Springtime-it's the time for high school juniors and their parents to visit colleges, take tours of campuses, and meet with admissions officers.  All too often, however, students are caught off guard when asked by an admissions counselor, "Do you have any questions for me?"  As juniors across the country continue visiting colleges throughout the spring and summer, the following questions are ones that you might want to consider asking.  In addition, really think about what matters to you, develop a few questions of your own, jot them down and if it is appropriate, ask them.  Remember that it is important to read as much about the college as you can before visiting.  Don't ask the admissions officer or tour guide questions that are obviously answered in the literature produced by the college.

Every dean remembers a few questions they've been asked; here is a sampling of their favorites.

How would you describe the relationship between your college and the local community?

Answers to this question will tell students much about the world that borders the campus and the opportunities for a life away from the daily academic regimen.  Are there jobs available?  Do eating establishments have any biases against college students?  Do they offer student discounts?  Are students welcomed in local churches and temples?  Can students become involved with social service organizations?  What about cultural or recreational outlets that supplement what is available on campus?

Does the undergraduate program take a back seat to the graduate and professional schools? 

Once again, this question has several subparts.  Are resources being channeled away from freshman courses and into doctoral programs?  Do graduate students teach undergraduate courses? 

Why do students leave this college? 

Why do some people fail to stay until graduation?  What do they discover about their choice that they did not realize before matriculating?  Is there a particular personality type that might not be suited to this environment?  Is there extra help for students having academic difficulties?  In all fairness, keep in mind that approximately 40% of all college freshmen do not finish their undergraduate program in four years.

What percentage of students support the school financially after graduation? 

The answer to this question reveals how satisfied students are with their academic and social experience.  It also tells you much about the financial health of the institution.  After all, if alumni don't support a school, why should anyone else?

What is your student/faculty ratio? 

This is a question with which to be careful, as a straight answer may be misleading.  For example, a high number of faculty members per student might mean that enrollment was dropping rapidly or the school was being mismanaged.  What you really need to know is how many faculty members actually teach and are accessible to the students?  How many primarily do research?  How many are on sabbatical?  What is the average size of a seminar?  How large are the survey courses in most departments?  What is the average size of a lecture class?

Preparing a few of these questions in advance of a college tour may be wise.  What are some of the most valuable questions you've heard while on a campus tour?