• What are the application deadlines?



• How many students apply, and how many of these are accepted?



• What are the grade-point averages and average (or minimum) SAT or ACT scores? These facts can give you a rough estimate of your own chances of being accepted. In addition to your first-choice schools, it's wise to apply to two or three safety schools at which your chances of admission are very high.



• How many applicants receive financial aid, and what is the typical or average aid package?



• What does the typical aid package consist of, in terms of grants, loans, and work-study programs?

• Is the campus safe? Colleges are required to report campus-crime statistics.



• What does the campus look like? Architecture that is inspiring to some may be gloomy to others.



• How is the campus housing? Some schools require freshmen to live in dorms; some have mandatory meal plans. Keep in mind that it may be hard to assess the appearance--not to mention the plumbing--of dormitories without actually visiting.



• Are fraternities and sororities an important part of college life?



• What is the availability and cost of off-campus housing? (Apartments are harder to come by in New York City than in Cleveland!)

• What social, artistic, and athletic activities are available on campus?



• What is the range of clubs and organizations--for example, the school newspaper or politically involved clubs?



• What activities does the surrounding community offer?

• How many students enroll, and how many complete their degrees in (on average) how many years?



• Where do students go after they finish: careers vs. graduate or professional schools?



• How many who look for jobs in their chosen field get them? Ask about specific jobs, too.



• How many who apply to graduate schools are accepted? Ask this about specific majors, too.

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