Summary: Knowing the right questions to ask — whether you're working with a college admissions counselor or speaking with an admissions officer at a campus visit or info session — can meaningfully improve your application strategy. Use this list to get targeted, actionable answers at every stage of the process.
1) Questions for Your College Admissions Counselor
Ask these in your first few sessions with your admissions counselor to set a clear, realistic strategy from the start.
- What are the biggest gaps or risks in my current application profile?
- How should I balance reach, target, and likely schools given my academic stats?
- Which standardized tests should I prioritize — and should I go test-optional at any schools on my list?
- What activities or experiences in my profile are most compelling to admissions committees?
- How do I find a narrative thread that ties my application together?
- What should my personal statement focus on — and what topics should I avoid?
- How should I approach Early Decision or Early Action strategy given my top choices?
- What can I realistically do between now and application deadlines to improve my profile?
- Which schools on my list have the highest and lowest likelihood of admission for someone with my profile?
- How do I approach financial aid and merit scholarships alongside admissions strategy?
2) Questions for Admissions Officers at Campus Visits & Info Sessions
When speaking with admissions officers directly, focus on school-specific insight they can't give online — and demonstrate genuine interest through the quality of your questions.
- What does a competitive application look like for a student with my intended major?
- How does the committee weigh demonstrated interest — and what counts as demonstrated interest at your school?
- Is there anything in the application that commonly causes qualified students to be deferred or waitlisted?
- How does the committee review the activities list — are depth and leadership weighted more than breadth?
- What distinguishes the supplemental essays that impress your readers?
- How does your school reconsider waitlisted students — is there anything students can do to strengthen their position?
- What percentage of your incoming class applied Early Decision or Early Action?
- Are there specific programs, research opportunities, or faculty members I should mention by name in my application?
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