Here are some potential questions to consider raising on your next campus visit. What questions would you add that reflect your own priorities or interests?
College and campus
- How would you describe the character of the campus?
- What type of orientation introduces a newcomer to campus life?
- Where do students live — on or off campus?
- Are there stimulating social and intellectual opportunities — lectures, debates, concerts? Are they well attended by faculty and students?
- What percentage of students return the following year?
- What is the graduation rate after 4 years? 6 years?
Students
- How welcoming is your campus to diverse populations?
- What resources do you have to help first generation students?
- How many students are from Minnesota, other states or other countries?
- How do students treat each other?
Teaching and advising
- What is the average class size? What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
- What can you tell me about the major I'm interested in?
- Do professors or graduate assistants teach first-year classes and labs?
- 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 availability do professors offer?
- Will I have an academic advisor? How many students are assigned to one advisor? Will the advisor be a professor?
- Is excellent teaching valued and used as factor in awarding tenure and promotion? Does the college offer resources to improve teaching?
- Does teaching include more than lecturing?
- Are students encouraged to work together, discuss topics in class or do self-directed independent projects?
- Are undergraduate students able to work with faculty on academic or scientific research?
- 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?
- What clubs and activities are students involved in?
- What kinds of student organizations are on campus?
- What kind of off-campus or study abroad programs does the college offer? What percentage of students participate?
- What opportunities are there for community service and/or religious activities?
Career services
- What internship or career exploration opportunities are available?
- Do the programs and majors offered fit potential career interests?
- What services does the career development office provide?
- What kind of careers do alumni have?
- Do alumni help identify opportunities for recent grads?
Paying for college
- What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available?
- What percentage of students receive financial aid? On average, how much?
- What jobs are available on and off campus?