COST

• What are the costs for tuition?
• Room and board? Are there other fees?
• How much did costs increase from last year to this year?
• Is there a difference in the costs for in-state and out-of-state students?
• Are accepted students required to place deposits for tuition and housing? Are these refundable?
• By when must accepted students decide whether they will attend?
• Are deposits required each year for returning students?
• When do the bills have to be paid?

COLLEGE CHARACTERISTICS

• Where is the college located (city, suburb, small town, rural setting)?
• What is the surrounding community like?
• Is the college public, private, church affiliated?
• What is the current student enrollment?
• What special or unique programs are offered?
• Does the college have general education or course distribution requirements? What are they?
• Does the college have special programs for transfer students?
• What is the academic calendar (semesters, quarters)?

SOCIAL LIFE

• What is the average age of the student body?
• What is the male-to-female ratio?
• What percent of students reside on-campus?
• Are dorms co-ed or single sex?
• Is it a “suitcase college” where all the students leave on the weekends?
• What are the procedures for selecting a roommate?
• What are some of the rules and regulations that govern campus and dormitory life?

FINANCIAL AID

• What percent of students receive financial aid based on financial need?
• What percent of students receive scholarships based on academic ability?
• What would be a typical financial aid package for a freshman?
• What percent of those who apply for financial aid receive it?
• Will my financial aid be adjusted if my need increases?
• What are financial aid application procedures and deadlines?
• When are financial aid applicants notified of their awards?
• How long do they have to respond? Is there a tuition payment plan?
• Are there campus jobs available? Are there off-campus jobs as well?

STUDENT POPULATION

• Where do the majority of students come from?
• Do most of the students commute or live on-campus?
• What types of student activities are there? Are sororities and fraternities on-campus?
• What athletic programs are available?
• Is the surrounding community supportive of the college?
• Does the college have a campus visitation program?
• Is housing available / guaranteed for freshman? Is it available for all four years?

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• What high school courses are required?
• Are entrance tests required? Which ones? What scores are acceptable?
• Is a certain grade point average or class rank required?
• Will my activities and school involvement be considered?
• Is there an essay on the application? Is it read?
• Is there an early decision or early action plan?
• On what basis are applicants accepted?
• Are personal interviews or letters of recommendation required?
• Do certain majors have special requirements?
• What percent of applicants are accepted?
• Can admission denials be appealed?
• What are the application filing dates?

ACADEMICS

• What is the average class size? Largest? Smallest?
• How many students in last year’s freshman class returned for their sophomore year?
• What was the grade point average for the freshman class last year?
• What is the college’s procedure for student orientation, class placement and scheduling? Are classes guaranteed?
• How is a faculty advisor assigned to students?
• What services does the school offer for the student who is undecided about a major?
• How many students complete a degree? What are the most popular majors?
• Are students taught by full-time faculty members, graduate assistants, or a combination of both?
• What types of additional services are provided by the school at no additional cost to the student (e.g. tutoring, career and personal counseling, developmental reading and study skills workshops, job placement)?
• Is there an honors program? What are the qualifications for entry?