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College Research
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
