Questions to ask the Admissions Office 

• What support programs do you offer for new students, such as tutoring, mentoring, or first-year experience classes?
• What are two or three things that make your college different from others in this region—especially when it comes to student support, affordability, or job outcomes?
• Can you share any recent rankings, awards, or recognitions that your academic departments have received in the past two years?
• How do you help students who are undecided about their major explore different academic and career paths before they have to choose?
• What are the top three most popular majors at your college, and what kinds of jobs or internships do students usually get after graduating from each one?
• What kinds of jobs are available on campus, and how do I apply for one?

Questions to Ask the Career Services Office

• What kind of job search help do you offer for students?
• How many career fairs do you hold each year, and who comes to them?
• What partnerships do you have with local companies or organizations for student internships or job placement, and how many students participated last year?
• Can you give examples of where students in my intended major have gotten internships in the last year?
• Do you have any programs that connect students with alumni or mentors in their career field, and how do students join those programs?
• What specific support do you offer for international students or first-generation college students looking for internships or jobs?

Questions to Ask the Financial Aid Office

• How many students get need-based financial aid, and what is the average amount?
• Can you explain exactly how FAFSA works and what happens if my family’s income changes?
• What are the names of scholarships available to new students, and how do I apply for them?
• What specific help is available if I lose my housing or can’t afford meals or transportation?
• Is there an emergency fund? How much does it give, and how do students apply for it?
• How does suspending my studies for a semester or a year affect me?

Questions to Ask the Registrar’s Office

• Can you explain how many credits I can transfer, and which classes will count toward my degree here?
• What is the maximum number of transfer credits you accept, and will they show up on my transcript right away?
• What happens if my transcripts are in another language?
• Can I get college credit for work I’ve done, like job training or certifications, and how do I apply for that?
• Do you accept credits from military training or service, and what documents do I need to send for that?
• If I already speak another language, can I take a language proficiency test to earn college credit?

Questions to Ask the International Students Office

• What specific programs or staff do you have to support international students?
• What English language test scores do I need for admission, and what happens if I’m below the score?
• What office or staff helps international students with visas, taxes, and travel rules?
• What kind of work options are available to international students during school and after graduation?
• When will you send the Form I-20 for the visa, and what documents do I need to get it?
• Do you know of any funding programs or scholarships available in my home country for students going abroad?