30 questions to ask your college admissions rep

Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make, and it all starts with finding the right admissions rep.

College admissions reps play a critical role in guiding you through the application process and helping you make the right choice when it comes to your education. They are there to answer your questions, offer advice and address any concerns you may have.

In this blog post, we've made a list of 30 questions to ask your college admissions rep. These questions will help you gain deeper insight into the admissions process, and make a more informed decision when it comes time to choose the college that is right for you.

1. What sets this college apart from other colleges?

This question will help you understand what makes the college unique, and what it has to offer that sets it apart from other colleges. Every college is a little different – some have powerful STEM programs while others are strong in liberal arts. Get a good understanding of what the college or university brings to the table and if it fits your educational goals. 

2. What kind of support services does this college offer students?

College is a time to connect and build a social circle that will sustain you for the rest of your life. This question is essential in finding out what kind of support and resources are available to you as a student. Understand what the college can do to help you be as successful as possible in your studies. 

3. What is the student-to-faculty ratio?

Small class sizes mean more personal attention for you. Knowing the student-to-faculty ratio is important in understanding how much individual attention and interaction you could expect from your professors. Asking about the student-to-faculty ratio helps you to gauge how you will be supported. 

4.  What is the average class size?

This question helps you understand the learning environment you’ll soon be in and what the classroom experience will be like. Bigger universities often have much larger class sizes, especially in first year and sophomore classes. You may thrive in a bigger setting, or you may prefer smaller class sizes that give you a front-row seat. 

5. What is the acceptance rate?

Some schools are more competitive than others. Understanding the acceptance rate can give you an indication of how competitive the admissions process is and how you compare with other applicants. Understanding the acceptance rate will also help you to understand what may be required of you when you apply for college. 

6. What are the residence halls like?

Understanding your living space can make a big difference in your college experience. Living on campus can be a great experience, so knowing about the residence halls and housing options is important. Different halls can have different personalities. You may prefer a quieter, study-centric space or one that is more social. 

7. What is the average cost of attendance, and is financial assistance available?

Cost is the No. 1 topic on student’s minds. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the cost and if financial assistance is offered. This will help you plan and budget accordingly. Ask questions about scholarships that are offered, as well as important deadlines for the FAFSA. 

8. What are the deadlines for applying?

Knowing the application deadlines is crucial in ensuring that you don't miss any opportunities. A college admissions rep can be especially helpful for this – they can keep you on track for things like application deadlines and when to fill out your FAFSA. Talk to them often and early to make sure you are keeping pace with the admissions process. 

9. Are there any admissions requirements?

Different colleges have their own unique admissions requirements, and it’s important to know them to make sure you are eligible for admission. Some schools require test scores, while others do not. Understanding admissions requirements helps you to budget your time wisely during the decision process. 

10. What is the accessibility of the campus?

Having an accessible campus is not just important for students with disabilities, but it’s also an indicator of a well-maintained institution. Accessibility means physical support like ramps and lifts. It also means accommodations including mental health services. Ask questions about specific accommodations – well-prepared schools will be ready to help you thrive in the academic setting. 

11. What are the campus safety and security measures?

Your safety is vital, and understanding the campus’ security measures can help you feel more secure. Ask questions about campus security measures including lighting, safe rides and video surveillance. Schools are also required to post their crime statistics. Take a look at them to better understand potential issues. 

12. What is the average graduation rate?

Knowing the graduation rate will give you an idea of whether students are completing their degree programs. High graduation rates are the result of specific efforts by the university and its programs to keep students engaged. Opportunities like undergraduate research and internships are good indicators that the university takes persistence to graduation seriously. 

13. What is the school's retention rate?

Knowing the retention rate will give you an idea of the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year, and ultimately, their graduation rate. Schools with good retention rates take your academic success seriously. Ask questions about what the school does to intervene if a student is struggling in classes. Early action can save your academic career!

14. What is the student culture like on campus?

Understanding the student culture and campus life can help you envision your future life as a student at the college. Student culture includes opportunities like student clubs, Greek life, intramurals, student government and more. Some schools have a big sports presence and football. Some schools have robust arts programming. 

15. What are the most popular majors on campus?

It’s important to know which majors are the most popular because it impacts a variety of factors, including class size, availability of resources and the competitiveness of admission. Some schools have major STEM programs, while others are more focused on liberal arts. Ask questions about the largest majors on campus. 

16. What clubs and organizations are available on campus?

Getting involved in clubs and organizations on campus can make your college experience more memorable, so knowing what’s available is essential. Joining a club will help you to build a sense of community and research shows that students who participate in clubs and activities are more likely to persist to graduation and have higher GPAs. 

17. Can you connect me with current students or alumni?

Hearing from current students and alumni is a great way to get the inside scoop on campus life and academics. Ask your rep if you can speak to current students that are studying in your major or participating in clubs you are interested in joining. Another positive to connecting with current students is that you will know people on campus once you start attending. 

18. Are there any unique programs or scholarships that this college is known for?

Knowing about unique programs and scholarships can inform your decision-making process and give you an edge in the admissions process. You may be considering a STEM degree like engineering or a health professions career like nursing. Finding a school with a strong presence in your desired program can ensure you have a good experience and reduce the risk of transferring later. 

19. What opportunities are available for internships, study abroad, research and other experiential learning opportunities?

Your college experience is so much more than just your time in the classroom. Knowing about these kinds of opportunities can give you a better sense of the type of experiential learning you could gain during your time at the institution. Ask your rep about opportunities like study abroad and how you can get plugged in to them. Another important opportunity is undergraduate research, where you will work closely with a professor to deepen the body of knowledge in your major. These can be very rewarding and give you professional opportunities that other students may not have. 

20. What kind of campus resources are available to support mental health and well-being?

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being, so knowing what support resources are available is essential. Ask your rep about mental health resources on campus like a counseling center, telehealth and other services. Some schools even offer mindfulness and meditation training.

21. What are the campus food options?

Food is an essential aspect of the college experience, so knowing what food options are available and their quality can help you make an informed decision. Ask about dining options and plans to pay. Nutritious food is brainpower that can help you do well in your classes. Ask about the different dining options on campus. 

22. Are there any amenities or facilities available for recreational and physical activities?

Physical activity is important, and having amenities like a gym or recreational facilities can help you live a healthy lifestyle. Most campuses have a recreation center. Ask your rep about the different programs they offer, including classes and trainers. You may also ask about intramural sports – this is an opportunity to participate in team sports with your peers. 

23. What is the makeup of the student body in terms of demographics?

College is a time to broaden your horizons, as well as to connect with students who might share common experiences with you. Understanding the student body’s diversity can impact your overall experience on campus and the type of community you can expect. Ask questions about campus demographics, as well as clubs and opportunities. 

24. Is there support and resources available for commuter students?

If you’re planning on commuting, it’s important to know if there are resources and support services available to make your college experience more comfortable and streamlined. Support for commuter students includes different meal plans, parking and opportunities to get connected on campus. 

25. What are some common mistakes students make during the application process?

Learning from common application mistakes – like missing deadlines or not getting your transcripts – can help you improve your own application and increase your chances of getting accepted. Ask your rep for tips and tricks to ace your application. You’ve got this!

26. Are classes taught mostly by professors or teaching assistants?

Asking this question shows your interest in academics and will help you find out exactly who is teaching your classes. Use this question to figure out how to get in touch with your professors, and if they have open office hours where you could stop by for support.

27. How do students get around campus?

Understanding how students get around campus can help you make an informed decision about where you want to go to school. What modes of transportation are available? Do students walk, ride bikes, take the bus or drive their own cars? This information can give you an idea of how walkable campus is and how you might get to and from class.

28. What are the big campus social events?

Learning about the big campus activities and events can help you gauge how active campus is and where and when you might want to participate. If there are events for causes you're passionate about, like sustainability or voter rights, you may want to join in. If you're interested in concerts or speakers, learning how many events happen a semester can give you an idea of what activities you can attend.

29. How are roommates assigned?

Your roommates might be the first friends you make in college, or they might be people you know from high school who are attending the university you are. Finding out how roommates are assigned will help you prepare for life on campus.

30. What made you want to work for this college?

By asking this, you'll discover what makes the college special and unique. You'll gain insight into the campus culture and into your admissions representative. You'll hear from someone first hand what it's like to be part of the college or university.

Choosing the right college is an important decision, and your admissions rep can be a great resource in helping you make the right choice. By asking the right questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the admissions process. We hope that our list of 30 questions to ask your college admissions rep provides you with the information and insight you need to choose the college that is right for you.

Central Michigan University wants you to have an excellent college experience. Connect with one of our admissions reps today to start asking questions.