Questions to Ask on Your College Tour

Academics

1. What are the most popular majors here?
2. What general education or core curriculum requirements do all undergraduate students need to complete? 
3. How easy is it to switch majors if a student changes their mind?
4. What is the average class size, especially for introductory courses and by college or school at the university?
5. Are professors accessible outside of class for help?
6. What tutoring or academic support services are available, and is there an additional cost?
7. How can students access syllabi before registering for courses?
8. How competitive is class registration and how easy is it to enroll in required courses? Who has priority registration and what is the process to gain the same priority registration? 
9. How can students tell which courses are available in-person, online, or in a hybrid model?
10. Are there research or internship opportunities for undergraduates?
11. Some colleges now offer a 3+1 or 4+1 bachelors and master’s degree. Do they offer this and what are the options if you’re considering it?
12. Are there honors programs and what are the requirements for admission? 
13. If your student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 in high school, do they have support services/accommodations for these students?
14. Do they have study abroad options, if your student is interested in that?

Campus Life & Student Experience

1. What’s a typical day like for a student here?
2. What kind of clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities are available?
3. What do students do for fun on weekends?
4. How is the campus social scene—are there lots of events and activities?
5. What are the biggest traditions or events on campus? 
6. Do most students stay on campus over the weekend or go home?
7. What work / work study options are available? Is academic credit available for working internships? If so, what are the criteria?

Housing & Dining

1. What are the dorms like, and are freshmen required to live on campus?
2. Will my student have a same-sex roommate?
3. What happens if a student has a conflict with their roommate?
4. Are the bathrooms single sex or co-ed?
5. How’s the food, and what are the meal plan options?
6. Are there off-campus housing options, and is it affordable?
7. How easy is it to get around campus without a car?
8. How is on-campus housing assigned after freshman year?

Support & Resources

1. What kind of academic support services are available (tutoring, writing centers, etc.)? How often can students meet with their academic advisor, and what is the process for scheduling meetings? Are there additional academic advisors available within specific colleges or schools at the university?
2. How does the university support undecided students in choosing a major?
3. What kind of career services does the school offer, and how successful are graduates in finding jobs?
4. How safe is the campus, and what security measures are in place?
5. What mental health and counseling services are available to students?

Financial & Future Considerations

1. What are the scholarship and financial aid options?
2. What are the critical dates for scholarship and financial aid applications? 
3. Do you offer both merit and need-based scholarships?
4. What percentage of students graduate in four years, and what’s the job placement rate after graduation?
5. How does the university help students build a professional network before graduation?

Freedom of Speech & Campus Expression

1. How does the university handle controversial speakers or topics?
2. Are there any restrictions on free speech, such as designated free speech zones?
3. Have there been any major free speech controversies on campus recently?
4. How does the administration balance free speech with maintaining an inclusive environment?
5. Are student organizations allowed to express diverse political and social views without administrative interference?
6. What is the university policy on protests?
7. How does the university handle claims of discrimination?

Women in Sports & Title IX

1. What are the university bathroom policies and are males who self-identify as women allowed in women’s bathrooms? 
2. How does the university support women’s athletics compared to men’s teams? 
3. Are there equal scholarship opportunities for female and male athletes?
4. What resources are available for female athletes (facilities, coaching staff, etc.)? 
5. How does the school ensure compliance with Title IX regarding sports and campus policies?
6. Have there been any recent Title IX investigations or controversies on campus?
7. Are males allowed to participate on teams for female athletes or allowed to use female locker rooms?