Ask this, not that
“College Fair Week” is upon us in the Pittsburgh area. I don’t think that’s an official name, but any school counselor or admissions rep that covers Western PA will know what you’re talking about if you mention those three words. Annual fairs in the North and South Hills, as well as a PACAC (state association) fair at Robert Morris, and at least a half-dozen other fairs will be taking place October 5-9. It will be a little bittersweet for me to not attend (representing a university, anyways), so I thought I’d share some reflections on questions students and parents can and should pose of the esteemed representatives visiting “tahn.”
I know it can feel a bit vulnerable to ask questions, especially when you don’t know what to ask (or you just want that really cool pen or sticker), but trust me when I say that it can be just as nerve-racking for the admissions person across the table! Be yourself, and remember you probably aren’t going to make or break your chances with that college in that moment. What can happen, however, is learning a great piece of information, or starting a kinship with a person that wants to see you at their university.
Rather than: “How is your ___ major?”
Ask instead: “What is your favorite thing about your ___ major?” or “What does life at (college) look like for a person interested in (broader field)?”
It’s a valid question. You want to know that if you’re studying Scare Theory at Monsters University, that it’s a good place to do so. However, it’s a question that’s both easy and hard to answer. More than likely, the rep isn’t going to put down the major, but really there are only two possible answers to this question. Make it open-ended, so you can decide “how” the major is for YOU.
Rather than: “What is your average GPA/SAT/ACT score?”
Ask instead: “What does ___ look for in a competitive application?”
With a few exceptions, most schools are not going to look at just that one metric you’re asking about. If you have a GPA or test score that falls below their answer, it can be jarring. But it is not an on-the-spot admit or deny. Instead, take this opportunity to learn more about the bigger picture. They may or may not mention those “averages.” But they will likely tell you some of the other things they look for that can help you stand out.
Rather than: “Do you have ___ (club/organization)?”
Ask instead: “Can you tell me about some of the unique clubs/organizations on campus, or ways students get involved?”
Again, all of these “rather than” questions are completely valid. Some pundits will scoff at the questions about major or club/activity, and say “you could just look these up,” but colleges can blend together, and we’re human. We forget. That is partially why I want you to rephrase the question above. The schools I’ve worked at had 300-750+ clubs and organizations, and sometimes they come and go. It’s nearly impossible for the rep to know all of them (same goes for majors, honestly). Ideally here, the college shares an interesting tidbit or two, and then volleys back to you, asking about your interests, and a conversation flows.
Rather than: “What is your tuition?”
Ask instead: “What opportunities does ___ offer to make college more affordable?”
Similar to the GPA question above, and perhaps more so, the answer may shock you. Sticker shock, even. Appropriate, because you will likely be told the sticker price. In reality, the sticker price may not be what you pay. Let the college tell you about the opportunities that might exist to get that number lower. Saying the quiet part out loud, that college is pricey, does not reflect negatively on you. The person behind the table knows that, and may have student loans of their own!
Bonus questions I like:
“Tell me about a recent student who’s done something that made you go ‘wow’.”
The best admissions professionals know the power of stories. Let them tell of the college student who founded a startup or is working for the public good. You could be their next story.
“What are some of the places your students (intern, study abroad)?”
You never know when a college is going to have a connection to the company where you’ve dreamed of working. Also, keep an open mind about study abroad. At many schools, you can do so for the same price of attending “on campus.” Some places, it may even be cheaper!
“Tell me about the best college essay you’ve ever read.”
Obviously, you should not copy their response, but this will give a peek behind the curtain, and reinforce how truly infinite the list of essay topics is. And, I imagine if you asked 100 reps, you would get 100+ different answers. They (it feels weird not writing “we”) like to share their opinion, and chances are, some will give you two for the price of one!
Regardless of whether you’re nearby next week’s fairs, I hope you’ll take the opportunity to have rich conversations with college representatives. The field is filled with wonderful people who want to help. That spirit still lives in me, and I hope I gave you a talking point or ten!
Happy October,
--
Adam
