Evaluating Your Campus Visit
When you visit a campus, it is important that you ask the right types of questions:
Look at Equipment and School Facilities
- Are the facilities and equipment up-to-date and operating?
- Is the equipment similar to what you will be using on the job?
- Is the library good for studying and research?
- Are the dorms quiet enough for studying?
- What is the cafeteria like?
- How large or small are the dorm rooms?
- What types of furniture are provided/allowed?
- Are there plenty of computer labs?
- Do students get free e-mail and Internet access?
- Do the instructors seem knowledgeable?
- Are the students participating in classroom activities?
- What kinds of work are the students doing?
- How large/small are the classes?
Talk with Current Students in the Program
- How long have they been in school?
- Do they like the program?
- Are they learning what they need to know to get a job?
- What is their opinion of the instructors?
- Do the instructors spend time with the students to be sure they understand the material?
- How much time is needed for studying and other work outside class?
- Are instructors available outside of class?
- Have they had any problems with the school, the instructors or the classes?
- What do they like most/least about the school/program?
- How do they spend their free time?
Talk with Instructors in the Program
- What are the academic requirements in the program?
- What kinds of courses are offered?
- How many students are in the program?
- How long does it take most students to complete the program?
- How long have they been teaching at the school?
- Do they teach full time or part time?
- What types of activities are they involved in that relate to the field of study?
- What types of background do they have in the field?
Talk with an Admissions Counselor
- What are the admissions requirements at this college?
- How do I apply and what forms do I fill out?
- When are the important deadlines for admissions?
- What are the housing requirements and parking rules?
- What types of extracurricular activities are available?
- What is the job placement rate of recent graduates?
Talk with a Financial Aid Counselor
- How much does it cost to attend this college (including tuition, room and board, fees, etc.)?
- What financial aid options are available?
- What special financial aid services does this college offer?
- What forms do I need to fill out and what are the deadlines?
- How is my financial aid paid out? When will I get it?
- What school-specific scholarships do you offer? How do I apply?