What to Ask Admissions Counselors

When it comes to your college search, asking questions is the best way to get a feel for a school. It’s also a great way to show interest in the school and demonstrate your motivation to attend.

It’s not always easy to ask the right questions, however. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the top questions to ask admissions counselors.

1. What is the cost?

The cost of tuition and fees at a four-year college can be staggering. That’s not to mention room and board, books, supplies, transportation and more.

Many families underestimate the true cost of a college education. A 2021 Fidelity Investments survey found that 38% of high school students and 1 in 4 parents think the total cost of tuition and fees for a year at a four-year college is less than $5,000.

If you want to ensure that your child attends the best school possible, it may be worth investing in a college counselor’s services. However, the costs vary widely and are often based on how much time a consultant spends working with a particular student.

2. What is the financial aid package?

The financial aid package available at a college is a compilation of different types of financial aid based on your financial need. It can include scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs and more.

Many students are worried about their ability to pay for college, but there are a number of options for paying for your education. These include grants, scholarships, federal subsidized loans, parent plus loans and private student loans.

Once you submit your FAFSA, the school will calculate your expected family contribution (EFC) and the cost of attendance (COA). Then it will offer you a financial aid package that includes different types of financial aid from multiple sources.

3. What is the admissions process like?

Whether you’re a high school senior or a college student, the admissions process can be intimidating. From SAT and ACT scores to letters of recommendation and writing essays, there’s a lot to do before you can start your journey to the college of your dreams.

To make the process easier, consider creating a personalized application that tells your unique story. Colleges are looking for something more than just numbers and guidelines – they’re looking for personal stories that show your character.

Your application will first go to an admissions counselor or team, which will then review it and decide whether to admit, reject, or waitlist you. In some cases, a second reader will also review your application.

4. How do I know if I’ve been accepted?

There are many things to consider when it comes to college admissions. But one of the most important is whether or not you’ve been accepted to your dream school.

There is no such thing as a surefire way to know you’ve been admitted, but there are some signs to look out for.

Firstly, some colleges send acceptance letters by mail or via an online portal that can be found on their website.

Finally, some colleges even offer a free app that alerts you when you’ve been accepted.

While there’s no question that you’ll be anxiously awaiting your acceptance letter, it’s important to stay on top of what’s happening with your application and keep up with the latest news and announcements. That means doing your research, scheduling visits to campus, and wrapping up any remaining college prep activities before it’s too late!

5. What is the campus life like?

One of the first things you need to know is that campus life at every college is different. Your experience will depend on your personal interests, how much time you have to devote to it and the resources available at your institution.

For example, at a large state university, you may be able to find a wide range of clubs, organizations, performances and social activities to get involved in while studying. At a smaller college, you may be more limited in the number of options, but you’ll still have plenty to choose from.

You’ll find opportunities to explore your personal interests, make friends, and develop leadership experience. These experiences can have a positive impact on your academic performance and self-esteem. They can help you build a portfolio of experiences that can help you land a job once you graduate.

6. What is the campus environment like?

When it comes to deciding which college is right for you, it is important to consider the campus culture. It can have a significant impact on the overall campus life experience and will affect how you feel.

Students who are looking for a lively and active community are likely to choose an urban campus, where many events and organizations occur on campus. However, for those who are more interested in a more intimate experience, a rural or smaller campus can be an ideal option.

Your campus culture is made up of values and norms that are reflected in the expectations for student behavior. These include punctuality, respect for others and adherence to college rules and policies.

7. What is the campus culture like?

Xavier University students are part of a vibrant community and a diverse campus. We offer a Jesuit model of teaching that encourages students to round out their academic experience with service and extracurricular activities.

At the heart of the Xavier experience is an abundance of student clubs, events and traditions that connect students from all over the world. These connections and experiences give you the opportunity to develop passions, connect with others and make lasting friends.

Whether you’re a first-year or a transfer student, it’s important to ask questions about the campus culture. This will help you decide if the school is right for you and what kind of support you’ll need during your time here.

8. What is the size of the program?

The size of a program is an important topic of discussion for many students and parents alike. Choosing the best size for your needs will have a big impact on your educational success. There are several factors to consider, from the number of students enrolled in your program to the quality of the classroom facilities. To make a well informed decision, be sure to ask your admissions counselor which is the best fit for you and your family. You will find that they will be more than happy to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

9. What is the career path after graduation?

There are so many things to consider when deciding what to do after college. You need to take your career goals into consideration as well as the current job market.

Aside from a solid resume and good interview skills, you can also boost your chances of landing a new job by networking, learning and upskilling. Employers want to hire recent grads and the job market looks promising overall.

But before committing to a specific job, it’s important to find out more about the industry. You should ask for informational interviews with people who work in the field you’re interested in, or look for someone who can donate their time and expertise to help you learn more.

10. What is the graduation rate?

The graduation rate is a statistic that shows the percentage of students who graduate within four or six years. This is an important statistic to know because it can help you decide whether or not a school is right for you.

But you should know that it doesn’t always reflect the quality of a college’s education. Often, students will leave for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with the college itself.

For example, students may change majors or transfer out for financial or academic reasons. They may also be impacted by changes in their family circumstances.

This is why it is important to ask admissions counselors about a school’s graduation and retention rates. They might be able to share some of the ways that they are working to improve those numbers, as well as the programs and services they offer to their students.