Questions You Should Ask in a College Interview

Gone are the days when the college interviewer had all the questions to ask. Presently, college students are expected to ask questions. It’s a two-way street! This is your chance to get to know the college just as much as they’re getting to know you. Hence, this article on questions to ask in a college interview.

If you ask for clarification on any subject you do not quite understand. This gives the interviewer the impression that you did your due diligence. So, besides answering their questions and showing off your fantastic self, you should also have some questions ready for them. That way, you can determine if that college is the perfect fit for you.

However, there are dos and don’ts to this. In this article, we have explained all you need to know about questions you should ask in a college interview. Read slowly yet ready to ask insightful questions and impress everyone!

50+ questions to ask in a college interview
Is it Okay to Ask My College Interviewer Questions?
Here are Some Tips For Asking Questions in A College Interview:
Are There Questions I Shouldn’t Ask My College Interviewer?
Sample On How to Ask Questions in a College Interview
- Here are some additional tips for writing an introduction for questions to ask in a college interview:
Questions students should expect in a college interview
Tips on How to Answer College Interview Questions
FAQs on Questions to ask in a college interview
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

50+ questions to ask in a college interview

Here are some questions you can ask during a college interview:

About the college:

What are the most popular majors at the college?
What are the most popular extracurricular activities?
How is the student body like?
What are the college’s strengths and weaknesses?
What are the college’s plans for the future?

Academics:

Can you tell me more about the academic resources and support available to students?
Are there opportunities for undergraduate research or internships in my field of interest?
How accessible are professors for questions and discussions outside of class?
Can you describe the class sizes and student-faculty ratio?
Are there any unique or distinctive academic programs or initiatives the college offers?

About the program

What are the requirements for the program?
What are the opportunities for research and internships?
Career prospects for graduates of the program?
What are the faculty like?
What are the facilities like?

Campus Life:

What is the campus community like, and what social activities are available to students?
Can you tell me more about the housing options and the residential life experience?
Are clubs, organizations, or student-led initiatives particularly active or popular on campus?
How do students typically spend their free time or weekends?
What recreational facilities or opportunities are available on or near campus?

Career and Internship Support:

How does the college assist students in their career development and job placement?
Are there opportunities for internships, co-op programs, or experiential learning in my field of interest?
Can you provide examples of recent alumni who have found success in my desired career path?
Are there career fairs or networking events where students can connect with employers or professionals?

Campus Resources and Facilities:

What academic support services are available to students, such as tutoring or writing centers?
Are there health and wellness services on campus, including counseling or mental health resources?
Can you tell me about the library facilities, research resources, and technology available to students?
What resources or services does the college offer to support career development and job placement?

Campus Support:

What support services are available for students, such as academic advising, counseling, or health services?
Is there a dedicated office or support system for students with disabilities?
Is there a dedicated career center that helps students with internships, job searches, and post-graduation plans?
Are there mentoring or networking opportunities to connect with alumni or professionals in my field?

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities:

Does the college have study abroad programs, and what options are available for students?
Are there international exchange programs or partnerships with universities in other countries?
How does the college support students interested in global experiences or language immersion?
Can you share some examples of how studying abroad has positively impacted students’ academic and personal growth?
Are there specific scholarships or grants for which I can apply?
How does the college support students in finding part-time jobs or work-study opportunities on or off campus?

Ascertain School needs:

In your opinion, what are the character traits of a student who’d do well here?

Campus Diversity and Inclusion:

How does the college promote diversity and inclusivity on campus?
Are there specific programs or initiatives to support underrepresented groups?
How do students engage in conversations about diversity and social issues on campus?

About your interests:

How is this school dealing with [insert social cause you’re passionate about increasing diversity]?

Campus Safety and Security:

What measures does the college take to ensure campus safety and security?
Are there campus-wide emergency alert systems in place?
How does the college address issues of sexual assault and harassment?

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

What types of financial aid are available to students, including grants, scholarships, and loans?
How does the college assist students in navigating the financial aid application process?
Are there specific scholarships or grants for which I can apply based on my academic achievements or other factors?

Read: What Is the Hardest A-level Subjects Existing | Top 10 In 2024

Admissions and Application Process:

Are there any specific criteria or requirements for admission into certain programs or majors?
Can you provide insights into the application review process and how decisions are made?
How does the college consider demonstrated interest in the application process?
Are there any notable changes or updates in the admissions process or policies for the upcoming academic year?

Is it Okay to Ask My College Interviewer Questions?

Yes, it is perfectly okay to ask your college interviewer questions. It is encouraged! Asking questions shows that you are interested in the college and that you have done your research.

It also allows you to learn more about the college and the program you are interested in.

Here are Some Tips For Asking Questions in A College Interview:

Be specific. Don’t just ask, “What is the college like?” Ask specific questions about the college’s academic programs, extracurricular activities, or student body.

Preparation. Do your research on the college before the interview so you can ask informed questions.

Be engaged. Listen carefully to the interviewer’s answers and ask follow-up questions.

Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The interviewer wants to get to know the real you.

Are There Questions I Shouldn’t Ask My College Interviewer?

Here are some questions you should not ask your college interviewer:

Personal questions. Please avoid asking questions about the interviewer’s personal life, such as their marital status, family, or religious beliefs.
Questions about the admissions process. The interviewer cannot share information about the admissions process, such as your admission chances or what the admissions committee is looking for in a student.
Questions that have already been answered. If the interviewer has already responded to a question, don’t ask it again. This will show that you are not paying attention.
Negative questions. Avoid asking negative questions about the college, such as why the college’s ranking has been declining or the student body is so tiny.

Sample On How to Ask Questions in a College Interview

Thank you for taking the time to interview me today. I am very interested in attending your college, and I have a few questions that I hope will help me learn more about the school and the program I am interested in.

First, I would like to know more about the college’s academic strengths. What are some of the most popular majors? What are the college’s strengths in terms of research? Are there opportunities for undergraduate research?

Second, I am interested in the college’s extracurricular activities. What are some of the most popular clubs and organizations? What are the opportunities for student leadership? How does the college support student involvement?

Finally, I would like to know more about the college’s culture. What is the student body like? What is the academic atmosphere like? Are the opportunities for diversity and inclusion?

Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

This introduction is clear, concise, and respectful. It shows that the applicant is prepared for the interview and that they are genuinely interested in the college. The questions are thoughtful and relevant to the applicant’s interests.

Here are some additional tips for writing an introduction for questions to ask in a college interview:

Start by thanking the interviewer for their time. This shows that you are grateful for the opportunity to interview and that you are taking the interview seriously.
State your interest in the college and the program you are interested in. This shows the interviewer that you have done your research and that you are a good fit for the college.
Ask thoughtful questions that will help you learn more about the college. The questions should be relevant to your interests and the college.
End by thanking the interviewer again. This shows that you appreciate the interviewer’s time and that you are a polite and respectful person.

Questions students should expect in a college interview

Here are some questions that students should expect in a college interview:

Tell me about yourself. This common opening question allows you to introduce yourself and talk about your background. Remember to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal interests.
Why are you interested in our college? This question is an opportunity to share why you are interested in the college and what you are looking for in a college experience. Be sure to do your research on the college and mention specific aspects of the college that appeal to you.
What are your academic strengths and weaknesses? This question asks you to discuss your academic achievements and areas for improvement. Be honest and specific in your answers.
What are your extracurricular interests? This question gives you a chance to talk about your extracurricular activities and how they have shaped you as a person. Be sure to mention activities relevant to your academic interests or the college you are interviewing with.
What are your career goals? This question lets you discuss your plans and how the college can help you achieve them. Be specific about your career goals and how the college can help you.
What questions do you have for me? This is your chance to ask the interviewer questions about the college. Be sure to ask thoughtful questions to help you learn more about the college.

Tips on How to Answer College Interview Questions

Here are some tips on how to answer college interview questions:

Be prepared. Do your research on the college and the program you are interested in. This will help you answer questions intelligently and show that you are genuinely interested in the college.
Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The interviewer wants to get to know you, so be genuine and authentic in your answers.
Specific. Don’t just give general answers. When asked about your academic strengths, be specific about your coursework, grades, and extracurricular activities.
Be positive. Even when asked about a weakness, try to frame your answer positively. For example, if you are asked about a time you failed, you could talk about what you learned from the experience and how it made you stronger.
Engagement. Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and give thoughtful answers. Don’t just answer the questions; ask follow-up questions to show interest in the conversation.

FAQs on Questions to ask in a college interview

What should I say in a college interview?

Think about what inspired you to apply in the first place. Let them know what you’re passionate about and show them your enthusiasm. If you did not get the exam results you wanted, talk about why that happened and what you learned from that experience.

How do I end an interview for college admission?

You can say:
I really appreciate the opportunity to meet with you.
I learned a lot today – it’s made me even more interested in attending.
I really enjoyed talking with you. I appreciate the time.
Would it be okay to get in touch if I have any more questions?

How should I introduce myself in a college interview?

Provide an informal introduction
Talk about family and upbringing
Mention your general activities
Talk about quantifiable achievements
Give some unique personal information
Explain why this opportunity is important for you