10 Vital Questions to Ask on a College Tour

Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life.

It’s where you’ll spend the next four (or more) years learning, growing, and preparing for your future career.

That’s why going on college tours is so important – it’s your chance to get a firsthand look at each school and determine if it’s the right fit for you.

But with so much to see and consider on each campus visit, it can be tough to know what questions to ask to get the information you need.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this list of 10 essential questions that will help you evaluate each college and make an informed decision.

Questions to Ask on Your College Tours

Vital Questions to Ask on a College Tour

As you embark on your college tours, arm yourself with these key questions to gain valuable insights into each school you visit.

Jot them down, keep them handy, and don’t be shy about asking them!

1. What is the student-to-faculty ratio and average class size?

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a college is the level of attention and support you’ll receive from professors. A low student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes indicate that you’ll have more opportunities for one-on-one interactions with your instructors.

You could phrase this question to your tour guide as, “I’m curious about the typical class size and the ratio of students to faculty members. Could you share some details on that?” Listen closely to the response – a ratio of 20:1 or lower and an average class size under 30 is ideal.

If the guide says something like, “We have a student-faculty ratio of 15:1 and our classes usually have around 25 students,” that’s a great sign that you’ll get personalized attention. On the flip side, if they mention large lecture halls with hundreds of students, it might be harder to get individualized support.

Student-to-faculty ratios and class sizes vary between different programs too, so be sure to ask about the specific majors you’re interested in. The answer can help you determine if the academic environment aligns with your learning style and needs.

2. What career services and internship opportunities are available?

The whole point of college is to prepare you for a successful career, so make sure the school you choose provides ample resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals. Internships offer invaluable real-world experience and can give you a major leg up when it’s time to apply for jobs after graduation.

On your tour, ask the guide, “Could you tell me about the career services offered here and what kind of assistance they provide with finding internships or jobs?” A robust career center with a variety of services like resume workshops, mock interviews, career fairs, and a strong alumni network is a huge asset.

If they respond with something vague like, “Um, I think we have a career center but I’m not sure what they do,” that’s a red flag. You want a school that prioritizes your professional development and has concrete resources to help you succeed.

Ideally, you’ll hear an answer along the lines of, “We have an excellent career services office that works with students from day one to explore career paths, locate internships, connect with alumni mentors, and prepare for the job search process.” Some schools even have partnerships with companies to provide guaranteed internships in certain fields.

The more proactive and comprehensive a college’s approach to career prep is, the better positioned you’ll be to score your dream job after graduation. So make sure to inquire about these opportunities and consider them carefully when making your decision.

3. What academic support services are offered?

College coursework can be challenging, and at some point, you may need a little extra help. That’s why it’s crucial to find out what kind of academic support resources each school provides.

When you have a moment with your tour guide, inquire politely, “Would you mind sharing some details on the academic support services available to students here?” Most colleges offer tutoring, writing centers, academic coaching, and other helpful resources.

An ideal response would be something like, “We have a variety of services to support your academic success. There are free drop-in tutoring sessions for many courses, a writing center to assist with papers and assignments, and academic advisors who can help you develop study skills and time management strategies. All of these services are included in your tuition.”

If the guide seems uncertain or mentions limited support, you’ll want to dig deeper. Ask a follow-up question like, “Are these services available for all majors? How easy is it to access them?” An insufficient answer might steer you toward other schools that prioritize student success.

Transitioning to college-level academics can be overwhelming, so knowing there’s a strong support system in place can make a huge difference. Be sure to ask about these resources on every tour to find the school that will help you thrive academically.

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4. How diverse and inclusive is the campus community?

Diversity and inclusion are incredibly important factors to consider when choosing a college. You want a school where you feel welcomed, supported, and represented. Don’t be afraid to ask some questions to gauge each college’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

You might say something like, “I value diversity and I’m curious about the demographics of the student body and faculty. Could you share some details on that? And what initiatives or resources does the school have to support diversity and inclusion on campus?”

If the guide gives a vague answer like, “We value diversity but I don’t know the exact numbers,” or seems dismissive of the topic, that could be concerning. Ideally, you want to hear a response that demonstrates a genuine commitment backed up by specific examples.

A great answer might sound something like, “Diversity and inclusion are core values here. Our student body is comprised of X% students of color, Y% first-generation students, Z% international students, etc. We have a dedicated diversity and inclusion office, cultural student organizations, bias reporting systems, and ongoing diversity training for students, faculty, and staff. There are also scholarships and support programs for underrepresented students.”

The more robust and multifaceted a school’s approach to diversity is, the more likely you’ll find an inclusive, welcoming community there. Don’t underestimate the importance of this – being part of a diverse student body expands your worldview, challenges your assumptions, and prepares you to thrive in an increasingly global society. Ask the question on every tour and carefully consider how each school’s answer aligns with your values and needs.

5. What campus safety measures are in place?

Feeling safe and secure on campus is a top priority, so be sure to ask about the safety measures and resources at each school you tour. It can be a sensitive topic to bring up, but your safety is far too important not to discuss.

Try asking your tour guide, “I know this can be an uncomfortable subject, but would you mind sharing some details on the safety measures and resources here? I want to make sure I’d feel secure on campus.” No one should make you feel silly or dismissed for asking about safety.

A thorough, reassuring answer should include mentions of a visible, well-trained campus police force, security systems in residence halls, a campus escort program, emergency blue light phones, security alerts, and self-defense classes. Some key things to listen for include:

“We have a very low crime rate on and around campus. There are security officers on duty 24/7 who patrol regularly and respond quickly to any calls.”

“All of our residence halls require key card access and have surveillance cameras. Guests must be signed in and escorted by a resident at all times.”

“We have emergency blue light phones located across campus that connect directly to campus police. There’s also a free safe ride service that any student can call for an escort home after dark.”

If the guide seems unsure about safety resources or gives a flippant response, don’t ignore that red flag. You must feel comfortable and confident about your security to focus on your studies and fully embrace the college experience. Make this a priority question on every tour to find a school that takes your safety as seriously as you do.

6. What is the campus culture and social scene like?

College isn’t just about academics; it’s also a time to explore your interests, make lifelong friends, and have some fun. So don’t forget to ask about the social scene and extracurricular activities on each campus tour.

You might say, “I’m excited to get involved on campus and make new friends. Could you tell me a bit about the school spirit, clubs, events, and overall social atmosphere here?” This is your chance to get a student perspective on what it’s like to be part of the campus community.

A great answer will give you a sense of a vibrant, engaged student body with a wide variety of events and activities to take part in. Listen for responses like:

“There are over 200 student clubs and organizations on campus spanning academic, social, political, cultural, and recreational interests. There’s truly something for everyone here and it’s easy to start your club too.”

“We have tons of fun traditions like homecoming week, midnight breakfast during finals, an annual music festival, and more. Students love showing their school spirit and coming together for these events.”

“Whether you want to attend a lecture, watch a sports game, see a play, or volunteer in the community, there are always exciting things happening on and around campus. Many events are free for students too!”

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If the social scene sounds lackluster or too party-focused for your tastes, take note. The extracurricular culture hugely shapes your college experience, so make sure it aligns with your personality and interests.

Asking about the social dynamics is also a good way to read between the lines about the campus vibe. If the guide emphasizes a tight-knit, friendly, collaborative atmosphere, that’s a good sign. But if they allude to cliques, competition, or division among students, you might want to dig deeper.

Your social experience can make or break your time in college, so give it due attention on every tour. The responses you get will help you determine which campus community is the best match for you.

7. What is the faculty like and how accessible are they outside of class?

Your professors do more than just lecture you; they shape your academic journey, open doors to research and professional opportunities, provide mentorship and recommendations, and help you build your network in your field. That’s why it’s vital to get a sense of what the faculty members are like and how well you’ll be able to connect with them outside the classroom.

On your tour, ask the guide, “I’m eager to learn from and collaborate with faculty, so could you share what the professors are like here? Are they accessible to students outside of class time?” The answer will reveal a lot about the academic culture and how much faculty prioritizes teaching and mentoring.

Ideally, you’ll hear that professors are passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply engaged with students. Some key responses to listen for:

“Our faculty are experts in their fields and many are actively involved in cutting-edge research. But they’re also dedicated teachers who care about their students’ success.”

“Professors frequently involve undergrads in their research projects, which is an amazing way to gain hands-on experience and build close mentoring relationships.”

“Faculty keep regular office hours and are very open to meeting with students one-on-one. They also often have students over for dinner, host fun events for their classes, and maintain an open-door policy.”

If the guide says something vague like “the professors are fine” or alludes to faculty being too busy for students, that’s concerning. You want to be confident you’ll be learning from the best and feel comfortable approaching them.

The guide likely won’t know stats like the percentage of faculty with terminal degrees in their fields, so poke around the school website for that info. However, their general impression of faculty accessibility and student relationships is invaluable for assessing each school’s academic environment. Ask about the faculty on every tour to determine where you’ll be most supported.

8. How involved and supportive are alumni after graduation?

The connections and support you gain from your college experience extend far beyond the years you spend on campus. When your years on campus come to a close, you should know that a vast web of alums is there for you! A college’s alumni network can be an extremely beneficial component of your academic experience and future career development. Engaged graduates can assist with job leads, mentoring, and useful real-world advice.

Consider inquiring, “I’m curious about how alumni stay connected with and assist current students after they graduate. Could you share some information on that?” An involved alumni base is a significant asset and a sign of a strong college that looks after its own.

You want to hear enthusiastic replies like:

“Our alums are very active and eager to support current students! They frequently participate in on-campus career panels, networking events, and mentoring programs.”

“Alumni love returning to campus for homecoming, reunions, and other events. Many also support the school financially and say they want to give back because they gained so much from their time here.”

“We have a dedicated alumni engagement office that coordinates professional development workshops, webinars, regional get-togethers, and an online forum for alumni to connect with students for career advice.”

If the guide draws a blank, sounds doubtful, or indicates that alumni aren’t involved, that’s disappointing. A disengaged alumni network could mean fewer opportunities for you down the line.

Be sure to also look at each college’s website for stats on where recent grads are employed, what percentage are in grad school, and other alumni outcomes. But don’t underestimate the value of the guide’s firsthand perspective as well. Pose this question on each tour to assess how much support you can expect after you don your cap and gown.

9. What are the housing options and how are roommates matched?

Your residence hall will be your home away from home, so it’s critical that you feel comfortable with your living situation. Housing policies and amenities can vary widely, and a bad roommate pairing can sour your college experience. Be sure to inquire about housing processes and options on every tour.

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You might say, “Living on campus is important to me, so I’m wondering if you could walk me through the housing options and how roommates are matched?” This will give you a window into the variety of living arrangements and how much control you’ll have over your situation.

Pay attention to key details like:

“We have a range of residence halls including traditional doubles, suite-style buildings with shared lounges, and apartment-style housing for upperclassmen. All of our dorms are recently renovated with modern amenities like air conditioning and fully equipped kitchens.”

“There are several Living Learning Communities that house students with common academic or extracurricular interests together with extra events and resources geared towards those themes.”

“We have an in-depth roommate matching process where we pair students based on living habits, interests, study routines, etc. We work hard to create compatible matches, but there’s also a user-friendly room swap system if needed.”

If the dorms sound crowded, dilapidated, or like there’s minimal choice involved, you might be concerned. A lack of common areas or a vague process for assigning roommates is also less than ideal.

Of course, the guide can probably only share the campus policies, not predict if you’ll love your room. But you can gather a general idea of how each school approaches the housing component of your experience. Carefully weigh the responses to determine the best living fit for you.

10. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about this school?

Asking the tour guide about the most and least cherished aspects of their school can elicit some of the most honest, insightful information you’ll get on your visit. Even if they are employed by the admissions office to show the school in a positive light, most guides will give authentic responses to this question. And those unfiltered opinions are an invaluable glimpse into the real pros and cons of being a student there.

Towards the end of your tour, ask something like, “I appreciate your insight and I’m curious – what do you personally love most about being a student here? And what’s one thing you dislike or wish was different?”

If they light up talking about a beloved tradition, amazing class, close community, or anything that resonates with you – make note of it! Genuine enthusiasm is hard to fake. Some positives to listen for:

“I’ve found the most incredible sense of belonging here. People are so friendly and I’ve made the best friends through my classes, clubs, and just spending time on the quad. There’s such a strong sense of community and school pride.”

“The undergraduate research opportunities here are truly unparalleled. I’m working in a robotics lab designing spacecraft and getting published as a sophomore! I never dreamed I’d get this kind of hands-on experience so early.”

On the flip side, pay attention to any downsides or critiques they mention, even subtly. A few examples to note:

“As much as I love the school pride, ‘the bubble’ can feel a bit insular sometimes. I wish there were more efforts to connect us with the community outside campus.”

“The academic workload can be overwhelming, and a lot of students struggle with stress. I wish there was a greater focus on balance and mental well-being.”

Of course, take any one guide’s opinions with a grain of salt. But if you hear the same selling points or red flags repeatedly, there’s probably some truth there. Weigh their perspectives carefully as an important piece of your decision.

Wrapping Up: Knowledge Is Power on College Tours

Visiting a variety of colleges is a crucial step in your search process and asking the right questions on each tour will help you make the most of those experiences.

Don’t be shy about speaking up and advocating for yourself. The more information you gather, the better equipped you’ll be to determine which school is the ideal fit for you.

Take notes during and after each visit, and pay attention to not only the answers you receive but also the overall vibe you get on each campus.

Do you feel at home there?

Can you envision yourself thriving and growing in that environment?

Trust your intuition in combination with the facts.

Remember, the college you choose will shape the next four years of your life and lay the foundation for your future.

It’s a big decision, but by asking these 10 key questions on each college tour, you’ll gather the knowledge you need to make an informed and confident choice.

Best of luck on your college journey!