Questions to ask when choosing a college

First, ask: What matters to me?

Before you even look at a school’s website or step on campus, turn the questions inward:

• What kind of environment do I thrive in?
• Do I want a big campus with lots going on or a smaller, tight-knit community?
• How far from home am I willing to go?
• Do I want to be in a city, suburb, or rural setting?
• Am I someone who wants Greek life, football games, and rah-rah school spirit—or more quiet, academic vibes?
• What are my long-term goals, and what do I need in a college to help me reach them?

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people choose schools based on rankings or where their friends are going, not what actually suits them. These personal questions are the filter you’ll run everything else through.

Academics: What will I actually learn here?

You’re not just buying a dorm bed and a sweatshirt—you’re buying an education. Ask:

• Do they offer my intended major(s)? And if I change my mind, do they have other areas that interest me?
• How strong is the department? Are the professors well-regarded? What kind of research or internship opportunities exist?
• How big are the classes, especially for first-years? Will I be one of 300 in a lecture hall or 15 in a seminar?
• Who teaches undergrads—actual professors or TAs (teaching assistants)?
• Are there honors programs or special tracks?
• What’s the academic advising system like? Do you have access to one-on-one guidance or are you figuring it out alone?
• Is the vibe competitive or collaborative? (You’ll want to ask current students this one.)

Basically, you want to know: Will this place challenge me but also support me?

Career Prep: Will this place help me get a job (or into grad school)?

Four years might feel like forever, but you’ll blink and be at graduation. So ask:

• What’s the career center like? Is it actually helpful, or just a page on the website?
• Do they help with internships, resume writing, and job placement?
• What companies recruit here? Do students get internships and jobs in the fields I care about?
• What’s the alumni network like? Are they active, accessible, and helpful for career connections?
• What’s the grad school acceptance rate for pre-med/law/etc. students?

These questions are about ROI—return on investment. College isn’t cheap. You want to know you’ll come out with more than just a degree—you want direction, experience, and a foot in the door.

Campus Life: What’s it actually like to live here?

This is your home base for the next four years. Ask:

• What’s the dorm situation? Are first-years guaranteed housing? Are dorms clean, safe, and social?
• How’s the food? (Don’t underestimate this—it affects your daily life.)
• What’s the social scene like? Is it all Greek life? Are there clubs, events, things to do on weekends?
• What do students do for fun? And what does a “typical weekend” look like here?
• What’s the campus culture around mental health, diversity, and inclusion?
• Is there public transportation or do most students bring cars?
• What’s the surrounding town or city like? Can you walk to coffee shops, restaurants, or nature trails? Or are you stuck in the middle of nowhere?

If you can, spend a night on campus or talk to students who are actually enrolled—campus tours are great, but they’re marketing. Real talk comes from real students.

Financial: Can I afford this—and is it worth it?

Money talk isn’t fun, but it’s necessary. Ask:

• What’s the total cost of attendance (not just tuition)? Include room, board, fees, books, travel.
• What’s their average financial aid package? How much is need-based vs. merit-based?
• Do they offer scholarships? What are the qualifications and how do you apply?
• How much debt do students typically graduate with?
• What’s the graduation rate and average salary after graduation?

Compare financial aid letters carefully—they’re not all structured the same. One school might offer you $20K in grants and another might give you $10K and expect loans to cover the rest. Do the math. Don’t just chase the name-brand school if it’ll bury you in debt.

Support Systems: What if I need help?

Even the most independent students need support sometimes. Ask:

• Is academic tutoring available?
• What’s the mental health support like—counseling, stress management, peer support?
• Are there resources for first-gen students, LGBTQ+ students, students of color, students with disabilities?
• Is there mentorship or peer advising?

A good college isn’t just a place where smart people go. It’s a place where people grow—and that growth takes support.

Vibe Check: Does this place feel right?

This might sound woo-woo, but gut feelings matter.

• Do I feel comfortable here?
• Can I picture myself walking around this campus, eating in the dining hall, studying in the library, hanging out with people?
• Are the students the kind of people I’d want to be friends with?
• Would I be proud to say I go here?

You’re not looking for perfection—you’re looking for fit. That weird click in your chest that says, yeah, I could see myself here.

Final Tip: Ask yourself, “If this college disappeared off the map, would I care?”

If the answer is “meh,” it’s probably not the one. But if you’d be bummed? That’s worth paying attention to.

Don’t be afraid to ask real questions and expect honest answers. Choosing a college isn’t just about prestige or programs—it’s about finding the right place for your growth, your goals, and your next chapter.