Top 5 Questions to Ask on a College Tour
Because the right questions can help you find the right fit.
Walking onto a college campus for the first time can be exciting—and a little overwhelming. Between impressive buildings, enthusiastic student guides, and carefully curated presentations, it’s easy to leave with a good feeling… but still not know if the school is truly the right fit.
The best way to make a college tour meaningful? Ask good questions. Not just about dining halls and dorms—but about what life, learning, and support actually look like on campus.
Here are five thoughtful questions that will help you dig deeper, get honest answers, and start to imagine yourself there (or not).
1. What do students do on weekends?
This tells you a lot about the social culture.
Is the campus quiet on weekends? Do students stay or leave? Are there events, clubs, or traditions students actually enjoy—or do they mostly find community off campus?
You're not just choosing where you'll study—you’re choosing where you’ll live.
2. What kind of academic support is available?
College classes can be a leap from high school. Ask about tutoring centers, writing labs, office hours, and how accessible professors really are.
You’ll want to know: If I hit a wall, who helps me get through it?
3. How easy is it to get involved on campus?
Clubs, leadership, service, intramurals—these shape your college experience. Ask:
Are activities student-led or mostly administrative?
Can freshmen easily join or lead?
What do most students actually do outside class?
Involvement = belonging. And belonging drives success.
4. What opportunities are there for internships or hands-on experience?
Even in your first year, you’ll want to know:
Are there real-world connections through your program?
Do professors help connect you with opportunities?
Is there a career center that offers more than just a resume review?
This is especially important if you're pursuing a field where experience counts just as much as your degree.
5. Why did you choose this school—and what would you change?
Ask this to your tour guide, a student panelist, or even a random student you meet in the dining hall.
It’s one of the most revealing questions you can ask. Their answer will give you insight into what really makes the place special—and where it may fall short.
Bonus Tip: Listen Between the Lines
Sometimes it’s not what people say—it’s how they say it.
Are students excited to share about their school—or just reciting facts?
Are the tour leaders authentic, or do they feel scripted?
Can you picture yourself walking around that campus, not just today—but every day?
Trust your gut, take notes, and remember: you’re interviewing the college as much as they’re evaluating you.
How We Help
At College and Career Collective, we coach students and families on how to make the most of every college visit—with custom questions, reflection prompts, and post-visit planning.
