Questions to Ask College Representatives

With thousands of colleges to choose from, it is a daunting yet important task to find one that is a good fit for you. Take time to ask yourself questions about which qualities in a college are important to you: what do you want the atmosphere to be like? Where do you want to live? How will you be paying for college, and which college has the best financial aid program? What are the admissions requirements? Do they offer your major/program? And if so, do you like the coursework associated with it?

College representatives who visit BCC during the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters have the ability to answer these questions and more, and can help you gain insight on the schools that you are interested in. Meeting with representatives from multiple colleges can broaden your academic horizons and set you on the path towards choosing the transfer institution that is right for you.

If you’re not quite sure what to ask a college representative, we have provided a brief list of sample questions that students have frequently asked past representatives, so that you can be prepared when you come in to meet with the college representatives of your choice.  

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PROGRAMS

• Do you offer my major?
• Is my degree program accredited — by whom and at what level ?
• Are advanced degrees (master’s, doctorate) offered?
• Can I enroll part-time, take courses in the late afternoon, evenings, weekends or during the summer?
• Are there internship opportunities available on campus, or in the community?
• Do you have honors program for students who enter with high grades?
 

WHAT IS YOUR CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY LIKE?

• Is your college located in an urban, suburban or rural setting?
• Are you on the semester or quarter system? When do classes begin?
• What kinds of social, cultural and recreational activities are available  on the campus and in the community?
• How far away is your campus? How much time does it take to get there?
• Will I need a car to get around? Does public transportation (bus) provide  easy access to the campus and community?
• How many students are enrolled? In my major? From my community/school?
 
HOW MUCH DOES YOUR COLLEGE COST?

• What are the costs of tuition or registration fees, books and supplies, housing, parking, etc?  When do I pay those fees?
• Do I have to send in a deposit to confirm my intention to enroll? How much? When?
• What are the chances fees will be increased and when will I know?
 

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

• When and how do I apply for financial aid? Do I apply for campus scholarships  separately?

• How do you determine if I qualify for assistance?
• When will I be notified if I will or will not receive assistance?
• Will financial aid cover my entire need?
• Are there special kinds of assistance for students from certain ethnic minority and other underrepresented groups?
• Is it easy to get a part-time job on campus, in the community?
 

WILL I BE ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION?

• What are your admission requirements for freshmen, transfers?
• Do you have a special admission programs, or organizations, for students from certain ethnic minority and other    underrepresented groups? How can I qualify? What kinds of special help will be available to me after I enroll?
• Will I need to take an admissions test?
• Can I take an admissions test over to qualify?
• How do you determine my grade if I repeat a course?
• Will a course in which I received a “D” grade count?
• Do you give extra credit for honors courses?
• What is the admissions priority of transfer students from community colleges from four-year colleges?
• If I go to a community college first, will my credits transfer? How and when  will I know?
 

HOW DO I APPLY FOR ADMISSION?

• Where, when and how can I get an application?
• When can I first apply? What is your application deadline date?
• Can I apply to more than one campus in your system? How can I have my  application transferred from one campus to   another if I change my mind?
• When do I have to submit transcripts, test scores and other admissions materials?
• Is my major overcrowded (impacted)? If so, what special requirements do I need? If I’m not accepted in my major, what are my options? Can I change to another major? Have my application sent to another campus for consideration?
 

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

• Can I take courses at your college for college credit before I graduate from  high school?  What are requirements for enrolling? When and how do I sign up?
• How do I make arrangements to talk with someone further at your college to discuss enrollment opportunities?
• How do I make arrangements to take a tour of your campus?
• Do you have an open house program for prospective students? When and whom do I contact for more information?