College and university fairs are an excellent opportunity for students to ask their most pressing questions so that they can make an informed decision when choosing a post-secondary institution. It’s best to come to fairs—either held in person or virtually—with a set of questions to ensure you make the most of your time chatting with school representatives. It can be difficult to narrow down your list of questions, which is why we’ve curated a list students can keep handy to ask at college and university fairs for schools in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Life on Campus
1. What on-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available?
What makes a desirable campus culture is unique to each individual student. Some students prefer a more immersive experience that they can get by living in residence halls on campus, while other students might prefer to find off-campus housing.
2. How many students attend this college or university?
Total student body size can determine if a student will be a small fish in a big sea or a big fish in a small sea! While a larger student population can mean that there will be more clubs and organizations to join, it may also mean that there’s more competition for top spots, such as leadership positions in student organizations, music ensembles, etc.
3. Where is the campus located (in a city, rural area, or suburb)?
Colleges and universities can be located in all kinds of settings. It’s good to have an idea of what the area around campus is like, so the student can be prepared for living and learning in a specific type of location.
4. What is this college or university best known for?
The response to this question can give a student a better understanding of the campus culture. For example, if the institution is best known for its sports teams, you can assume that participation in sports as a player or as a fan will be a big part of the college or university’s campus experience.
5. What extracurricular opportunities exist for students interested in different hobbies, subjects, and professions?
Getting involved in clubs, sports, and professional organizations is a great way to have fun, meet new people, and gain experience doing something you’re passionate about outside of class.
6. What kinds of student support facilities or groups are available?
Some institutions have more support facilities or groups than others. Knowing this can help you gauge which school will best fit your personal needs.
7. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Sometimes there’s a huge line of students behind you at a college or university fair, and you don’t have a lot of time to ask all the questions you’d like. But, if you find yourself with some extra time on the clock, asking this question can give you a good sense of whether an academic institution is right for you.
Class Style and Programs
1. What is the average class size?
Students may prefer a more intimate setting with the opportunity to participate in discussions, or more lecture-style classes that encourage more independent study. This is a good way to determine what is typical at the institution.
2. What are the strongest academic programs?
Most students will have a degree program/course or general discipline in mind when deciding on a college or university to attend, so learning about each institution’s strongest academic programs/courses is important. Academic reps might also be able to recommend one that could be a perfect fit for your skills.
3. What is the ranking of this program/course?
Most students look at the overall academic institution’s ranking rather than the program/course ranking. In many cases, the program/course ranking is a better quality indicator for your student experience over the more general university ranking.
4. What dual degrees are available?
Knowing what dual degrees are available in a certain field can be a good way for students to maximize the return on investment of their study abroad experience. For example, did you know that most Australian universities offer dual degree courses for the same cost of tuition as a single degree course?
Post-Graduate Opportunities and Work Placements
1. What kinds of work-integrated learning or hands-on learning opportunities are available?
Graduating with work experience is a major contributing factor towards finding employment after graduation. As such, access to work-integrated learning could be a key factor to consider when choosing where you want to study.
2. What is the employability rate for graduates, e.g., what is the likelihood of finding a job after graduation?
It’s important to note the employability rate of your desired program/course and academic institution, as this can impact your future career path. High employability rates mean a better return on investment for students investing in their education.
3. Does the program/course or institution qualify for post-graduate work opportunities?
If you’re interested in working in your study abroad country after graduation, it is important to know what work opportunities exist and in what capacity.
4. What connections does the college or university have to the industry you’re interested in?
Some academic institutions have more industry connections than others. Knowing these connections can guide your choice towards an institution where there are more work-integrated learning opportunities.
Application Processes
1. What is the application process like, and how long will each stage take before I am given a place in the program/course?
Knowing the timeline for each stage of the application process is important for knowing when you could receive a place in the program/course, for planning your acceptance, and can provide peace of mind around other deadlines, like applying for a study visa or permit.
2. What type of financial document(s) does the university or college require?
Knowing this will help you prepare for the financial portion of the application process. Also, ensuring you have all the correct documentation can help make applying to receive financial aid easier to complete.
3. What does a student require in terms of grades, documents, and prerequisite courses for my program/course of choice?
Each program/course is different, and if yours is less common, it may be hard to find specific admission requirements online. Bring your qualifications with you to the fair so you can discuss these requirements and learn more about your eligibility.
4. Which language proficiency tests are preferred?
Schools accepting students from countries where the language of academic instruction isn’t English must ensure international students are able to succeed in their classes. To gauge students’ language skills, many institutions require results from specific language proficiency tests as part of their application.
5. What scholarships are available to international students?
Many students are concerned about financing their education. Often students cannot cover the cost of tuition and housing without scholarships, and don’t want to apply until knowing which scholarships are available to them.
Keep this list handy and you’ll be sure to impress at any college or university fair with these questions! Best of luck!
