30 Questions to Ask on a Campus Visit

by Misty Frederick-Ritz
South Hills Director of Marketing

Winter and spring are the times of the year when many high school students and their parents visit various campuses to help them choose a post-secondary school.

When you visit any campus, it’s a perfect time to ask questions to help you decide if the school is a good match for you. Take advantage of opportunities to speak with faculty; financial aid representatives; admissions representatives; alumni and current students. The more you know about the programs, expectations, student life and the learning environment, the more confident you can be about your choices and investment in education.

Not sure what to ask? We’ve put together a list of some common questions to help you make the most of your visit:

30 Questions to Ask on a Campus Visit

ACADEMICS

• What is a typical class size?
• What is considered to be a passing grade?
• How many students are typically accepted into the program I’m pursuing?
• How much time will I spend doing homework or doing projects outside of class?
• Are there tutors or other academic resources available?
• Are the classes mostly lecture, hands-on, team projects, or lab work?
• Are there capstone projects, graduate portfolios, internships or other major requirements to complete before graduation?
• What practical or industry experience does the faculty have within the fields they teach?
• What makes people choose this school/program?
• How long does it take to complete the program?

 
STUDENT LIFE

• What types of student clubs and activities are available?
• What percentage of students are recent high school graduates vs. returning adult students?
• Will I be able to work while going to school?
• What is the relationship like between students and faculty/staff?  Other students?

 
CAMPUS/FACILITIES

• Do I have to pay for parking? How much parking is available?
• Will I need a personal computer or are there computers available for students to use outside of class time?
• Where do most of the students live while attending school? If I need housing, what resources are available to help me?
• Where do students typically eat or take breaks?  What are food and beverages available on campus?  Is there a cafeteria?  A place to store or prepare food for commuting students?

 
ADMISSIONS

• What steps are involved in the admissions process?
• What kind of admissions tests do I have to take?
• Do you require a minimum SAT score for acceptance?
• What if I don’t know which program is best for me?  Can you help me decide?
• Can credits be transferred from other schools/to other schools?

 
FINANCIAL AID

• What financial aid options are available to me?
• Which financial aid forms need to be completed and what are the submission deadlines?
• Does the school offer scholarships?  If so, how do you apply and who did I see to get information?
• Does the school participate in federal and state aid programs?
• What is the total cost of the program?

 
CAREER SERVICES

• Do you help students and alumni with job search assistance and leads?
• What kinds of jobs do graduates of the program of my choice obtain once they complete their degrees?

 
If you don’t get all of your questions answered during your visit, don’t be afraid to follow up with an email or phone call to the school OR arrange for an individual visit to focus on your unique situation. You can reach us here at South Hills by phone toll-free at 1-888-282-7427 or by email at admissions@southhills.edu.