If you're a junior or senior in high school, you're probably more concerned with getting into college rather than getting out of college. The questions you ask during your college visit are most likely focused on admissions application requirements and deadlines rather than graduation rates and what it takes to complete a degree in a four years. However, once you do get in, understanding what's involved in meeting the academic degree requirements to graduate become a priority. It may be worthwhile to ask a few questions about course offerings, availability, and academic planning when you visit. In other words, "What does it take to graduate in four years and how many students do so?" is a great question to ask.
Here's Christina McIntyre talking about how an online academic planning tool like BecomeAlum helps students know exactly what's required by their major and when the necessary courses are offered giving the student control over his or her future.
For more information about BecomeAlum, please visit: www.becomealum.com.
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There are several questions that come to mind when visiting colleges with the perspective of "What are the road blocks to earning a degree?" Here are a few questions that are fair to ask at a college visit.
Q: What is the average time to degree?
The assumption (hope) is 4 years but the average is typically somewhere ~ 4.5 to 5 years as it often reflects individuals who change into the major late.
Q: What are the key courses that are essential for my student to progress through the degree? In other words what courses if not taken would cause a delay in the earning of a diploma.
Some universities limit whether or not a student can double major. Be sure to ask about limitations.
If a student is entering as "Undecided" there is a variety of questions to ask.
Q: What guidance will my student get towards helping him/her identify a major that would be a good fit?
Q: Is there a course he/she should take the first semester to help in the search for a major?
Q: What is the average time to degree for a student who enters the university “undecided”.
Q: What majors are restricted?
Q: What are the restrictions?
Q: Is there an application process for restricted majors?
Q: Is the restriction capacity or performance driven?
Q: How likely is it that a student who meets the qualifications will be able to enter a specific restricted major? Or more specifically - What is the percentage of students who apply for a restricted major who get accepted?
Sorry for the rambling. Questions can vary broadly but getting this insight can make a big impact on what school program may be the best fit for you and avoid the need to transfer to another college/university later on (that is a lose / lose proposition for the student and the college).
Posted by: Christina McIntyre | 03/01/2010 at 06:23 PM
Great advice, Christina. I'm going to create a blog post from your questions regarding restricted majors. We have not covered that topic yet. This is all terrific information to share with prospective students. Thank you!
Posted by: Z. Kelly Queijo | 03/01/2010 at 08:35 PM