Table of Contents
“Do you have any questions for me?” Whether you’re interviewing with an alum or an admissions officer, you’ll face this question at the end of nearly every college admissions interview. And you probably already know that your answer should always be yes. Asking thoughtful questions in your college interview shows intelligence, curiosity, and (perhaps most importantly) genuine interest in the school.
But what questions should you be asking? Is there a secret question that will unlock admissions success? (No, sadly.) Are there any questions you definitely should not ask? (Oh yes.)
Let’s dive into 7 great questions to ask in a college interview, tips for coming up with even more questions on the fly, and a few questions you really shouldn’t ask.
WANT PERSONALIZED HELP? Check out our interview coaching and mock interview services.
Questions to Ask in a College Interview
1. Can you tell me about one of your favorite [school] experiences/memories/classes?
Alumni interviewers volunteer their time because they’re passionate about their alma mater. This simple question will get your interviewer talking with enthusiasm, and it generally sets a positive tone for the end of your interview.
This question also opens the floor for a more personal and lighthearted conversation, so don’t be shy about asking follow-up questions. If your interviewer mentions something that sparks your interest, ask them more about it (once they finish their story)! “You mentioned you ran the Basket Weaving Club!? That’s amazing — what kinds of things does that club do?”
Tip: The interviewer’s answer to this question is a great detail to mention in your thank you note.
Other ways to ask this question: What do you love about working at [school]? What surprised you about [school] when you first got here? (These versions work if you’re being interviewed by an admissions officer or another non-alum staff member.)
2. What’s an iconic [school] experience/tradition that every student has to try?
This question — and how you respond to the answer — will show the interviewer you’re genuinely excited about becoming an active member of the school community. You want to make sure you don’t miss out on all the unique experiences the school has to offer. Who better to ask for guidance than an alum?
School traditions, and how students engage with those traditions, say a lot about the campus culture. And while every individual’s experience is different, using the term “iconic” means your interviewer is likely to tell you about something central to the overall student experience.
Answers may range from an iconic lecture class to an infamous sports rivalry to a quirky tradition like the “primal scream.” Be prepared to ask follow-up questions: If there’s a tradition of pranking the big sports rival, ask, “What was the wildest prank you participated in during your time at (school)?” Or if there’s a beloved lecture course, ask, “What do you think draws so many students to that course year after year?”
Alternatively, if you’ve already heard about a cool campus tradition or activity that appeals to you, ask about your interviewer’s experience with it: “I heard about [tradition] on my tour. Did you ever participate? What was your experience like?”
3. What do you wish you’d known as a freshman at [school]?
You can never get too much personalized advice from an alum, and this question is likely to yield particularly valuable tips.
Maybe they wish they’d joined the no-auditions-required a capella group or taken advantage of the robust freshman advising program. Or maybe they regret not taking the opportunity to study art history with a world-famous Van Gogh scholar.
Even if the advice doesn’t relate to you directly (let’s say you have no interest in art history), show that you respect their guidance by finding some kind of connection. “I get that — I’m so committed to computer science that I could see myself getting really focused on my CS coursework, but I’ve always loved stargazing. I definitely don’t want to miss the chance to take an astronomy class at [Famous Campus Planetarium].”
Other ways to ask this question: What advice would you give to an incoming freshman at [school]? Is there anything you wish you’d done differently in your time at [school]?
4. What do you think makes [school/specific program] different?
You’ll be glad you asked this question when you’re making your college decision in a few months!
Campus tours and promotional brochures tend to promote the same features across the board: small class sizes, comfortable dorms, undergraduate research opportunities, etc. But alums know what day-to-day life is really like. Small features, like a well-organized housing lottery or an amazing student life center, make all the difference when you’re a student. Plus, your interviewer probably knows plenty of people who went to other schools, so they’ll have an informed opinion about what makes their alma mater unique.
Avoid asking for negative comparisons to specific schools. If they make fun of a rival school, you can laugh with them, but don’t preemptively bash another school. (Their kid/partner/best friend might go there!)
Other ways to ask this question: What’s something unique about [school] that most non-students don’t know about?
5. What role does [school] play in your life today?
Your connection to your college doesn’t end after you graduate. There are plenty of ways to stay connected to your alma mater, from attending homecoming weekend every year to mentoring recent grads. Enthusiastic graduates who actively participate in alumni events = a great sign of a strong, spirited campus culture.
The answer to this question might also give you a window into the kinds of resources available to support alumni.
6. How did [school] shape your career/professional life?
Maybe the career services office gave them life-changing job interview tips. Or maybe the school’s strong connections to the film industry got them their first internship in Hollywood. Listen for details that indicate the school has robust resources available for students and alumni throughout their careers.
This is an especially great question to ask if your career goals are aligned with your interviewer’s. For example, if they’re a software engineer at Google and you’re an aspiring coder, ask, “What kind of support did the school provide to help you prepare for technical interviews?”
7. What makes the students at [school] unique?
This is a great question to ask an alumni interviewer or an admissions officer interviewer, so take note! Maybe the student body is really artsy and the most beloved tradition is the annual sophomore mural project. Or perhaps it’s a politically active campus and you’ll fit in best if you’re dedicated to make a difference on social issues. Maybe you’ll find out something even more unique, like the fact that because this school has some of the only pet-friendly dorms in the country, it attracts animal lovers. The answer can go in many different directions and will give you vital information about whether the school will be a good fit.
How to Come Up With More Questions to Ask in a College Interview
The best questions show you are a good listener. Listen to what the interviewer tells you about their college experience during the interview. Make a mental note of any details they share. Then ask specific follow-ups when the interviewer opens the floor for questions.
Pay attention to anything you might have in common with your interviewer – hometown, intended major, professional goals, etc. Any information your interviewer can provide on this topic will be useful to you, so ask away!
Example: Your Columbia interviewer mentions growing up on a farm. You live in a small suburban town. Ask: “I’m so excited to live in NYC, but I know it will be a big transition from the suburbs! You mentioned growing up in a rural community — what was it like for you transitioning to city life at Columbia?”
Questions You Shouldn’t Ask in a College Interview
1. Don’t ask Googleable questions.
For example: “What’s the average class size?” “Is there an International Studies major?” These questions show a lack of research and — whether it’s true or not — a lack of serious interest in the school.
2. Don’t ask about your admissions chances.
Yes, it’s the elephant in the room, but alumni interviewers do not know and admissions officers will not tell you. This is your big chance to have a one-on-one conversation about the school itself. Stay focused on that.
3. Don’t ask a question if you don’t care about the answer.
It’s important to show genuine curiosity and enthusiasm. If you have no interest in sports, don’t ask about intramurals just because your interviewer played them. You might end up staring blankly at them, stressing about what on earth you’re going to say when they finish talking.
4. Don’t ask questions that degrade other schools.
Rivalries are fun, but it’s not your place to criticize or mock other schools. If your interviewer makes a joke about a rival school, you can laugh along, but don’t initiate or escalate. (Who knows what kind of connection they might have to that school!)
Want Help Preparing for Your College Interview?
At Zen Admissions, our college interview prep services equip you with the skills and confidence to showcase your best self in every interview:
Sign up for an interview coaching session to review your experiences and achievements and prepare powerful strategies for responding to common interview questions.
Schedule a mock interview for a true simulated interview experience with detailed post-session feedback.
Questions? Want to learn more? Contact us and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.