As you visit colleges you will undoubtedly discover a great deal about what each has to offer. However, learning everything you need to know in order to make decisions means that you have to start by asking the right questions.    Here is a list of questions to get you started.  This is by no means the end of the questions you will ask.  These are simply meant as a starting point.  Only you know what you want from a college, so the bulk of your questions have to be your own.

Would I apply to a particular college/school/major within the university? If so, is it difficult to change schools/majors once enrolled?

What will the college offer to help me make career moves? 

If the representative is a graduate of the school, how did the college help him/her along in a career path?

What kind of advising can I expect as a student?

Do you offer the activities I am interested in pursuing?

What is special about your ____ major?  What career paths have these students pursued in the past?

Generally speaking, what academic standards make an applicant competitive for admission?

What safety precautions are taken on campus?

What is the size of the typical freshman classroom, and do professors teach these courses?

What is the retention rate and the graduation rate in four years?

Do you have an honors program, and what is the criteria for admission to it? Do you offer academic scholarships, and what is their criteria?

How diverse is the student body, and what organizations are set up to enrich cultural exposure and appreciation on campus?

What kinds of opportunities are available for abroad study, internships and research projects?

What are the current issues on campus?

What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of your college?

What scores are needed for credit on the AP exams?

What types of housing options are available to first year students?  Are there any specialty housing options such as substance free residences?

How is the technology on campus?  Are there any restrictions concerning a student’s use of computers?