One of the key–but a bit overlooked–aspects of the college exploration and selection process that perhaps does not get talked about enough for students is which questions to ask institutions of higher education. Whether they are questions for admissions folks; program of study personal; or current students or alumni, students should get comfortable with asking a lot of questions.

Asking good, thoughtful questions not only often yields good, thoughtful information, it also lets schools know how a student processes information; how interested they are in each institution; how they use higher-order critical thinking and reasoning skills; and how they can use foresight to really dig-deeper into assessing their fit with a particular school. It also allows students to take back some of the leverage and assess if a particular institution makes the most sense for them.

Of course, students do not have to feel pressured to ask a question just to ask a question–or to try and force questions–but I believe learners can often miss prime opportunities to learn more about the institutions that they are most interested in simply by not knowing which questions to ask.

The following questions are certainly not an exhaustive list, but can provide a great starting point for many students, which, in turn, may spark a curiosity and interest into asking additional, or follow-up, questions of your own.

Without further ado, let’s look at eight particularly good questions to ask colleges.

1. Ask about Retention Rates and Graduation Rates:

While there may not be an exciting way to ask admissions representatives about retention numbers–and maybe this sounds like a question more for caregivers–it is important for students to get a sense of how many students come back for their second year. A lower retention rate for a school can signify a number of different things: Lack of mental health supports for students; rigid, archaic academic rules, policies, procedures, and norms; a toxic campus culture; lack of campus safety measures; or just generally students–or individual groups of students–not feeling supported, seen, cared for, or understood on campus. For instance, retention rates pushing 90% are pretty strong; retention rates in the low 80% range (or lower) are not strong. Furthermore, students will want to ask about four and six-year graduation rates. Do a numerical majority of students graduate in four years? Six years? It is definitely worth finding this out ahead of time before making an initial deposit or paying for the first year of college at a certain institution that may have sounded better in theory than in actual reality.

2.Ask About Internships; Study Abroad; and Local Economic-Drivers:

I will passionately admit: I am huge on experiential learning opportunities for students, so I think one of the best questions for students to ask is what opportunities each institution either provides or supports for hands-on learning. Things such as, if a particular school allows undergraduates to work with professors or faculty on research; or where do students often go on study abroad expeditions; or if there is a culture or expectation of participating in an Internship; or maybe if a school offers a co-op, or has other hands-on learning experiences baked into a particular course or program of study? Relatedly, it’s good to get a feel for the local or regional economic-drivers surrounding each school. Many times, these entities foster a friendly partnership between themselves and the local institution(s) of higher education by providing field-based learning experiences for students, or often by hiring students while in college (or once graduated). See which hands-on experiential learning opportunities may exist around the area(s) of your prospective colleges and then bookmark them for later.

3. Ask About Mental Health Supports:

In years past, this may have been a question that mostly only students with mental health concerns would perhaps ask, but now, with skyrocketing mental health concerns across the board for students, it’s a question that all students should ask–even if just for helping a friend or knowing where to go to in the event of an emergency. Students should know where mental health counseling services are located on campus (and how students can access them), and also where to access Emergency Room services on or near campus. Bodily accidents can happen on campus; overdoses can happen–all sorts of things can go wrong when hundreds or thousands of young people are in one concentrated area–and so students need to know where to turn to in times of great need.

4. What’s the Culture or Values Like Here?

This is a question that can be asked to both current students and faculty. You want to get a feel for what each school represents. What’s the vibe like on campus? What is the ethos–or value structure–that drives the institution? Each high school and each college has a culture–sometimes good, sometimes not so good. But no two cultures are exactly alike. Find out from students and faculty if this is a learning community that reflects your own values and level of comfort.

5. What’s the School’s Mission or Heartbeat?

Similarly, you want to get a good feel for what drives the mission or heartbeat of the school. While it may not be necessary to memorize the original Mission Statement of each school, you will want to get a good feel for what ignites or fuels each collective institution. Is this a school that drives home the idea of intellectual curiosity? is this a school steeped-in measured, traditional principles and values? is this institution forward-thinking? is it a place that values cohesion and collaboration? Experiential hands-on learning? Or one that fosters individuality? Basically, you want to understand what makes each particular school tick (and to see if those things match your own values, principles, or preferences).

6. What Types of Students Are You Looking For? Who Thrives Here?

It is definitely also worth asking colleges about the types of students that they most seek-out, and also, which types of students typically thrive in each institution’s learning environment. Do self-starters or low-maintenance students do particularly well? What about students that have that one true intellectual interest? Are they able to take a deep-dive into their learning? Or do glue-type students steal the show? You know, those students that often bring others together or can seemingly fit in just about any place. Or might the non-intellectually-conforming student feel most at home on campus? Similarly, you want to get a feel for certain student attributes that schools may be looking for, such as: if they are looking for learners with a growth mindset; those with an unrelenting determination to succeed; learners with the ability to fail and bounce-back quickly; students with can-do attitudes; or students that uphold things like honor; accountability; responsibility; and character. Find out what each school is looking for and then see if that fits with what you know about yourself.

7. Talk With Current Students (Get the Good; the Bad; & the Ugly):

It’s always a good idea–particularly, on college visits–to pull aside a student or two (or group!) and ask them about their perspectives and experiences as a current student. Basically, to ask them the good; the bad; and the ugly. Like, if they could do it all over again, would they still choose their same institution for college? Yes, student-led tour guides can be knowledgeable and helpful, but they are ambassadors or representatives of their school, so they naturally must provide a bit more of a one-sided view of things. But all you have to do is find approachable students and ask them for a minute or two of their time. You can do a quick introduction of yourself, ask your questions, and sit back and listen to what students are saying about their school. Jot down some notes, then thank the student(s) for their time and for answering your questions. You may even possibly learn more about a particular college in a two-minute conversation with a current student than you learn from an hour-long student-led tour guide session. Most people–current college students included–definitely don’t mind talking about their own experiences (if you just ask), so don’t be shy!

8. Ask About Campus Safety (and Community Safety):

Whether you decide to live on-campus or off-campus, you will want to feel comfortable with how each school addresses and prepares itself to be a place built on safety. Unfortunately–particularly, for some groups of students–safety concerns can sometimes be heightened on college campuses, and it’s good to know, for instance, where emergency resources are located; if there are groups that will walk you to your vehicle or dorm; or even help you get a Uber or Lyft if you feel at all unsafe. Relatedly, it is also worth getting a good feel for the safety of the surrounding neighborhoods or the larger community. College campuses are often prominent parts of larger living communities, and sometimes non-students will be on-campus and sometimes students will want to leave the campus bubble and venture out to the local eating; shopping; work; or entertainment venues in the surrounding areas. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye and ear on the current local news and to always be aware of your surroundings–at all times of the day–no matter what.

Bonus questions to ask: Particularly, if you are new to the campus area, ask around about where the best places to eat and shop are located, and also ask where the best–or most convenient–places are to go for emergency essentials for your dorm or for those other important items you made need to get your through the day or to pick-up ahead of time for class.

 –The Blue-Collar Counselor