an undergraduate?
• How should my child submit transcripts from any college courses?
• Are admission requirements different if my child is homeschooled?
• Will my child’s financial aid award be different if she applies for admission under Early Decision, Early Action, etc.?
• When do application decisions become available?
• Is there a maximum number of students admitted from a particular country, region or school?
• How should my child submit standardized test scores?
• How do you determine which credits transfer?
• Is admission competitive? How competitive?

You may want to come back! In that case, check with the admission counselor you’re talking to so you can find out which options are best. Check out my ultimate guide to Here are few questions you could ask:

• Which visit days should my child attend throughout the year?
• How do we arrange an on-campus overnight visit?
• What’s the best way to arrange future visits in general?
• What does a visit schedule look like if my child chooses to arrange future visits?
• In your opinion, is it best to do a group visit day if we choose to visit again or is it best to do a personal campus visit?
• Do you have competitive academic scholarships my child can interview for (and come back to campus another time)?

Why not ask the admission office about academics? Admission counselors can offer a candid overview of academics at the college they’re working at because what do they do all day long? They talk to current students who work in the admission office (and also hear their complaints and what they celebrate).

• Do professors have an open-door policy? How accessible are they?
• Are teaching assistants or professors the ones who teach the classes?
• What is the average class size?
• What is the student to faculty ratio?
• Can you tell me about the [insert name] major? What are your most popular majors and classes?
• How are classes selected?
• Are there required first-year classes?
• My child’s favorite subject in school is [insert favorite subject]. How can that translate to a major here?
• How rigorous are classes here?
• Tell me about academic support services here.
• Does your college provide services if my child has a disability?
• What is your graduation rate?
• How many students go on to graduate school or become employed after graduation?
• How many students get jobs in their majors or a related field?
• What types of internships are available for students?
• Is it possible to do research as an undergraduate student?
• Is your school on the semester or quarter system?
• Does your school offer pre-professional majors?
• Are tutors available?

• What types of clubs and organizations can my child get involved in?
• What are the most popular clubs and organizations?
• What’s the social life like on campus? What do students do for extracurricular activities?
• What would you change about this college or university?
• Do students usually attend sporting events, theatre events or more?
• Is it possible for my child to start his or her own club or organization? What is the process to do that?
• How many students study abroad? Is it a popular thing to do? How is study abroad structured here?
• Is it easy to manage a collegiate athletic career and academics? How do coaches approach academics and athletics here?
• What security measures are in place at your institution?
• Is on-campus housing guaranteed?
• Is my child required to live on campus?
• How does the meal system work?
• Is it easy to find a student job on or near campus?
• How is housing assigned?
• Can my child live on campus during school breaks?
• How safe is the campus and the surrounding neighborhood?
• What is the percentage of students of color on campus?
• What is the percentage of students who live on campus?
• Can you tell me the male-to-female ratio on campus?
• How does parking on campus work?
• Where are students who go to your school from?
• How does your college or university accommodate students with food allergies?
• What role do parents play in your community?
• What is your freshman retention rate?

You might want to meet with a financial aid professional as well — and that’s a great move. However, if you can’t get an appointment with someone in the financial aid office, admission counselors are well-versed in most financial aid topics and should be able to walk you through an award letter or answer basic questions about scholarships and loans. Here are some questions you may want to ask: 

• What is the tuition, room, board and fees at this school?
• How much does tuition increase each year? Do scholarships increase to match the change?
• What scholarships can my child qualify for? How does my child qualify for them?
• Are there any merit-based scholarships available at your school?
• Can my child receive grants? If so, what are the requirements?
• How do loans work and how should we apply for them?
• Can you explain in detail how a financial aid award is set up?
• What amount will my child receive, using your school’s net price calculator or a financial aid estimator?
• What are the interview or audition requirements for certain scholarships?
• Can my child apply for talent-based scholarships?
• What will happen if our family’s financial aid situation changes while my child is at your school?
• Will my child qualify for work-study? How does work-study work here?
• Does my child need to report outside scholarships? Will merit-based scholarships be “taken away” if my child receives a large outside scholarship?
• Where should we send checks for outside scholarships?
• Do we need to complete a CSS Profile?
• How will we know if the FAFSA has been submitted correctly?
• When will my child receive the financial aid award?
• What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
• My child is undocumented. Is my child still eligible for financial aid?
• How does financial aid work if my child studies abroad?
• Can veterans or children of veterans receive financial aid at your school?
• Can we apply for financial aid in future years if we do not apply the first year?
• Will you help me file the FAFSA in person?
• What kind of need-based aid can my child get?
• How is work-study awarded?
• How will the financial aid office help our family break down the costs?
• What does the average student receive in financial aid from your school?
• Are there other extra expenses we’ll need to be prepared for, like activity fees, biology lab fees, etc.? Can you give us a list of those additional expenses?

Many colleges and universities will grant you time with professors — you just have to ask. It can be intimidating for your student to meet with a faculty member but it’s well worth it! After all, your student may have that professor for classes. A professor can change the trajectory of a your student’s career and life. Here are some questions you and your child can ask: 

• Which classes do you teach?
• What is your favorite class to teach? Why?
• Why do you teach here?
• What is your teaching style?
• How often do terminal degreed professors teach the classes?
• What are your top expectations at the beginning of any semester?
• Do you help students with connections for internships and jobs after graduation?
• Are undergraduates able to get research opportunities?
• How do you measure success in your classroom?
• What does a typical syllabus look like in one of your classes?
• How does advising work? What’s the process to put together a student schedule?
• When are your office hours? Is it easy for students to get their questions answered?
• What is your average class size? For introductory classes? For advanced classes?
• What are your most successful students doing now?
• How do you communicate with students? 
• Do you put an emphasis on interactive or group work or put an emphasis on lectures?
• How do you choose the textbooks a student will use during the semester? 
• Do you consider yourself to be approachable?
• What should my child do if he or she is having trouble in your class?
• Do you have teaching assistants (TAs)?
• Are there any supplemental instruction (SI) sessions my student can go to during any given semester?
• How have you handled online learning during COVID-19? 
• How much time do your students spend studying and completing assignments during the week?
• Are your classes reading and writing intensive ?
• What types of issues do students bring to you during office hours?
• Is there a capstone project or internship requirement for your program?
• What does a typical path to graduation look like? What exact classes are required?
• How long does it take the average student to graduate? Four years? Five years or more?
• What is the academic community like in your department or program?
• What resources are available to me?
• Is service learning or similar opportunities for hands-on learning a priority in your classes?
• Do you help students determine their career path or calling?
• Do your students make connections between their academic studies and activities outside of class? Can you give us an example?
• How do you work with students who choose to study abroad? Is there a best time during the academic program?
• What other majors and minors do students usually combine with this major?
• Do you do any other research or other projects that can affect what you teach here?
• What are students surprised to learn when they’re in your class?
• What do you do when students realize your major isn’t a fit?

You want to be sure that a college is a good fit for your child athletically if your child is an athlete — but make sure it’s a great fit academically and socially as well. Note that you’ll want to ask the admission office questions about grades, admission, SAT, ACT, academic scholarships, etc. — coaches should not answer admission questions. 

A quick tip: Don’t bring up athletic scholarships right away — a coach wants you to demonstrate a team commitment first. Here are some questions you and your child may want to ask a coach.

• Why do you coach? What is your coaching philosophy?
• What are the holes in your program that my child can help fulfill?
• How do you recruit?
• What are you looking for in the right recruit?
• Can you describe your program’s values?
• What does a typical day look like for a player during the season?
• How about the off-season program? What are the expectations?
• How do you encourage your players academically?
• What are the academic requirements for your program?
• What do your players do during their free time?
• Can you tell me your team’s total GPA and graduation rate?
• Do the players typically live together on campus?
• Is it easy for players to catch up after missed class time for games and meets? How do they usually do that?
• My child wants to major in X. Is it possible to major in this and still play for your program?
• How much of an impact do you see my child making on the team right away? Later on?
• What does my child need to do to be evaluated by your staff?
• Can you tell me more about your assistant coaches? What are their philosophies?
• When does your coaching contract end? Do you see yourself here another four years?
• How would you describe the team chemistry?
• What are the current strengths and weaknesses of your team?

I’ve included a lot of questions on this list! You’ll keep yourself pretty busy if you ask every single one of these questions on your college visit. However, note a few, write them down, take this link with you on a visit. Maybe this list will also inspire your own questions on your visit!

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40 Questions to Ask on a College Visit

Oct 2, 2023 | Articles , College Admissions , High School

Do you know what questions to ask on your college visit? Here’s a list of great questions whether you visit in person or virtually. Download our checklist to bring on your visit. Add questions of your own and ignore those that don’t apply to you. Ask what you need to make your best-fit college choice.

General College Information

• How many students attend the college?
• What is the four-year graduation rate of the students? Six-year?
• What percent of freshmen return for their sophomore year?
• What graduate programs are offered?

Housing and Food

• What percent of students live on campus? What about upperclassmen?
• What types of dorms or housing options does the college provide?
• What percent of students have cars on campus?
• How much does it cost to have a car on campus? (Parking permits, etc.)
• What meal plans are available?
• What other food options are available on or near campus?
• Where is the closest grocery store to campus?

Student Engagement

• What activities are offered for students?
• How regularly are sporting events attended by students?
• What opportunities in the arts and theater are offered? Do students regularly attend these events? 
• What clubs or activities are offered for students?
• Are intramural sports offered?
• What do students do for fun on campus? In the community?
• Is there Greek Life on campus? What percent of students are involved?
• What majors are offered?
• How are high school AP tests credited at the school?
• What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
• How many credits does the average student take each semester?
• Are first-year classes taught by professors or TAs?
• What is the average size of introductory classes?
• What is the average size of upper-level classes for my major? 
• How much access do students have to professors? 

Academic Opportunities

• Are there opportunities to study abroad? 
• Are there learning communities or an honors program?
• What academic support is offered on campus? 
• Are there career counseling resources offered?
• What internships or summer research opportunities are offered?  

Campus and City Life

• How safe is campus? What security is in place?
• How safe is the community around campus?
• How busy is the campus? How noisy?
• How integrated is the campus with the city and surrounding community?
• What opportunities are there to get involved and volunteer in the community? 
• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• What is the total cost to attend?
• What scholarships are available to students? Which would I be eligible for?
• What is the average student debt after graduation? 
• What percent of students have jobs on campus? Off-campus? 

Want more personalized support as you explore colleges and prepare your applications? Learn about OnToCollege College Counseling options . 

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What are good questions to ask on a college tour?

The best college tour questions tend to be about campus life. A few examples of good questions include: What is the typical class size? Do all first-year students live on campus? What are some examples of extracurricular activities? Do all students have access to an academic adviser? Where do students go to relax outside of class?

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14 Tips for an Effective College Visit

Visiting a college can help a student determine if he or she wants to spend the next four years there.

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Finding the right fit.

For high school students in the process of researching a variety of colleges and universities , admissions professionals recommend scheduling campus visits to get a better feel for the schools. Some colleges track whether prospective students make an in-person visit and count it as "demonstrated interest," which could help admissions chances. For both students and families, campus visits are an important part of the process when choosing which college to attend. "They are very likely to show you things that you didn’t know you cared about. That’s a great first step," says Rachel Rubin, co-founder of admissions consulting company Spark Admissions. "It’s really important for families to think about what they want to know.” Here are 14 tips for how students can get the most out of college visits.

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• Start planning early.

As students get closer to the final year of high school, their schedules are filled trying to balance school and a social life – all while exploring potential college campuses. To ease the stress, students and families may want to make visits sooner, ideally before senior year. The College Board recommends spring of junior year as a good time to visit campuses for students who have already done the research on those colleges. College visits are a good use of downtime over spring break, as well. Late summer and early fall before senior year are also convenient times, the College Board website notes, adding that classes may already be in session, allowing prospective students a fuller glimpse of campus life.

• Ask questions.

A campus visit is a great chance to not only see the campus, but also to ask questions about the school and what the experience is like on campus. While some information can be found on a school's website, speaking with student ambassadors or school officials while visiting campus can provide additional important information necessary for making a smart college decision. "I think the best way to make the most of the tours is to ask a lot of good questions of the tour guide and to engage with any current students to get their opinion on life on the campus,” says Satyajit Dattagupta, chief enrollment officer and senior vice chancellor at Northeastern University in Massachusetts.

• Get student perspectives.

The largest population on any college campus is the student body. Given their collective experience, it's likely they'll have opinions to share on academics, facilities, dining services , student life and more. Talking to current students is a valuable part of vetting a college and can provide prospective students with unfiltered perspectives about the school and the student experience. "Talk to as many students as you can to get a flavor of the student population," says Liz Doe Stone, a senior private counselor for Top Tier Admissions, an admissions consulting company. "Email students from your high school who attend that school and ask to get together for coffee when you’re on campus."

• Explore college through the lens of campus media.

Student newspapers can be a valuable source of insight into what's happening at a college. But don't stop there. The College Board's campus visit checklist also recommends tuning in to the campus radio station and reading other campus publications such as literary reviews and department newsletters. This allows students to find out what issues are popular on campus, controversies happening, new programs being created, what students are excited about and trends to be aware of, Stone says. "The more that you can do ahead of time to get to know the campus culture so that you can ask good questions to current students, that’s another great way to get a more authentic sense of what’s going on or what it would be like to be a student there."

• Visit academic departments.

Along with being comfortable with the campus environment, students should explore academic departments that interest them. A great way to start can be touring facilities, sitting in on a class and meeting professors . This is a good way for students to learn about the areas where they might be spending the most time if they choose to attend school there, and it's also valuable information when comparing schools. For best results, email professors or administrators ahead of time to set up a meeting, Stone says, but even informal visits can be valuable.

• Check out other campuses nearby.

When visiting a college in person, prospective students should consider visiting other campuses nearby. Many major metro areas are home to multiple colleges, and even rural areas may have colleges that are surprisingly close together. As students plan their visits, families should take note of other options near the schools they intend to visit. "If you're going to spend some time traveling, whether it be across the state or across the country, you might as well try to maximize that and investigate other opportunities that are close and convenient," says Collin Palmer, associate vice president of enrollment management at Kent State University in Ohio.

• Learn about the local community.

While the college is the main attraction, students shouldn't overlook the surrounding community where they may live and work when off campus. Take time to discover coffee shops, restaurants and other places you might enjoy visiting frequently, and consider how the community might factor into your education aspirations, says Kent Hopkins, vice president for academic enterprise enrollment at Arizona State University and ASU Global. Determine whether the community will provide internship or externship opportunities or serve as a potential career launch pad, he says. Palmer adds that students should also consider whether they're looking for an urban or rural experience , or what size city they prefer.

• Visit a dining hall or student center.

The college dining hall is not only a place where many students consume a majority of their meals, but it also tends to be a community hub where students congregate to study or meet for clubs. Given the likelihood that much of a student's time will be spent in the dining hall or student center, experts say students and families should plan to eat at least one meal on campus to get a sense of available food options and other amenities. "That can be a great way not only to sample the on-campus food options, but also to have informal conversations with current students in line or at a nearby table,” Stone says. Some schools have particularly tasty options , and those with dietary restrictions should get a sense of whether the school can cater to their needs.

• Explore the campus library.

Another place where students spend significant time is the campus library. Many campuses have more than one library, and there's often variety in what each library offers. Some have coffee shops and restaurants. Stone notes that some are open-stack libraries, meaning students can browse, select and check out books themselves. Others are closed-stack, meaning library staffers retrieve the books for students. Similarly, some campus libraries offer a slew of private study rooms with modern technology available to use for various projects. Prospective students should use the campus visit to make sure the school library fits their academic needs.

• Explore various virtual tour options.

Some colleges may be too far from home for students to make an initial visit. Online tools allow prospective students to take virtual tours from the comfort of their couches. Students can take self-guided virtual tours or sign up for more interactive options such as 360-degree video and virtual reality. Experts say virtual tours are good substitutes for those unable to visit in person. Some guided in-person tours may not take students to all the places they want to see, but through virtual tours students can investigate other aspects of campus. Virtual tours are especially valuable for international students, experts say.

• Ask about campus safety.

With the amount of time traditional college students spend on campus, feeling safe on school grounds is an important factor to consider when exploring colleges. Prospective students should ask tour guides about campus safety policies. In virtual campus tours, students can ask guides or the admissions office for more information. Federal law requires colleges to release information related to crime on and around campus. Families can check annual security reports to see recent incidents on campus. If anything stands out as a cause for concern, ask the school for more information on campus safety . While on campus, asking students how comfortable they feel at the school is a good way to gauge how safe students generally feel, Hopkins says.

• Get financial aid information.

Along with understanding the culture of a school and the academic options it provides, students should research financial aid opportunities at a college. A campus visit is an opportunity to do just that. Finding out the types of aid available, such as merit-based and need-based, is one of the first questions students should ask when speaking with the financial aid office, Rubin says. “Students can also bargain for more money once they’re accepted, and that’s where they really have a leg up," she says. This can also help students budget for attending that school, Hopkins says, noting that families should be aware that cost of attendance is not the sticker price. Families should factor in room and board, travel expenses for students attending away from home and any aid or income that could help offset costs.

• Ask about disability accommodations.

Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, any school that accepts federal money is legally required to provide accommodations for qualifying students with disabilities . Some do the bare minimum, but others have strong programming for students with disabilities because they have a high number of students needing services. Some charge fees for certain services, like tutoring, so experts suggest taking time on a college visit to meet with the disabilities services office to ask what’s available and at what cost. “It’s really important for students to understand to what extent they need to fight for these services and always be on top of their teachers and make sure their accommodation plan goes out to everybody at the start of each semester," Rubin says.

• Meet with clubs and organizations.

A big part of the college experience is the social component, and experts say students should make sure they attend a school where they can get involved in clubs and organizations. For example, students who are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority should check out Greek life housing and meet with the campus administrator overseeing Greek organizations. Those who enjoy sports recreationally should reach out to presidents or leaders of club sports organizations or someone who organizes intramural sports, Stone says. “I always tell students to talk to any extracurricular leaders tied into your interest,” she says. "So if you’re a violin player, speak to someone in the music department. If you love drama, talk to someone who is the head of the theater club."

Learn more about colleges.

Get more advice about how to choose a college and check out the complete rankings of the Best Colleges to find the school that's best for you. For more advice and information on selecting a college, connect with U.S. News Education on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook .

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Questions to Ask Admissions on a College Campus Visit

By Brian O'Connell

July 2, 2019

Taking your high school student on a college tour is a rite of passage for both the student and the parent. But, too often it doesn’t deliver maximum impact on the family’s college experience because many parents aren’t asking the right questions.

Why not? Several factors affect the gathering of information during the campus tour . Sometimes, tour guides – who are almost always students – don’t possess comprehensive knowledge on important issues like financial aid or the intricacies of the college’s admissions policy.

Or even more often, parents and students are told they’re free to ask any questions they want, from a broad selection of college officials, but neglect to do so. The parents may feel like they don’t have the time to break off for an individual question and answer session. Sometimes, the parents assume they’ll get the information in the tour package or later over the phone with a college advisor.

Additionally, sometimes parents don’t ask the right questions because they don’t know the right questions to ask.

Parents also feel they can get their questions answered , either by word of mouth from other parents whose own children have attended the college or via the college’s web site or social media presence.

Those are decent sources of information, as is a call to the college for a question on tuition, campus life or admissions. But not asking the right questions of the right college administrator while on a campus tour seems like an unforced error for parents and students.

Here’s a fix for that.

Seven Admissions Questions to Ask When You’re on a Campus Visit

Don’t let good information gathering opportunities slip through your fingers, especially on all-important college admissions queries . Be sure to ask these admissions questions during your next college visit, and pave the way for a smooth transition from high school life to college life for your son or daughter.

Can I get a hold of a college admissions officer today while I’m on campus?

Right out of the gate, this should be your first question on a college tour – ask it right away as you and your student arrive for the visit.

Most colleges will make administrators available to some extent during a campus visit, but since college tours are scheduled so frequently over the summer months, there are no guarantees.

Also, as so many college admissions staff may be away on vacation or already booked during the summer months, reality dictates that you ask upfront who’s available from college admissions when you arrive for a college tour – and how, where and when you can find that administrator.

What qualities do you look for in new students?

On this query, a campus tour guide may give you a boilerplate answer straight from the training seminar he or she took to become a tour guide. So unfortunately, it’s a question you might have to ask several times of different people to get a straight answer.

Yet it’s worth the effort.

Stop by the student life and/or college admissions office and ask the question – you’ll want to know what makes students at a given school unique and attractive as admissions candidates.

It might save you from sending your daughter or son to the wrong college and help you steer your child to the right college.

How many new students wind up transferring to another college by their sophomore year?

Ask the college admissions office how many freshman students don’t return for their second semester of their freshman year or for their sophomore year. Also, ask a junior or senior student what kept them coming back to campus during their later college years.

Students leave a college for plenty of reasons. They can’t afford it, they don’t believe college is right for them, or their college is failing them in key areas like academic support. A robust retention rate is a sign that the college knows what’s it’s doing and will keep your son or daughter engaged for four years.

That’s not always easy. According to U.S. News & World Report , one-third of freshman students don’t return to the same college the next academic year.

You’ll want to know your college’s freshman “leave” rate and an admission’s staffer should have one for you while you’re on campus.

The college might report their retention rate, which is the percentage of first-time, full-time freshmen who return for their sophomore year. Subtract the retention rate from 100% to determine what percentage of freshmen leave by the sophomore year. The top 100 national universities have a retention rate of 89% or more and the top 100 liberal arts colleges have a retention rate of 84% or more.

Are there good work-study opportunities on campus?

Any incoming college student will appreciate a few extra bucks every week and a part-time work-study job can fit the bill.

Consequently, asking early about work-study job opportunities can put you at the front of the line for quality part-time work at a decent per-hour salary (at least for an 18-year old college student). A tour guide or student employment office staffer should point you in the right direction.

Make sure you’ve filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first and ask if the college can place your student in a work-study job in his or her field of study.

Are there ongoing career consulting opportunities on campus?

Yes, graduation is more than four years away (more if your child moves on to graduate school) but it’s never too early to find out the quality of a given college’s career services program.

Parents and students who want that information should focus on several metrics of the college’s job placement performance:

• The track record of a school’s professional job placement office
• The track record of the college’s job placement efforts in the student’s major/vocation
• The availability of career fairs on campus

Also consider the ability to connect with alumni through local and regional professional organizations, which can lead directly to good job opportunities for graduates.

Since the ultimate goal of any campus visit is to choose a college that will train your child for a professional career with a good job right out of school, all of the above should be on your list of career questions on campus tour day.

Does the college have a favorable bias toward early admissions candidates?

Most colleges and universities offer at least two forms of admissions acceptance: early admissions and regular admissions.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages and parents who understand how a particular college prefers to accept students for admissions has some leverage other parents don’t.

For instance, if the word from an admissions college administrator, or even from “in the know” current students, says that their college likes to lock in early admissions candidates and is less enamored of regular admissions candidates, applying early might improve the raw odds of being accepted.

But, be sure you understand the difference between early decision and early action applications. With an early decision application, the student commits to enroll if admitted early. An early decision application is binding, while an early action application is not.

Consequently, asking about the percentage of incoming freshman who were accepted as early admission or regular admission candidates can tilt the admissions odds in your favor.

That alone makes it a question worth asking.

What level of student support should we expect on campus?

Different colleges have different levels of support for students, and you’ll want to know where your son or daughter stand if they need support on a wide range of student academic and life issues.

How will my child work with an academic advisor? Who can steer my student into a good “study abroad” program?” What is my child gets sick or suffers from a stress or anxiety issue at your college? Who can we turn to and what services do you offer students for general academic and life issues at your college or university?

Those questions and more deserve an answer if you’re going to spend potentially tens of thousands of dollars annually to place your child at a specific college.

A candid discussion with an admissions representative can get you the information on student services that you need.

A final bit of advice for anxious parents of college-bound students:

Don’t ask all the questions.

Give your student the space they need to ask questions of importance to them. At the end of the campus tour, get lost, so your child can ask a few questions without you breathing over their shoulder.

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5 Questions to Ask (and Not to Ask) on College Tours

College tours are an important part of a student’s college search and decision process. 

These tours allow students to get a feel of the institution which will help them make an important decision on where they want to spend the next 4 years of their lives. 

If you are currently planning on taking a college tour, here is a list of 5 questions to ask (and not to) on college tours.

Questions to Ask:

• “What does your typical day/week look like?”

This is a great question to ask on a tour. As a prospective student, you can visualize a student’s daily routine on campus. Most tour guides typically answer by describing how much time their classes and homework take up while shedding light on certain activities and organizations on campus. 

• “What classes are you taking?”

This question can highlight the campus’ academic life . Based on the tour guide’s answer, you can gain an insight into the specificity and quality of courses your guide has taken and other courses that are offered by the college or university based on your area of interest or major. 

• “How would you and other students describe living and dining on campus?”

If you plan on living on campus and/or buying a meal plan, this is a great question to ask. Most tour guides typically describe their experience living with a roommate, the quality of food , and elaborate on the different types of housing and meal plans offered by the college/university. Overall, you get a nice feel of what residential living is like at the university/college. 

• “What tutoring, support, or counseling services are made available by the school?”

It is likely that during your undergraduate studies you will end up needing some type of support system, whether it be for your homework or health. This is a great question to ask since your tour guide will be able to elaborate on the locations of these services, and how to get in contact with the correct people to help you with whatever you may need. 

• “What kind of career and internship resources are available to students after and upon graduation?”

For students who plan on going to graduate school or entering the workforce after graduation, this is a great question to ask. A tour guide should be able to discuss and highlight the institution’s career center, alumni network, and internships made available to students by the university/college to help you in your future endeavors. 

Questions Not to Ask:

• “What was your GPA and SAT/ACT score?

Although it can be tempting to know an admitted student’s GPA and test scores to see your chances of being admitted , it is best to avoid asking the question entirely since you do want to put your tour guide in an awkward position. 

Instead Ask: “What is the average GPA and SAT/ACT score for the university/college?”

By asking this question, your tour guide will be able to highlight the institution’s academic profile and admissions process.

• “How much financial aid will I receive?”

Finding a school that fits your financial need is an important part of the college search process. However, it is also unlikely that your tour guide would be able to give you a specific answer based on your financial need and circumstances. 

Instead Ask: “Who do I need to get in contact with to learn more about financial aid?”

By asking this question, your tour guide will be able to direct you to the school’s financial office who will be able to answer any questions you have relating to financial aid.

• “What classes or professors should I avoid taking?”

  It is great to ask questions relating to the institution’s academic offerings but avoid framing it in a negative light. 

Instead Ask: “What is the most meaningful moment you have experienced in a class or with a professor.”

  Even if your tour guide’s most “meaningful” moment does not relate to your area of interest, this question opens up a great opportunity to hear from your tour guide’s first-hand experience being a student and learning from a professor at that specific institution.

• “What is the party scene like?”

Instead of asking whether the institution is a “party” school , focus on learning about certain opportunities available by the university to meet peers and network.

Instead Ask: “What fun activities or places are there to go to on or near campus?”

By asking this question, your tour guide will be able to pinpoint a variety of events, activities, and places to go on campus where you can have the opportunity to make friends during your college experience.

• “Is it easy to commute to the college/university?”

  If you plan on commuting to college, it is likely asking a question like this will give you a very vague answer. 

  Instead Ask: “How do you commute to the university and get around on campus?”

  By asking a specific question like this, your tour guide will be able to share the different types of transportation offered by the institution and possibly share their experience on how long it takes to get around campus.

By asking the right questions, students can walk away from each college tour knowing the opportunities and resources made available by each school. Therefore, ask as many questions as you can and have fun!

Author: Yolanda Pineda

Yolanda is currently a full-time student at the University of Houston studying Business with a minor in Law, Values, & Policy. She is a recent graduate from Houston Community College where she received her Associate of Science. When she is not making content for Niche, she is dedicated to helping her community and social causes.

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10 Questions to Ask on a College Tour

Spring is drawing near, and we all know what that means, right? Jean jackets! Frozen drinks! OTT prom proposals! But most importantly (if you’re applying to college , anyway), springtime means gearing up for college campus tours.

As you’re probably aware, many schools are having virtual college tours in lieu of in-person tours this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sure, it’s kind of a bummer to not get to see the school in person, but look on the bright side: You can now tour a bunch of schools without worrying about the cost of travel and additional expenses. And you get to do it all from the comfort of your own home!

Whether you’re going on an in-person college tour or participating in a virtual college fair , asking the right questions is key to getting all the juicy details about the school. Not sure what to ask your tour guide? Below, here are 10 questions to ask on a college tour that will help you get the most out of your visit.

1. Why did you choose this school?

This is a good opening question for your tour guide because it gets them thinking back to what initially drew them to the school. Follow-up questions could include, “How happy have you been at this school so far?” and “What, if anything, would you change about the school?”

2. Who would you NOT recommend this school for?

Keep in mind that most college tour guides are in love with their school and don’t have a bad word to say about it. For this reason, you should (politely) challenge their opinions about the school by asking them who might not be the best fit for this particular school. If you happen to match their description of someone who isn’t a good fit, well — at least you found out sooner rather than later, right?

3. What majors/programs are popular?

Whether you’re still undecided on a major or you want to know what programs the school is best known for, this is a good question to ask regardless. Already picked a major? Ask them to spill the tea on the reputation of your department/program.

4. What types of scholarship opportunities are available? 

You plan to apply for scholarships anyway, right? You might as well get the inside scoop on what kinds of scholarships and grants they have available on campus. Dig a little deeper by asking what the average financial aid package is and whether there are work-study opportunities available.

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5. How often are career fairs/campus recruiting events held?

Career fairs are common at most universities and colleges — as they should be. Both in-person and virtual career fairs can help you launch your career after college, so make sure these opportunities are abundant on campus. While you’re on the subject, ask about internship opportunities.

6. How accessible are the professors/administrators/financial aid officers, etc.?

These people can make or break your college success, so it’s important that they’re easily accessible and willing to do what they can to help!

7. What do students do for fun on campus? What about life off-campus?

Find out everything you can about campus life. After all, this is going to be your home for at least the next four years of your life. What is the social scene like? What do students do when they’re not studying? And, of course, the ultimate question every student must ask: How’s the food ?  

8. How diverse is the student body?

This is an important question to ask, especially if you can’t visit the campus in-person to see for yourself just how diverse the campus is. Not only is it vital that minority groups have representation on campus, but diversity on campus also benefits non-minority groups by exposing them to different backgrounds and perspectives. If you’re a minority, don’t forget to ask about support services and programs that support students like yourself.

9. What is the average class size for lower- and upper-division courses?

There is an ongoing debate regarding class size —specifically, whether smaller classes are actually better for learning outcomes. But the truth is, it may just come down to personal preference. At the very least, this question will give you a better idea of what to expect when you sign up for classes. 

10. What kinds of academic support programs does the school have?

You want to choose a college that will help set you up for success. If you’re struggling in school, what resources will be available to help you? Be sure to ask about tutoring programs, computer labs, writing centers, and other programs that might support your undergraduate experience. 

Asking the Important Questions

There are plenty of great questions to ask on a college tour that aren’t on this list, but, hopefully, this gave you a decent starting point. Just remember that you may have a limited amount of time to chat up a tour guide or college representative. Tackle the important questions first before you start asking things like, “How strong is the merch game?” and “Is a Jamba Juice within walking distance of the dorms?”

Happy touring!

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Do you have any college touring experience? Or are you looking for advice from others who have been on college tours? Reach out to our  Tallo Community . We have students and professionals who share their advice on everything from college tours to landing a job.

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College Visits Essentials: Making the Most of Your Campus Tours

College visits essentials.

Embarking on college visits and campus tours marks a significant milestone in the college search process. These experiences offer invaluable opportunities for prospective students to explore potential colleges firsthand, gaining insights into campus life, academics, and extracurricular opportunities. As you begin compiling your college list and narrowing down your choices, college visits can help you make informed decisions about your future.

In this article, we’ll delve into the essentials of college visits, offering practical college visit tips and a college visits checklist for maximizing your experience . We will cover everything from uncovering the questions you should ask during a college tour to understanding how to schedule and plan college visits effectively. And, we’ll look at things you may not have thought about, including having virtual college visits, conducting a self-guided tour, and navigating college campus tours safely and effectively.

We promise this article provides everything you need to know regarding the college visit process. Whether you’re just beginning your college search or fine-tuning your college list, these insights will help you navigate the complexities of the college visit process with confidence. 

Let’s get started!

Are College Visits Important?

When making one of the most significant decisions of your academic career, the role of college visits in the college search process cannot be overstated. College campus tours are a crucial part of the decision-making process, offering firsthand insights that can influence your college search.

First and foremost, college visits allow you to immerse yourself in the campus environment and explore academic facilities, dormitories, and recreational amenities. Whether you’re passionate about conducting research in state-of-the-art laboratories or participating in vibrant student organizations, visiting a college in person lets you assess whether it offers the resources and opportunities you seek.

Moreover, college visits offer the chance to interact with current students, faculty members, and admissions staff, providing invaluable perspectives on academics, extracurricular activities, and campus life. These personal connections offer unique insights you simply can’t gain from a website or brochure. 

Ultimately, the information and impressions gathered during college visits can significantly impact your college choice. By experiencing campuses firsthand, you can effectively consolidate your college list and compare your top colleges by understanding which colleges resonate with you. Before you make your final decision , you can use the information collected on the campus tours to demonstrate your interest in the college or university, increasing your chances of acceptance. 

What Should I Ask On A College Tour?

While college visits and campus tours provide invaluable firsthand experiences , it’s essential to do your homework before stepping foot on any campus. Here’s one of our “pre” college visit tips–conduct thorough research beforehand to help you make the most of your visit. By asking the right questions , you can gather the information you need to make an informed decision about your college choice.

Questions about academics

One crucial aspect of pre-tour research is identifying academic programs and resources that interest you. Take the time to explore the college’s website and familiarize yourself with the range of majors, minors, and academic opportunities available. Here are a couple of questions you may want to ask:

• Can you provide more information about the [specific major/program]?
• Are there opportunities for undergraduate research or internships in [area of interest]?

Questions about campus life

In addition to academic offerings, consider campus life and student services that you would like to know more about. Research the college’s extracurricular activities, student organizations, and campus events to understand the social and cultural opportunities available. Here are other questions you may want to ask:

• What types of student organizations are active on campus?
• Are there opportunities for community service or volunteer work?

More college visit questions

Furthermore, consider other aspects of the school that might not be immediately obvious. Research housing options for juniors, including on-campus dormitories, off-campus apartments, and housing policies for upperclassmen. Also, consider things like parking availability and policies regarding cars on campus. Consider asking questions such as:

• What are the housing options for upperclassmen, and how is housing assigned?
• Is parking available on campus for students, and are there any restrictions on bringing cars?

Conducting thorough research, and making your college visits checklist, is essential for making the most of any college visit.

How Many College Visits Should I Do?

When determining how many college visits you should do, you’ll need to strike a balance between quantity, quality, and expense. While visiting as many colleges as possible may seem ideal, college visits can get pricey. Therefore, it’s crucial to personalize your college visit plan to ensure that you make the most of your time, energy, and financial resources.

Here are some steps you can take to help prioritize your college visits and ensure you are completing the right number of college campus tours:

Four Steps to Planning College Visits

1. start with a broad college list.

Have a wide range of colleges that interest you, encompassing various types of campuses such as big versus small, urban versus rural, and public versus private institutions. Consider including HBCU college tours or schedule one or two Harvard tours. Having a broad college list lets you gain insights into the diverse campus environments and refine your preferences accordingly.

2. Prioritize your top choices

Once you’ve identified your top 3-5 colleges on your college list, prioritize visiting these campuses. Consider planning multiple trips in various capacities if you’re highly interested in a particular school. For example, you can schedule an online UCLA campus tour. Then, schedule an in-person prospective student UCLA campus tour. You can even conduct a self-guided tour versus an official UCLA campus tour to have more flexibility in where you’ll get to go on campus. 

3. Balance depth with practicality

While visiting as many colleges as possible can be beneficial, consider the practicalities of your college visits checklist. Virtual college tours and information sessions can be valuable alternatives for colleges that are harder to visit in person. For instance, Harvard tours can be in-person or virtual. Therefore, if Harvard is on your list, plan your Harvard tours accordingly based on your availability and resources.

4. Consider special programs

If you’re invited to special programs for admitted students or specific academic departments, prioritize these college visits. Special programs through HBCU college tours or college visits for juniors often offer opportunities to interact with faculty, current students, and other admitted students, giving you a firsthand glimpse into life on campus.

Next, let’s discuss how to plan and schedule a college visit.

How To Schedule College Visits

Planning your college visits involves careful coordination and scheduling to ensure you make the most of your time on campus. From considering academic calendars to contacting college admissions offices, here are some college visit tips regarding scheduling your campus tours effectively.

Here are two of the most important things to keep in mind when working on the logistics of your campus visits. 

How to Work on Logistics of Campus Visits

Consider academic calendars.

Plan your college visits around academic calendars. Before scheduling your college visits, consider the academic calendars of the colleges you plan to visit. Check their websites to determine the dates of important events, such as orientation sessions, midterm exams, and holidays. This is important whether you are planning college visits for juniors, HBCU college tours, or any other kind of college visit.

Contact Admissions Offices

Contact college admissions for tour scheduling. Once you’ve identified potential college visit dates, it’s time to contact the admissions offices or go to the admissions website to schedule your campus tours. Most colleges offer guided campus tours led by student ambassadors or admissions staff. Additionally, many schools host information sessions that provide an overview of the college’s programs, resources, and admissions process.

Scheduling college visits: step-by-step

Let’s take a look at a hypothetical example to better understand the steps it takes to schedule a campus tour. Imagine you’re a high school student living in Chicago. You have already completed a University of Chicago tour, and now, you’re interested in scheduling a tour of the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. As an in-state college, accessing the University of Chicago tour may have been simple. But let’s look at how you can navigate the scheduling process of an out-of-state college tour:

Navigating an Out-of-State College Tour

• Research USC’s academic calendar to identify optimal visit dates that align with your availability.
• Visit USC’s admissions website to find information about campus tours and information sessions. Determine whether USC offers guided tours, self-guided tours, or virtual college visits for prospective students unable to visit in person.
• Use the USC campus tours website to schedule your campus tour. In addition to scheduling an admissions tour and presentation, consider scheduling an academic department presentation.
• Upon confirmation of your campus tour reservation from USC’s admissions office, make travel arrangements from Chicago to Los Angeles. This includes booking flights, accommodations, and transportation to and from the USC campus.
• Plan your itinerary for your visit to USC. Consider attending guided campus tours, participating in information sessions, exploring campus facilities, and engaging with current students and faculty members.
• During your visit, bring your college visits checklist. Take notes, ask questions, and gather information to help you decide whether USC is the right fit for you.

Since the cost of college visits is a big factor to take into consideration during the planning process, let’s discuss it further.

Are College Visits Free?

As you begin to make your college visit list, you’ll need to understand the costs associated with college visits. While some campus tours may be free, others require careful budgeting and planning to manage expenses. 

College visits can incur various expenses, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and miscellaneous fees. While some colleges offer free guided campus tours and information sessions, others may charge a nominal fee for certain services or events.

Tips for managing the cost of college visits

To manage the costs associated with college tours effectively, consider the following college visit tips for budgeting and finding free visit opportunities:

Start planning your campus tours well in advance to take advantage of early booking discounts and special promotions. Research travel options, accommodations, and local amenities to identify cost-saving opportunities and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Utilize virtual college tours

Besides visiting colleges in person, explore virtual college tours offered by colleges and universities. Many institutions, such as Boston College and Harvard University , provide virtual college visits and information sessions that allow you to explore campus facilities, interact with admissions staff, and learn about academic programs from the comfort of your home at no cost.

Explore fly-in programs

Several colleges and universities offer fly-in programs. These programs typically cover travel expenses, accommodations, meals, and participation in campus activities, allowing students to experience campus life firsthand without incurring any costs.

Speaking of fly-in programs, let’s learn a little more about them.

Fly-in programs

Here are three great fly-in programs/opportunities for low-income students.  

1. QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program

College visits for juniors are incredibly important. QuestBridge offers a College Prep Scholars Program for high-achieving, low-income high school juniors which, you guessed it, sponsors college visits for juniors. This program provides participants access to college admissions resources, mentorship opportunities, and fly-in college visits for juniors to top colleges and universities across the United States. Beyond giving fly-in college visits for juniors, QuestBridge takes it a step further and will help fund your attendance to top summer programs at some of the most prestigious colleges in the country.

2. Tulane University, PreviewTU Program

PreviewTU is a campus visit program at Tulane University that typically occurs in the fall. While open to all, students who identify as first-generation college attendees, LGBTQIA+, are from low-income backgrounds or rural/small-town residents, and/or students of color are particularly encouraged to attend. The program is offered both virtually and in person. PTU activities include campus tours, student panels, admissions and financial aid sessions, lunch with Diversity Fellows, and opportunities to connect with professors and support partners. Financially disadvantaged students may qualify for partial travel reimbursement stipends of up to $500 for themselves and one guest. 

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Weekend Immersion in Science and Engineering (WISE)

MIT’s Weekend Immersion in Science and Engineering (WISE) is a three-day program for rising seniors to explore MIT life. It’s fully funded, covering transportation to and from MIT. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Latinx, and Native American students, those from lower socioeconomic statuses, and first-generation students, are strongly encouraged to apply. WISE typically occurs in September. Participants reside on campus with MIT undergraduates, engaging in academic and campus life activities. They meet peers and faculty and attend college admissions and financial aid workshops. Applications are due in August, and the program generally takes place in October.

At this point, we’ve covered college visit tips for preparing for your visit. Now, let’s discuss what to do when you’ve finally made it to campus!

Things To Do On A College Visit

As shared earlier, college visits offer students a chance to get a feel for the college campus and community. Therefore, while on a college visit, it’s important to take advantage of all the things to do on campus and within the surrounding community or area. Here are 3 things to do on your college tours and college visits:

3 Things To Do on College Visits

1. attend information sessions and campus tours.

This may seem obvious but don’t bail on the planned tours and sessions. They’ll give you valuable information about the school and campus. These parts of the college visit are just as important as exploring on your own. Don’t forget to bring your list of questions and ask about anything that isn’t answered! 

2. Inquire about attending classes or talking to current students

Besides attending information sessions and campus tours, ask about the possibility of attending classes or speaking with current students during your visit. Observing a class in your area of interest can provide valuable insights into the college’s academic rigor and teaching style. Similarly, chatting with current students can offer firsthand perspectives on the overall student experience. 

3. Explore the campus

Don’t be shy when you’re visiting a college’s campus. Wander around and imagine yourself living or studying there. Check out all the different areas of campus. Basically, get a feel for the vibe of the school–trust your intuition and see if it feels like a fit.

Don’t forget to consider the area outside of campus. Evaluating the surrounding community of a college campus can provide valuable insights into the overall quality of life and opportunities available to students during their college experience. Think about the amenities and resources that are important to you. Consider adding these questions to your college visits checklist. Are there nearby music venues, art galleries, or cultural attractions that align with your interests? What transportation options are available, including airports or public transit systems? No detail is too small to ask about on your visit to campus.

When Should You Start Visiting Colleges?

Navigating the college search process is undoubtedly complex. Next, we will cover some tips on when to set up your first college visit. There isn’t a hard and fast rule to this question, but there are certainly some best practices when it comes to planning college visits.

It is never too early to begin visiting colleges. College admissions offices receive tour requests from students as young as 6 th grade. If you plan to visit a college any time before your 9th-grade year, it is important to remember that you may need to tour the college again before applying and certainly before enrolling.

Going on a college visit as a younger student can begin planting the seeds for what college is like. But very rarely will a college visit before high school provide you with meaningful admissions information that you will be able to retain and act on when it is time to submit your application.

College visits for juniors and seniors 

As you get closer to your junior and senior year of high school, college visits become more than just an opportunity to understand college more broadly. College visits for juniors and seniors can help students discover their preferences. At this stage of the college search process, students can begin to discern the type of college campus they might see themselves ultimately enrolling at.

Whether you are on a UCLA campus tour in California, a University of Chicago tour in Illinois, or a Harvard tour in Massachusetts , you can begin to explore your regional preferences. Additionally, experiences on HBCU college tours can give you some insight into distinct institutional types. Note how you felt about your HBCU college tours at institutions like Spelman College or Howard University compared to other universities. College visits do more than show you what colleges you might like, they also expose you to colleges that might not be a good fit.

Managing the logistics of college visits

Campus visits are often hard to arrange because of the time and resources they require. If you are planning to go on multiple college campus tours, you may find a strain on time and resources. A student who lives in Florida may find that attending a UCLA campus tour is much harder to plan than attending a campus tour at the University of Florida. Because of this, many families begin planning their campus visits far in advance. There are also opportunities to visit campus at the last minute. However, these trips typically align with other travel or are at campuses close to the student’s home.

In addition to prospective student visits, you may have the opportunity to visit campus as an admitted student. Admitted student college visits often include a more immersive experience than a college campus tour for a prospective student. Even if you have already visited campus, admitted student visits will often equip you with all the information necessary to make your final college decision .

College Visits During Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic resulted in additional access to college admissions information. During the pandemic, colleges and universities added an increased number of virtual college tours, online information sessions, and other virtual opportunities to learn more about colleges in the absence of in-person college campus tours. Virtual college tours allow students to access information at any time and refer to these virtual college tours when questions arise.

The pandemic also resulted in additional safety measures for college campus tours.  At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, college campus tours were completely halted. As campus tours resumed, colleges adopted mask mandates, reduced tour capacity, and made changes to tour stops. The largest safety measure during the coronavirus pandemic was COVID-19 testing prior to attending college campus tours.

While many of these safety precautions are a thing of the past, it is important to understand the heightened awareness around health that is still present on college campuses. Before you visit a college campus, it can be helpful to review their policies to confirm that there are no additional requirements for their campus tours. And, don’t be afraid to take personal precautions to take care of yourself, like wearing a mask on your visits.

What Colleges Are Open For Tours?

Thousands of colleges and universities across the country offer college tours . Most colleges offer campus tours throughout the academic year and in the summer. To learn more about the campus tour availability on a specific campus, you should visit the admissions or welcome center website. Some colleges also provide the opportunity for a self-guided tour which allows families to visit campus outside of the scheduled tour times.

Virtual college visits 

If you are unable to arrange an in-person college visit, don’t fret. There are several ways to experience a college without stepping foot on campus. Virtual college tours and virtual college visits allow students to experience a campus from the comfort of their homes. For example, if you are unable to attend the UCLA campus tour or the University of Chicago tour, you can sign up for one of their virtual college visits or virtual college tours.

In addition to virtual college tours and virtual college visits, social media has also offered opportunities for prospective students to explore a college campus from their cell phones. Following institutions on your college list on Instagram or TikTok can often provide a current student’s vantage point of their campus. Social media is one of the best ways to get to know a college virtually!

What Happens During A College Visit?

College visits come in all shapes and sizes. Most college visits include some type of campus tour. Campus tours can be led by a student ambassador or experienced as a self-guided tour. The first stop on college campus tours is typically the Office of Admissions or the Welcome Center. This introduction to campus usually provides basic information on the college and orients the guests with the rest of the tour.

Academics 

College campus tours introduce students to the academic buildings, student life opportunities, and residence life offered on the campus. Academic buildings on campus tours can include the school library, tutoring center, or architecture building. Understanding where your major classes are located can give you insight into the classroom and lab spaces available to students in your major.

College campus tours can also be enhanced by exploring additional personalized experiences. Some colleges will offer a general admissions information session as part of the campus tour. Other institutions might offer academic information sessions for students interested in majors like engineering, computer science, or business.

Student/residence life 

Student life opportunities can be found throughout the campus tour and are an important deciding factor in the college search process. College visits highlight the student organizations available for you to join. You may also find your tour guide pointing out popular hangout spots around campus. Student guides on Harvard tours might point out the Stone Hall Basement or Squash courts in the athletic complex. Student life opportunities also include campus events and traditions. Student guides on HBCU tours might talk about their epic homecoming celebrations.

Residence life also tops the list of the most popular campus tour stops. Residence life information includes touring a dorm and seeing the cafeteria. Facilities such as the campus gym and study spaces might also be included in the residence life portion of the tour.

What To Wear To A College Visit?

When you schedule your first college visit, it is unlikely that your email confirmation will include a dress code. The type of clothing you choose to wear may vary based on the type of college visit you are going on. As a rule of thumb, you should wear clothing that you feel confident in–and that you’d feel comfortable meeting admissions officers in. Considering the weather and walking requirements will also provide insight on what to wear. 

Beyond what to wear, let’s discuss what additional items should be included on your college visits checklist.

What To Bring On A College Visit?

College visits can often be long days in cities you are unfamiliar with. So, it is critical to think about the items you might need during the day. Check out this college visits checklist:

College Visits Checklist

• Notepad and pen
• Umbrella or poncho for inclement weather
• Phone to take pictures and videos
• Money to visit the school bookstore

All the items on the college visits checklist may not be necessary for every college visit. You should use your best judgment to discover if these items would be useful for the campus you are visiting.

College campus tours can be impacted by several variables. Campus visits are subject to weather, campus emergencies, holidays, and many other contingencies. Your college visits checklist may shift depending on any of the events above. Check out this resource as you are compiling your checklist.  

5 Tips for Maximizing Your College Visits

Throughout this guide, we’ve discussed the importance of college visits, when to begin planning college visits, and what to include on your college visits checklist. Before we wrap up, let’s discuss five college visit tips for maximizing your time.

5 Tips for College Visits

1. do your research.

Studying a college ahead of time allows you to better understand its programs, campus culture, and the opportunities it offers. Identify specific areas of interest, such as academic departments, extracurricular activities, or campus facilities you want to explore. Having a basic knowledge of the campus and how it aligns with your interests will allow you to focus on the more nuanced questions and observations once you arrive for your campus tour. 

2. Engage with the Campus Community

Talking to campus community members apart from your tour guide is one of the best ways to have an authentic experience during college visits. Campus community members include current students, faculty, and staff. Conversations with people who are on campus every day will give you firsthand insights into the college experience there. And, you don’t have to worry about whether someone is just telling you something because it is their job to do so (tour guides are great, but they are extensively trained to share specific information). Ask questions about academic programs, student life, support services, and anything else that will help you gauge if the campus is the right fit for you.

3. Attend Information Sessions and Campus Tours

Some students might think that arranging an unofficial tour will be more beneficial and honest. While you may receive some inside information that an official tour won’t provide, you will also miss out on some critical information. Always register for the official campus tours and information sessions to gain structured insights about the college. These sessions often provide valuable information not available on the website or in brochures. Meeting a current student or family friend for lunch or taking a self-guided tour after an official information session can give you the additional freedom you are seeking out on your college visits. 

4. Explore Beyond the Tour

After your official tour, it is highly recommended to explore campus on your college visits. Spend time wandering around the campus to get a feel for the environment and the student body. It is of growing importance to students that they like the town or city that their college is in. Visit the surrounding area of the campus to see what amenities and off-campus activities are available to students. If you are unfamiliar with the city, you might benefit from visiting some tourist attractions like museums, parks, or special events. Another great way to explore the environment around campus is going out for a simple lunch or dinner to get a better feel for the culture beyond the college campus. 

5. Document Your Visit

After going on several college visits, they may begin to all run together. Be sure to take notes and photos during your visit to help you remember what you liked and disliked about each campus. This is especially important for college visits for juniors and sophomores, as these students may have more time between their college visits and submitting the admissions application. Once your tour is over, reflect on each of your visits to compare the different colleges. You will need this perspective once you begin receiving admissions offers and are facing a finite time to make such an important life decision. After all, one or two details may be the difference between a college making your college list.

College Visits – Takeaways

College visits are an essential part of the college search process and creating a college list. Thankfully, planning an informative college visit is not as complicated as you might think. 

Successful college campus tours begin with doing your research early. This research might include location, academic offerings, and student life opportunities. Whether you are attending HBCU college tours, Harvard tours, or Boston College tours, feel free to look back at our college visit tips.  

During your college visits, do not forget to register for an official tour , engage with the campus community, and explore the environment beyond the campus tour.  Your college campus tours will be beneficial far after the visit has ended. Read through your notes and look through pictures of the campus when it’s time to fill out your college applications. We hope by the end of this guide, you feel prepared to plan and go on your college visits. For more resources, check out this college visit webinar on making the most of your visit and how college visits show demonstrated interest . And, after all those college visit tips, here’s one more for the road–have fun!

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College tour season is about to kick off. Here are 10 tips from college tour guides to have a successful campus visit.

• As spring starts, colleges around the country welcome parents and students to campus for tours. 
• College tour guides want people to arrive on time, ask the right questions, and have fun.
• They also recommend students take the tour on their own, without their parents.

Spring break is right around the corner, and for many high school students and their parents, that means many will be hitting the road to tour colleges around the country.

To make the most of your visit, Business Insider spoke with college students and tour guides. They know the campuses like the back of their hands, and they know how to walk backward.

Here are the dos and don'ts of college tours from student guides.

1. Get there with no time to spare, but don't be late

You won't get points for arriving early, so try to arrive on time. But if you do happen to arrive late , there's no need to worry.

"If something comes up and you are late, ask your guide what you missed once the tour finishes," Skyler Kawecki-Muonio, a senior at Sarah Lawrence College, told BI. "They will happily fill you in."

2. Dress to impress, but don't sacrifice comfort

It's important to look nice, but you don't have to don a jacket and tie. Tour-goers should put their best foot forward with a sturdy pair of walking shoes , and don't forget to dress for the weather.

"At Fairleigh Dickinson, tours go out rain or shine, so make sure to wear clothes that will keep you warm," Emily Bone, class of '25, said.

3. Don't forget to sign in, but skip the CV

Most schools have a check-in desk where you'll receive a campus map and other literature. But don't bother furnishing schools with your portfolio.

"Students can leave their resumes at home," Henry Millar, a senior at William & Mary, said. "Tour guides generally do not have any sway in the admissions process whatsoever, so feel free to save the paper."

4. Pay attention on the tour, but do it solo if possible

Some schools offer the option of letting parents and kids take separate tours, which has advantages.

"Get excited about your child's potential future in college, but give them some space to see what they think of that school on their own," Nathan Weisbrod, a junior at Wesleyan University, told BI.

Students can comfortably ask questions without a parent present and compare notes afterward.

5. Ask all your questions, but avoid personal interrogations

This is the time to inquire about any aspect of campus life , and don't feel shy about speaking up.

"Tour guides love getting questions because it allows us to cater the tour, especially in small groups, toward the needs and interests of the families on that specific tour," Halle Spataro, class of '24 at Bucknell University, said.

But some topics are off-limits, so don't ask your tour guide about their SAT/ACT scores or what they wrote about in their essay.

6. Speak up, but let the student take the lead

Parents may be tempted to raise their hand again and again, but this tour is about the student, so there should be space to let them shine.

"Try to take the backseat — or the passenger seat — but refrain from driving all of your child's interactions," Julian Jacklin, class of '25 at Reed College, said. "Students who feel they can own that experience usually ask the most questions and engage with the tour more."

7. Say thanks, but don't leave with questions unanswered

Maybe your guide didn't hear you, or your kid was reluctant to speak up. You can still get the information you want before leaving.

"There's a lot of information students are getting that day and a lot of excitement with being in a new place, which can make people forget to ask certain questions," Lorenzo Mars, a junior at Pepperdine University, said.

Therefore, get your tour guide's email address so that you can follow up afterward.

8. You may know exactly what school is right, but keep an open mind

Don't be surprised if a city-living kid is suddenly intrigued by a small-town setting.

"The college search and college experience are all about getting to know yourself better and growing, so on a tour, students have to trust themselves and their judgment of the 'world' they've just stepped into," Thomas Elias, class of '24 at University of Scranton, said.

9. Take in as much as you can, but remember to have fun

Sure, preparing for the next four years can be scary and stressful. But it's also an exciting milestone, so enjoy the ride.

"These tours serve as great opportunities to learn more about colleges — along with their cities, culture, and people," Connor Gee, a sophomore at the University of Mississippi, said. "Have fun with it!"

10. Weigh the pros and cons of the school, but don't stop there

Your tour may be over, but you can still learn other ways to immerse yourself in college life .

"See if the school offers additional experiences, like eating in the cafeteria or attending a class," Emily Balda, class of '24 at Seton Hall University, said. "Consider it 'food for thought.'"

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Jessel Taank’s gift picks include the skincare routine she swears by — and it’s just two steps

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Before she wraps Season 15 of “Real Housewives of New York,” Jessel Taank just might be wrapping up some special surprises for Mother’s Day.

“I’m probably going to gift the whole cast. I think everyone has innate mother characteristics in them, and so every woman should be celebrated regardless of if they’re moms or not,” the Ōushq founder tells Page Six Style, noting that Mother’s Day can be “isolating in some ways.”

The Bravoleb — who’s been open about IVF and her own journey to motherhood — has a lot to celebrate this Mother’s Day, as her 2-year-old twins’ birthday happens to fall on the holiday. (“I’m going a little bit crazy,” she says of planning a celebration the same day.)

Below, Taank shares a few of the gift-worthy products she’s loving right now — all of which are more than just up and coming .

U Beauty Duo

“It’s one of those trendy products that has gotten a lot of buzz, but I can absolutely see why. It’s just the simplest skincare routine. I feel like a lot of moms I know get really overwhelmed with toners and serums and moisturizers. This is just a two-step beauty routine that I do before bed.”

Sakara Meal Kit Subscription

“I think it’s one of the most beautiful yet extremely tasty meal programs. I just started the Balance program, and it’s so easy just to open the fridge and have a beautifully prepared meal ready and waiting for you. It just makes you feel very energized and ready to tackle the day.

“The presentation is insane … it’s making my life easier, and I think it’s a really nice, thoughtful thing to do for a mom.”

Demarson Pearl Miley Hoop Earrings

“I’ve been really enjoying a brand called De Marson. They do these beautiful, very modern, clean earrings, so I feel like you can’t go wrong. One of my favorite items from them is the Miley Hoop; they go with everything and are so beautiful.”

Demme by Gabriela Shannyn Dress

“I just launched a designer on Ōushq, and her dresses are sensational. I actually thought of my own mom, because it’s a classic silhouette, and I think moms would really enjoy wearing it.”

Merit The Box Set

“I’m obsessed. It’s the best packaging and it looks great. The colors are amazing.”

CB2 Ceyne Golden Marble Picture Frame

“Every night when I put my kids to bed, I look at pictures and videos [of them] like a freaking stalker. I think that something really sweet to give a mother is a beautiful photo that’s framed.”

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Wells College has announced a closure plan.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the forthcoming closure of our beloved Wells College at the end of this academic semester.

As trustees, we have a fiduciary responsibility to the institution; we have determined after a thorough review that the College does not have adequate financial resources to continue. As you may be aware, many small colleges like Wells have faced enormous financial challenges. These challenges have been exacerbated by a global pandemic, a shrinking pool of undergraduate students nationwide, inflationary pressures, and an overall negative sentiment towards higher education.

Members of the board, many of whom are Wells graduates, have spent years trying to find creative solutions to raise revenues in hopes of avoiding closure, including most recently having conversations with other academic partners. We acknowledge the work from all board members and college leaders, especially members of the Cabinet, our faculty, staff, and graduates on creating strategic plans, sponsoring aggressive fundraising campaigns, launching innovative new programs and managing our resources with care. Your efforts are appreciated more than you know. But revenues, unfortunately, are not projected to be sufficient for Wells’ long-term financial stability.

The Board is committed to the legacy and educational mission of Wells College. As such, we have entered into an agreement with Manhattanville University where it will become our legacy and teach-out partner. This partnership further will help ensure that Wells’ current students matriculate, and our institutional mission and legacy continue. Manhattanville is developing dedicated housing for Wells students and will be partners in supporting our students with transfer plans. Manhattanville has also expressed interest in developing a legacy agreement that would integrate the Wells College name and history into the Manhattanville community.

In the coming hours and days, you will have questions, some of which can be answered immediately. We have created a website which lists additional information. We will continue to update this website and communicate with our stakeholders as we finalize plans for the closure of Wells.

The Board thanks all of our alumnae/alumni and friends who have supported the institution since its founding in 1868. Your support and generosity have allowed Wells to continue its mission of helping students think critically, reason wisely and act humanely.

Marie Chapman Carroll, ‘75, Board Chair Jonathan Gibralter, President

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Teach-out videos posted, upcoming events, manhattanville university named teach-out and legacy partner for wells college.

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Wells College faces significant financial challenges. We conducted a comprehensive review of the institution’s financial health and future sustainability, including an independent analysis, which has led to the necessary conclusion of closure. Many small colleges, like Wells, grapple with enormous financial challenges and the pandemic has exacerbated these issues. This includes a nationwide shrinking pool of undergraduate students, inflationary pressures and negative sentiments towards higher education.

The Board and college leadership have taken decisive actions to address the institution’s financial challenges. This includes creating and executing aggressive strategic plans with faculty, staff, and graduates; streamlining the academic programs; seeking donor support; selling non-essential properties; introducing new revenue-bearing options such as workforce and educational partnerships and online learning for graduates; and implementing new marketing and recruitment initiatives and strategies. While some of these initiatives had positive impacts, the sum of these efforts was insufficient to improve financial projections.

The College saw no likelihood of such significant fundraising goals being achieved year after year, nor the likelihood that new revenues could be identified in sufficient amounts and quickly enough to save the College. Fundraising helps to support the College, but the board recognizes that it cannot carry the College. Wells had already raised its fundraising goal for 2023-2024 above prior years’ achievements. These fundraising goals would have required more than double the goal to make possible, not certain, another year of operation. That doubled goal of approximately $12 million would have had to be sustained for several years unless other revenues could be identified.

The Board’s plan includes a continuing commitment from the Wells College Alumni Association (WCA). Key individuals from the board and the WCA will work together in the coming months to secure the legacy of Wells College and share those opportunities in the future. Wells has selected a legacy partner institution, which will honor and preserve the legacy of the College for years to come.

Determining the future of the college’s campus and other real estate is currently under consideration. The Board will collaborate with village, county, and state attorney general and relevant local associations to make informed decisions.

Wells has selected a legacy institution partner in Manhattanville University. This institution will plan to house various materials including transcripts, business records and other important artifacts.

The board and its advisors have been working diligently to understand all options. Once the board voted to close the College, it is our obligation to communicate with our community in a timely manner. Making the announcement when students are present gives us the best opportunity to provide counseling and support and to make services available in person. Each student will have personal advising to plan for their degree path and the College will communicate directly with students for those advising appointments.

The College will assist students in graduating or continuing their studies elsewhere and outline a clear pathway to earn their degrees. A formal institutional teach-out plan, required by accrediting bodies, will guide the closure to minimize its impact on students. Specific information will be shared with impacted members of our community this week.

Over the next several weeks and months, we will be working with employees to provide them with resources and support as they depart the institution.

We appreciate you reaching out to learn how to share your job openings with our staff. It’s wonderful to hear from the community and the willingness to assist. Wells College is partnering with the Department of Labor to host an on-site Job Fair on Wednesday, May 22. Employers and job placement agencies interested in attending to recruit faculty and staff should complete a registration form . Please email [email protected] for further questions. We appreciate your understanding as we work out these details. We also encourage you to reach out to our employees to share job opportunities. You’ll find the names, job titles, and emails of our employees within our campus directory.

The Wells in Florence program is going to be continued by our preferred legacy partner, Manhattanville University. Students who are currently enrolled or were planning to enroll in the program will receive specific follow up information.

College officials are working with the New York Attorney General to determine next steps for the property.

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• university of new orleans
• campus news
• college sports executive kiki baker barnes tells uno graduates be

CAMPUS NEWS: MAY 10, 2024

Commencement 2024, college sports executive kiki baker barnes tells uno graduates be ‘ready to embrace the unexpected’.

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College sports executive and University of New Orleans alumna Kiki Baker Barnes gave the commencement address at the University’s spring 2024 commencement ceremony held Thursday, May 9.

College sports executive and University of New Orleans alumna Kiki Baker Barnes, who holds both a bachelor’s degree and doctorate from UNO, knew without a doubt that she was a spectacular shooting guard. She’d excelled at the position all through high school, which is why she balked when her junior college basketball coach suggested she move to point guard.

The move felt like a setup for failure because handling the ball under pressure wasn’t her strength, Baker Barnes said Thursday at UNO’s Lakefront Arena where she delivered the keynote address during the spring commencement ceremony.

“This wasn’t just a change in position,” Baker Barnes said. “It was a transformation in role and mindset.”

She resisted—despite her coach’s insistence that her height and quickness would make her a formidable point guard and could help get her to the next level of the game.

She complained—repeatedly—to herself, said Baker Barnes who, in 2022, became the first African American woman commissioner in the history of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and in any conference in the history of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, an association founded in 1937 that includes more than 250-member institutions.

Her recurring complaint: “I don’t see why he’s making me do all of this. It’s not like there is a professional basketball league for women in the United States,” Baker Barnes recalled.

When Baker Barnes graduated high school in 1993, the WNBA did not exist. Her coach relented and moved her back to her more comfortable post of shooting guard.

Fast forward to 1997 when Baker Barnes had just completed her undergraduate degree at UNO, as well as a stellar collegiate basketball and track career. She was offered a tryout with the WNBA, the new women’s professional basketball league that would debut that year.

“I was ecstatic,” Baker Barnes said. “I made it through the first round of cuts. I was playing some of my best ball!”

She was cut in the second round and was devastated. Her college coach would tell her later that the scouts thought she was skilled, quick and athletic. However, they were looking for a point guard, Baker Barnes said.

She encouraged graduates to take three pivotal lessons from her story.

“First, understand that just because an opportunity isn’t visible right now, doesn’t mean it won’t emerge,” Baker Barnes said. “Let this inspire you to pursue your dream with an open heart and an eager mind, always ready to embrace the unexpected.”

Second, remember that preparation is your most reliable guide through the unknown, Baker Barnes said.

“Equip yourself not just for the paths you anticipate, but also for the unforeseen challenges that may arise,” she said.

Lastly, she urged graduates to embrace failure as a necessary chapter in their success story.

“The true test is not in avoiding failure but in how you respond to it … How you choose to move forward from these moments will shape your journey and define your legacy,” Baker Barnes said.

“Graduates … step boldly into the future, prepared for the unknown, resilient in the face of setbacks and always eager to turn hidden opportunities into triumphs.”

The 2024 graduating class hailed from 32 U.S. states and territories and 32 areas abroad.

During the commencement, UNO President Kathy Johnson presented Baker Barnes with a medallion as a symbol of the University’s gratitude and applauded the graduates for their perseverance.

“My deepest hope is that your education at the University of New Orleans will enable you to help change our world for the better as you enter into this next phase of your life, whether that entails a career, more school or public service,” Johnson said.

The next step for music studies major Kalif Brown is going on tour with entertainer Robin Barnes and the Fiya Birds, he said.

“I play drums, piano and I sing,” Brown said.

But first, he had to keep a promise to his mother and collect his college diploma, said Brown, who carried a mortar board decorated with family photos.

“This is everybody who has helped me get to this point so far. You see a lot of pictures of my mom on here, that’s because my mom had me at 16 years old and I know I made (her life) a little more complicated,” Brown said. “One thing she always said is that she wanted to see me walk across the stage, and I promised her that I would do that.”

Meanwhile, Julia Mai plans to parlay her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences to become a physician assistant. Mai, who started a pre-PA club at UNO, is headed to graduate school to pursue a Master of Physician Assistant Studies.

Mai said she’s excited for what the future holds for her and for the future of the career support organization she helped to start.

“I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Michael Doosey for not only being the best club adviser ever, but for also being a huge advocate for the club since the start,” Mai said. “I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the UNO Pre-PA Club!”

English major Whittinee Cox’s mortar board perhaps proclaimed a sentiment held by many of the graduates as they laughed and posed for selfies in groups, in front of their college banners and solo. The glittery mortar board stated: “There ain’t nothing gonna stop me NOW!”

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Where the Richest of the Rich Live: The 10 Most Expensive ZIP Codes for Homebuyers (and the Top Listing in Each)

If you want to house hunt like the ultrawealthy, we have the places to start your search.

Using Realtor.com® listing data, we’ve compiled the 10 most expensive ZIP codes in the country for homebuyers, along with the single priciest listing in each.

The results lack geographic diversity, to put it mildly. All 10 locations are in either California or the Hamptons on New York’s Long Island.

Still, the battle for listing price supremacy between Northern and Southern California presents some drama. In NorCal’s Silicon Valley, the ZIP code for Atherton has regularly topped lists of the most expensive—but it achieved only second place in our rankings.

Instead, a ZIP code in Newport Coast, CA , was rated as the most expensive, with a median list price of $11,678,350. A wealthy enclave within Orange County’s Newport Beach, the area is home to celebrities, including Vanessa Bryant , widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant .

Other notables in Newport Coast include Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine  and Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon .

To determine our list, we averaged the median monthly asking prices in every U.S. ZIP code in 2023. To eliminate outliers, we’ve included only ZIP codes with an average active listing count of 25 or more.

Here are the 10 priciest ZIP codes for homebuyers:

1. Newport Coast, CA: 92657

(Realtor.com)

Median list price: $11,678,350

2. Atherton, CA: 94027

(REaltor.com)

Median list price: $10,288,188

3. Beverly Hills, CA: 90210

Median list price: $9,503,004

4. Sagaponack, NY: 11962

Median list price: $9,443,646

5. Los Angeles, CA: 90077

Median list price: $8,851,000

6. Water Mill, NY: 11976

Median list price: $7,462,188

7. Malibu, CA: 90265

Median list price: $6,803,021

8. Santa Barbara, CA: 93110

Median list price: $6,731,146

9. Bridgehampton, NY: 11932

Median list price: $6,709,792

10. Montecito, CA: 93108

Median list price: $6,633,604

Keith Griffith is a journalist at Realtor.com. He covers the housing market and real estate trends.

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