What are some of the questions worth asking?

Hi Natalie! Remember when we were looking at colleges? We learned it’s not just about where you can go—it’s about finding the place that’s right for you.

Yes! And asking the right questions really helped me decide. You don’t just want simple answers like “yes” or “we have that”—you want to know how things work and what colleges offer.

Exactly! Let’s share the best questions we asked—ones that helped us get real answers.

Questions About Admissions

Here are some 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?

Also ask:

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 About Career Services

Career planning starts early! Ask:

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?

Also ask:

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 About Money

Don’t be shy—money questions are important! Ask:

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?

And for emergencies:

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?

About Transfer Credits

Here are questions students should 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?

Great questions! Here are other questions about getting credit for life experience:

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 for International Students

If you’re coming from another country, ask:

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?

And don’t forget:

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?

Final Advice

Don’t settle for short answers. Ask for examples, names, numbers—anything that helps you really picture what your life there would be like.

Yep! Choosing a college is a big step, and you deserve clear answers. Keep asking questions until it all makes sense.

And always stay in touch with admissions, financial aid, and student services—they’re your team.

You’re not just picking a school—you’re picking your future. Ask many questions, and you’ll find the place that fits you.

Now that you’ve learned the questions worth asking, it’s time to explore how colleges work in the U.S.

Learn about how colleges work in the U.S.!

If you’d like more information, feel free to reach out to Kean University. (Kean and NJCU signed an agreement to merge the two universities by July 2026. More information here).

Kean Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Kean Office of Career Services

Kean Office of Financial Aid Office

Kean Office of the Registrar

Kean Center for International Studies

Questions Worth Asking

Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only. It does not provide advice on individual cases, nor should users expect it to expedite or influence the admissions process at any institution. The site does not reflect the official views or policies of Kean University.