College Interview

Not all schools require or offer an interview. However, if you are offered an interview, use this one-on-one time to evaluate the college in detail and to sell yourself to the admission officer. The following list of questions can help you collect the information you may need to know.

How many students apply each year? How many are accepted?
What are the average GPA and average ACT Assessment or SAT I score(s) for those accepted?
How many students in last year’s freshman class returned for their sophomore year?
What is the school’s procedure for credit for Advanced Placement high school courses?
As a freshman, will I be taught by professors or teaching assistants?
How many students are there per teacher?
When is it necessary to declare a major?
Is it possible to have a double major or to declare a major and a minor?
What are the requirements for the major in which I am interested?
How does the advising system work?
Does this college offer study abroad, cooperative programs, or academic honors programs?
What is the likelihood, due to overcrowding, of getting closed out of the courses I need?
What technology is available, and what are any associated fees?
How well equipped are the libraries and laboratories?
Are internships available?
How effective is the job placement service of the school?
What is the average class size in my area of interest?
Have any professors in my area of interest recently won any honors or awards?
What teaching methods are used in my area of interest (lecture, group discussion, fieldwork)?
How many students graduate in four years in my area of interest?
What are the special requirements for graduation in my area of interest?
What is the student body like? Age? Sex? Race? Geographic origin?
What percentage of students live in dormitories? Off-campus housing?
What percentage of students go home for the weekend?
What are some of the regulations that apply to living in a dormitory?
What are the security precautions taken on campus and in the dorms?
Is the surrounding community safe?
Are there problems with drug and alcohol abuse on campus?
Do faculty members and students mix on an informal basis?
How important are the arts to student life?
What facilities are available for cultural events?
How important are sports to student life?
What facilities are available for sporting events?
What percentage of the student body belongs to a sorority/fraternity?
What is the relationship between those who belong to the Greek system and those who don’t?
Are students involved in the decision-making process at the college? Do they sit on major committees?
In what other activities can students get involved?
What percentage of students receive financial aid based on need?
What percentage of students receive scholarships based on academic ability?
What percentage of a typical financial aid offer is in the form of a loan?
If my family demonstrates financial need on the FAFSA (and PROFILE®, if applicable), what percentage of the established need is generally awarded?
How much did the college increase the cost of room, board, tuition, and fees from last year?
Do opportunities for financial aid, scholarships, or work-study increase each year?
When is the admission application deadline?
When is the financial aid application deadline?
When will I be notified of the admission decision?
If there is a deposit required, is it refundable?

Keep in mind that you don’t need to ask all these questions—in fact, some of them may have already been answered for you in the catalog, on the Web site, or in the interview. Ask only the questions for which you still need answers.