What Questions Should You Ask at College Information Sessions?
Jump to a list of what questions to ask at an info session! Juniors | Seniors | Financial Aid | Academics | Career Services
What is a college information session?
A college information session is something you’ll experience countless times during your search. Whether they’re online or in person, hosted by students or admissions counselors, they may appear to be just more information overload, especially after a tour. Information sessions, though, can be make or break for you. They hold facts about the specific college that admissions thinks are the most important and want you to leave remembering. So what can you ask or do to make the most out of the information sessions you’re attending?
Who's at an info session? Why do info sessions matter?
Let’s start with a refresher on what information sessions are. If you haven’t been to one and are considering signing up, they’re usually held in addition to campus tours in a place of significance on campus and they highlight specific programs, classes, and opportunities. Prospective students and their families are usually the ones in attendance, but new hires and admissions staff will also likely be there. That’s a sign that the speech you’re about to be given is valuable - the information shared is the kind of things they want new staff to know about the college. So students attending should pay attention too!
Why go to an info session?
Why go to an information session at all? At many colleges, they’re optional, and you might feel that you know enough already without having to listen to more data and stories. Again, though, the things being highlighted at information sessions are often much more specific than what’s said on tours. You’ll hear about research, internships, clubs, and other academic opportunities, but arguably the most valuable part of information sessions is the chance to ask questions. On tours, with the bustle of walking and the large number of people, along with a script that needs to be stuck to, you might not get a chance to ask your questions or feel that they’re fully answered. The students or staff giving your information session will be able to answer questions from you - or your parents - that are specific to your interests and programs. And at the end of the session, you’ll usually get contact information from the admissions counselor for your specific area and potentially meet them as well, which can give you further contact within the admissions department.
How to prepare for an info session
Before we get into what you should ask, let’s talk for a moment about what to do to prepare. You’ve decided to attend an information session and have registered for it, put it in your calendar, and are excited to hear more about this college. What’s next? Some light research will put you ahead — you can peruse the college’s website to find answers to some of your questions as well as discover programs or professors you might want to hear more about. Usually you’ll be able to find answers to whether the college accepts AP and/or transfer credits, how many students are in each class, what the retention rate is, whether there’s Greek Life — all great questions which can be answered ahead of time. Once you’ve looked into the website a bit, you’ll probably have a list of specific questions — write these down and take them with you to the information session!
How to approach asking questions at an info session
Once you get to the information session, best practice is to not ask questions while it’s being given. Most likely, there will be time reserved at the end for questions. So, now what do you ask? The first thing to consider is how big of a school and, therefore, an audience there is. If you’re at a big school, you’ll want to keep your questions more general and ask your specific questions to a specific counselor afterwards. At a smaller school, though, specific questions are often encouraged — they might ask prospective students their interests before even giving the session so they can tailor it to the audience. Feel free to go in on some of the details.
General Questions for Juniors to Ask
These are the type most likely to be answered during the tour or information session themselves, but if they aren’t, are important to have an answer to. These include application questions, ones that might affect how you write your essay or what tests you sign up for. This section is designed for juniors who have time to take standardized tests and have not yet applied.
Is there any advantage to applying Early Decision/Early Action?
What’s the difference between Early Decision I and Early Decision II?
What are the acceptance rates for students who apply early decision vs. students who apply regular decision?
What standardized tests are required for admissions? Does it help to take more tests than those that are required?
How are standardized tests factored into admissions decisions?
How important is GPA or class rank in admissions decisions?
How important are extracurricular activities? Are there certain activities that you like to see more than others?
How do you look at students who have part-time jobs?
How many admissions officers read each application? How often do you make admissions decisions by committee?
In your opinion, what makes a good college essay?
How many letters of recommendation are required? Who should I ask to write on my behalf? Can I send additional letters of recommendation?
Do you look at art or music supplements?
What does your ideal applicant look like?
What are some common mistakes that you see students make on their applications?
Do you have any samples of applications or essays that you really liked?
General Questions for Seniors to Ask
These are geared towards seniors in high school who may have already applied, are on their second visit, or even have been accepted. Information sessions are still vital for these students as you’re probably deciding what college is the right fit for you and why. Ask questions like these to gauge what your life might be like if you choose this school.
How would you describe the average student here?
What percentage of students are involved in athletics?
How many students study away?
What is the most popular major here?
Can students work on campus?
How many students are involved in Greek Life?
What would you say are the school’s strengths?
How does your school demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
How accessible are administrators?
What would you say could be improved here?
Do teaching assistants teach classes?
What makes the student body unique?
Is it easy to get around on campus?
How do students interact with the surrounding community?
Is there a lot of school spirit?
Do students live on campus all four years?
How many clubs exist on campus?
Have most of the facilities been updated/renovated recently?
How many students graduate within four years?
Financial Aid Questions to Ask
These kinds of questions are also really important. Whether you want to ask these in the session or afterwards, you shouldn’t leave these questions unanswered!
Do you consider whether a student is applying for financial aid when you make your admissions decisions?
How much demonstrated need is met?
What kinds of financial aid are offered?
What are the requirements for need-based aid and for merit-based aid?
On average, how much debt do students have when they graduate?
What percentage of students graduate with debt?
What is work-study like on campus?
Are jobs available on campus to students who don’t qualify for work-study?
Is there a tuition payment plan to pay monthly installments? If so, what are the fees for this service?
If I don’t apply for financial aid this year, will it affect eligibility for financial aid in the future?
Do you meet full financial need for all four years?
Do you have front-loading grants or will there be a similar financial aid package all four years?
Are outside scholarships accepted?
How does the financial aid application process differ for early admission students?
If the financial aid offered is insufficient, do you accept appeals?
Academics-Related Questions to Ask
The reason you go to college is to take classes, so make sure you get any and all questions you have about academics answered! This is a great spot to ask degree-specific questions as well, and where your prior research will pay off. Demonstrating your interest in a school is an important part of the admissions process, and knowing what you’re asking about is a great way to do this.
Are students able to take most of their first-choice classes?
Are classes lecture-based or discussion-based?
How much collaborative work is typically done?
What is the academic advising process like?
What kinds of on-campus tutoring programs exist?
Are there writing/math/language help centers?
Do you have distribution requirements or core classes?
How big are classes?
What is the teacher-student ratio?
Do departments require a thesis or capstone projects?
Do professors do research? And do they involve students?
Career Services Questions to Ask
While this might not be the first thing on your mind to ask about, finding a job after college is a process that you’ll need help with! Many colleges have career services which they’ll highlight in the tour or information session, but it can’t hurt to ask more and have a full picture of the services offered.
How many students typically pursue internships?
How do students find internships?
Does the college provide any financial support for students in unpaid internships?
Is there a co-op program here?
Are there opportunities to build leadership skills on campus?
What options exist for service learning here?
Do employers recruit students on campus?
How easy is it to find summer jobs/internships through the school?
Who are some notable graduates from here?
How visible/active is the alumni association on campus?
Do you have experiential learning opportunities?
Big Takeaways about College Info Sessions
Sign up for information sessions!
Do some research beforehand to answer some questions and develop more.
Cater the questions you ask to the audience/college.
Get contact information so that you can ask more questions over email if you have them!
TAKE NOTES! You’re likely getting a lot of information from a bunch of different colleges right now — taking notes will help you distinguish them when the time comes to choose a school AND you won’t have to re-ask questions.
Have fun! The college search is long and stressful but it should also be exciting.
