College and Campus

• Is the size and location of the campus appealing?
• Is the character of the campus appealing?
• Do the programs and majors offered fit potential career interests?
• What type of orientation introduces a newcomer to campus life?
• Are there stimulating social and intellectual opportunities — lectures, debates, concerts? Are they well attended by faculty and students?
• Where do students live — on or off campus?
• What percentage of students return the following year?
• What is the graduation rate after 4 years? 6 years?

Teaching and Advising

• What is the average class size?
• Who teaches first-year classes — professors or teaching assistants?
• How much exposure to the most gifted faculty will students have in their first two years?
• How extensively does the college rely on part-time or adjunct faculty?
• Are faculty members available to talk to first-year students about their academic disciplines and provide career guidance?
• What kind of e-mail availability and office hours and do professors offer?
• How many students are assigned to an academic advisor? Will the advisor be a professor?
• Is good teaching valued and used as a criterion for tenure and promotion? Does the college offer resources to improve teaching?
• Does teaching include more than lecturing? Are students encouraged to work together, to discuss topics in class, to do self-directed independent projects?
• Can students work with a faculty member doing academic or scientific research while they are undergraduates?
• Do students participate in a senior seminar or design a senior project to demonstrate mastery of their major field of study?
• How is technology used in teaching and learning?

Support Services

• Does the college have a program to identify students having academic or personal issues, and programs to help them?
• Are tutors, skill centers, writing assistance, counselors provided?
• What kind of tools, resources and training does the library provide?
• What kind of technology (Wi-fi, laptops, computer labs etc.) is available or planned?

Beyond the Classroom

• What happens after class and on weekends?
• Do students take advantage of athletic, cultural, religious or other campus events?
• What kind of off-campus or study abroad programs does the college offer? What percentage of students participate?
• What internship or career exploration opportunities are available?
• What kinds of student organizations are on campus?

Values

• How does the college demonstrate a commitment to diversity?
• What opportunities are there for community service and/or religious activities?
• How do students treat each other?

Careers

• What services does the career development office provide?
• What kind of careers do alumni have?
• Do alumni help identify opportunities for recent grads?
• What kinds of networking opportunities exist for alumni?