College Research

• Academics
• Admission Requirements
• Campus Visit
• College Characteristics
• Cost
• Financial Aid
• Social Life
• Student Population

Academics

• What is the average class size? Largest? Smallest?
• How many students in the last year’s freshman class returned for their sophomore year (retention rate)?
• 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 major?
• 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 (i.e. tutoring, career and personal counseling, developmental reading and study-skills workshops, job placement)?
• Is there an honors program? What are the qualifications for entry?
• What study abroad opportunities are offered?

Admission Requirements

• What high school courses are required or recommended?
• Are standardized tests required? Which ones (ACT, SAT)?
• What are the average G.P.A. and test scores for admitted students?
• Will my activities and school involvement be considered?
• Is there an essay on the application?
• Are there early decision or early action application options?
• Are personal interviews or letters of recommendation required?
• Do certain majors have special requirements?
• What percent of applicants are accepted? Does this percentage change significantly in early decision or early action application rounds?
• What are the application filing deadlines?

Campus Visit

• Did the campus "feel" like college to you?
• Could you picture yourself interacting with the students you met and saw on your visit?
• Were the people you encountered during your visit friendly and helpful?
• Is the setting and location of the campus appealing to you?

College Characteristics

• Where is the college located (city, suburb, small town or rural setting)?
• Is the college public, private, or religiously 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?
• What is the academic calendar? Semester, trimesters, or quarters?

Cost

• What are the costs of tuition?
• What are the room and board costs? Are there other fees?
• How much did cost increase from last year to this year?
• Is there a different cost for in-state and out-of-state students?
• Are accepted students required to place deposits of tuition and housing? Are these refundable?

Financial Aid

• What percentage of students receive need-based financial aid?
• What percentage of students receive merit scholarships?
• What types of merit scholarships are available?
• Does the college meet 100% of demonstrated need?
• Will my financial aid be adjusted if my need increases?
• What are the financial aid application procedures and deadlines?
• When are financial aid applicants notified of their awards?
• Is there a tuition payment plan?
• Are there campus jobs available? Are there off campus jobs as well?

Social Life

• What percentage of students live on-campus?
• Is housing guaranteed for all four years?
• Are dorms co-ed or single sex?
• Is it a “suitcase college” where all students leave on the weekends?
• What are the procedures for selection a roommate? What are some of the rules and regulations that govern campus and dormitory life?
• What types of activities and events are available on campus for students?
• What types of club and organizations are offered (fine arts, athletics, service, etc.)?
• Are sororities and fraternities on campus?

Student Population

• Where do the majority of students come from?
• What is the male-to-female ratio?
• What percentage of students are international students?
• What percentage of students are multicultural?
• Is there religious or political diversity of thought?