College Fit Assessment: 20 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing the Right College

We are dedicated to helping you do more than just gain admission to college; we aim to help you find the right college. Choosing the right college is a big decision that influences both your personal development and professional future, so it’s worth taking seriously. 

To help you through this process, we’ve made a list of 20 college fit assessment questions to  take the stress out of choosing the right college. These questions are designed not only to guide you through evaluating the various academic and extracurricular offerings of a college, but also to help you determine whether a college aligns with your long-term goals and values.

BONUS TIP: While you’re working through the answers to these questions, keep your notes. This information will be invaluable for supplemental “Why Us” or “Why Major” essay questions!

20 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing the Right College

1. Does the College Offer My Major?

• Make sure that the college in question has a strong program for your field of study, with great resources and experienced faculty. While the beautiful campus or awesome football program might speak to you, there is no sense in spending the next four years there if it doesn’t help you achieve your dreams! 

2. What are the Class Sizes Like?

• Spend some time thinking about what size classes you prefer . This is an important factor to consider in finding the right college. You don’t want to spend the next four years learning in classrooms that aren’t built for you. So take your time and do the right research!

3. How Qualified are the Faculty?

• Look into the school’s credentials, their research interests, and how accessible they are to students. The professors that maintain these programs are going to be your mentors for the next four years of your life (maybe more). Check out their ratemyprofessor scores, look at honest student testimonies, and read their published work online. This will help you make an honest assessment.

4. What Kind of Academic Support is Available?

• Check if the college offers tutoring, writing centers, and other academic support services. These services can be expensive when paid out of your pocket. If your university offers them, it could be the difference in your paying to re-take a class or a private tutor! 

5. What are the Graduation and Retention Rates?

• High graduation rates can be a sign of student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness. If a school has a terrible graduation or retention rate, they probably aren’t going to broadcast this information to potential students. However, it is a statistic they can’t fully hide from. What is the satisfaction level of other students? How do they fare compared to other universities that you are considering? Do their complaints feel like gripes that you’d share?

6. What is the Campus Culture?

• Think about whether the campus atmosphere feels welcoming and if it aligns with your values and social preferences. College can be as much of a social experience as it is an educational one, so make sure you can see yourself thriving and growing alongside like-minded peers.

7. What Opportunities are There for Research and Internships?

• Opportunities for hands-on experiences are important for practical learning and resume building. The ability for undergraduate students to gain research experience is just as valuable on your resume as your degree itself. Find out about the opportunities for on-campus jobs, research positions, and internships and consider what this means to you. 

8. What Type of Career Services are Offered?

• Effective career services can be vital for internship placements and job opportunities after graduation. Many universities value that their students are able to find jobs after graduation– after all, it is the big reason why students attend college. Check out what kinds of services are offered because it could make a huge difference later on!

9. What Financial Aid Opportunities are Available?

• College is expensive! So make sure that you understand the financial aid packages, scholarship opportunities, and the average student debt of your college of choice. Consider why the school is priced that way, if it is worth that to you, and what it will take to pay for tuition. It’s important to do this before you’ve committed, as you wouldn’t want to withdraw at the last minute because it turns out you can’t pay for college. 

10. How Diverse is the Student Body?

• Consider whether or not you value a diverse environment with new perspectives and cultures and make sure the campus you’re hoping to attend reflects that. Are there people who look like you on campus? Are there clubs, organizations, festivals, and otherwise that you’d be interested in attending? 

11. What is Campus Safety Like?

• Research the safety measures in place on campus and the surrounding area. Do you feel safe on campus? You’re going to be spending a lot of time there, so you want to make sure it is somewhere that you feel comfortable. What safety measures does the campus employ to keep students safe? What measures can you take on your own? Does it feel like enough?

12. How are the Dorms and Living Conditions?

• Check if the housing options meet your standards and if they’ll contribute to a positive college experience. Even if you plan to spend as little time in your dorm room as possible, the amenities offered can still make a huge difference. Make sure to ask about what freshman bonding experiences the college offers that will bring your floor closer together! The dorm itself won’t be a palace, but it should make you feel like home, so having opportunities to engage with your peers can really help.

13. What Clubs and Organizations Can I Join?

• Look for clubs and organizations that align with your interests. Colleges have expansive lists of clubs and organizations that are designed to fit the interests of many students. Make sure that the college you’re interested in attending has a few clubs that you could see yourself joining. These groups are great for making friends and developing skills and building your resume.

14. Is the Campus Location Ideal for Me?

• Decide if you prefer an urban, suburban, or rural setting and consider the opportunities each option offers. Some students want to attend college in the big city, but others value a more campus-like feel. This can make a huge difference in your ability to connect with your campus, so make sure you take it seriously!

15. What are the Transportation Options?

• Double check there are convenient transportation options for getting around campus and the local area. Many colleges don’t allow freshmen to have a car on campus. So, where does that leave you if your school is in the middle of nowhere? How will you get to job interviews, explore the local area, and more? Does the school offer local bus/subway passes? Do they have their own shuttle service to popular locations? These are questions worth asking on your college tour.

16. How Successful are the Alumni?

• Alumni success can indicate the strength of the college network and the quality of education provided. Research famous alumni that graduated from your school of interest.

17. What is the Local Social Life Like?

• Spend some time researching the social scene at the college and see if it fits your idea of fun. Look online or ask about the school’s social calendar on your tour. Most schools have a list of upcoming events that will help you gauge if they have activities that interest you and if this is the right place for you!

18. How are Mental Health and Counseling Services?

• Good mental health resources are important for your well-being as a student. College is harder than you expect, and the last thing you’d want during a mental health crisis is to find out that your school has limited support services. 

19. What are the Meal Plans and Dining Options Like?

• Dining options can significantly affect your daily life; consider if the options on campus accommodate your dietary needs, if you like the food, and the hours of the facilities. Look into how many dining halls are on campus, if you’re happy with the food offered in those buildings, and the price you’ll end up paying. It can be a big leap to go from mom’s cooking to dining hall food- don’t let it be one extra challenge on your plate!

20. Does it Feel Right?

• Ultimately, you should trust your instincts. After visiting, researching, and reflecting, does the college feel like it could be your home for the next few years? 

Marks Education understands that the best choice is one that’s deeply individual—a college that aligns with your goals and aspirations. That’s why we’ve given you these college selection tips to help you along the way. Take this decision seriously, and don’t be afraid to connect with our Educational Advisors to learn more about making a decision that is right for you and your family.