Questions to Ask Your Guide

Get ready for your Skala tour! Explore key topics and questions to make the most of your experience.

    • Why did you choose this school? Are you happy here? What makes this school unique?

    • Which other schools did you consider, and what sets this one apart?

    • What’s a typical day like for you? How would you describe school pride on campus?

    • What has surprised you most about your experience here? What do you think are the school’s biggest strengths and weaknesses?

    • Is there anything you’d like to see improved or changed?

    • Does your school follow a semester, trimester, or quarter system? What are the pros and cons?

    • Does the campus feel big or small to you?

    • Looking back, what do you wish you had known before coming here?

    • Which majors and departments have the strongest reputations?

    • What’s been your favorite class so far, and why? Are there any especially popular courses or must-have professors?

    • How would you describe the overall quality of your professors? Are they accessible outside of class?

    • Are most of your classes taught by professors or teaching assistants?

    • How easy is it to get into your first-choice classes? How flexible is the process of switching majors?

    • How would you describe the workload—manageable or overwhelming?

    • How large are your biggest classes? How many courses do students typically take per term?

    • Are there a lot of general education (GE) requirements? Have you found them valuable?

    • What are study and exam periods like?

    • Do you think demonstrated interest affects admissions decisions? How much weight do you believe your interview carried in the process?

    • Was your interview conducted by an admissions officer, an alumnus, or a current student?

    • Did you apply with a declared major, or did you decide later?

    • Which majors are the most competitive to get into?

    • What advice would you give to someone applying to this school? Any tips for standing out?

    • How would you describe academic advising?

    • Is it easy to meet with your advisor?

    • Overall, how satisfied are you with academic advising?

    • Have you used tutoring services or the writing center? If so, were they helpful?

    • Do students commonly form study groups or participate in online discussion forums?

    • Here’s your refined list of campus life questions with clearer phrasing and a more natural flow:

    • How would you describe the overall atmosphere on campus? Do you feel safe here?

    • Is it easy to get around, and how do most students commute—walking, biking, skateboarding, or using public transport?

    • Would you say the campus is attractive and well-maintained? Are facilities like classrooms, dorms, and dining halls clean and in good condition?

    • What’s your favorite spot on campus, and why? Do you have a favorite outdoor space or study spot?

    • What do students typically do when they’re not in class? What’s campus life like on weekends—do most students stay or go home?

    • What are some of the biggest campus events, like homecoming or alumni weekend? Are there any unique traditions students look forward to?

    • Are there any major issues or “hot-button” topics currently being discussed on campus?

    • Do most students have cars, or is it easy to get by without one?

    • What clubs and organizations are you involved in? How have they impacted your college experience?

    • How did you first get involved in student activities? Is there an involvement fair or event to help new students explore their options?

    • How competitive are the clubs here? Do they have application processes?

    • Are there pre-professional fraternities or societies?

    • What options are available for club and intramural sports?

    • Have you used the career services center? Was it helpful?

    • Do many students work on or off campus? How easy is it to find a part-time job?

    • Are internships and co-op programs available? How do students typically find them?

    • Does the school host employer recruiting events? How easy is it to find summer jobs or other work opportunities through the school?

    • Are there research opportunities with faculty?

    • What’s your impression of the alumni network? Does it actively support students in career development?

    • Do you enjoy living in this city/town? What do you like about the area?

    • How often do you go off campus, and what do students typically do there?

    • How would you describe the school's relationship with the local community? Do students often work or volunteer nearby?

    • Does the area feel safe? What kind of safety measures are in place?

    • Is it easy to get around without a car? What transportation options does the school provide?

    • How is the weather? How was the adjustment?

    • What are the different on-campus housing options (singles, suites, apartments, etc.), and how do the dorms compare in reputation?

    • Was your resident advisor (RA) accessible and helpful?

    • Are there special-interest housing options based on major, interests, or lifestyle?

    • Do most students live on campus all four years, or is it common to move off-campus?

    • What are some popular off-campus housing options, and how expensive is housing in the area?

    • How would you rate the dining hall food?

    • Are there meal plan options, and do the dining halls accommodate special dietary needs?

    • Do the dorms have common kitchens for students to use?

    • How would you describe the social scene on campus? Is it easy to meet people and make friends?

    • Where do students typically go out off-campus? What are some popular hangout spots?

    • What do students do for fun if they’re not into partying?

    • Is there Greek life on campus? How big of a presence do fraternities and sororities have?

    • What is the rush and initiation process like?

    • Are there other types of Greek organizations beyond social ones, such as academic, service, or professional fraternities and sororities?