Good questions to ask on campus tour/ interview?

Applying to College
1

<p>I've got a Swarthmore interview on Tuesday, and for the last couple of days I've been tried to get a list of helpful questions to ask at the school so that A) I will look good, like I am really interested in the school , B) I won't ask any questions that I could find in the guidebook or website, and C) will actually learn about the school and see if it fits my personality.</p>

<p>I am a prospective English and/or Music major, and I have a strong interest in journalism and choral groups.</p>

<p>Here are the questions I have so far:</p>

<p>-In addition to Swarthmore College, I've also been looking into Haverford and Oberlin (somewhat similar small selective LAC's). What stands out about Swarthmore from these schools (particularly Haverford)?</p>

<p>-What do you think is the greatest strength that Swarthmore has?</p>

<p>-How many music rooms are available for student practice?</p>

<p>-Can students receive financial aid with private music lessons (big sticking point with me)?</p>

<p>-How hard is it to get time on the college's computers?</p>

<p>-What choral groups are offered here and how selective are they? </p>

<p>-How often do these groups schedule performances?</p>

<p>-Could you tell me about your study abroad program?</p>

<p>-What kind of freshman orientation program is offered to students?</p>

<p>-I am aware that Swarthmore doesn’t offer a Communications majors, but what journalism opportunities are available to students besides the school newspaper? (btw, does anybody here know the name of their student paper?)</p>

<p>-Are there programs designed to help students find internships and employment on/off campus? And if so, how does a student find out about such opportunities? </p>

<p>-Between now and the time I send in my application, what can I do to
improve my chances for acceptance?</p>

<p>-Approximately how much reading is assigned every night for homework?</p>

<p>-On a 1-10 scale (10 being the best), how would you rate the dorms and campus food)?</p>

<p>Do you guys have any mo
re to suggest? I'm kinda stuck for good, relevant questions. Thank you.</p>

2

<p>B U M P please..</p>

3

<p>I think you have a really good list of questions! They are relevant to you, and not the easy things found on the website, etc. </p>

<p>When I was going through the interview and touring process, everyone seemed really thrilled when I asked opinions, instead of facts. I think the poor admissions people get really sick of reciting facts. </p>

<p>Ask if they were going to lunch in the D. Hall, what would they choose to eat? If they were pulling an all nighter, where would they study? Ask for a unique story of something that would only happen at Swarthmore. Ask if they had to do the whole college experience over again, would it still be Swarthmore?</p>

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<p>Your questions sound great; I think that's plenty to make you seem interested in the school. I went on a Swarthmore tour recently, and just to answer one of the questions you have, I was told the school will pay for private music lessons. I don't remember all the details, though, so that would be a good thing to ask about. Good luck!</p>