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"Congratulations! By now, you've received your college admissions letters. At last, the power is in your hands to decide which university you'll attend next year, but making this big decision isn't easy. As the May 1 enrollment deadline looms, consider visiting (or even re-visiting) colleges. Physically stepping foot onto a campus will give you a strong sense of a school's energy and diversity. The hallmark of any campus visit is the student-led tour. We consulted college admissions experts on the most valuable questions to ask tour guides. (Hint: \"What sorority are you in?\" and \"Why is it so cold here?\" are not good ones.)\n\nGet the scoop on the social scene.\n\n Caitlin Smith, the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission at Northwestern University, believes that admitted students gain an entirely new perspective on a college when they visit the campus. \"There's an additional element of reality that isn't necessarily there when students visit as applicants,\" she says. \"Now that they know this could be their life for the next four years, they should try and find an honest glimpse of life at that school. Beyond academics, I'd argue that the extracurricular activities and social scenes are equally, if not more, important when choosing the right school.\" Visiting on a weekend will provide a closer glimpse into the social life on campus.\n\n Do Ask:\n\n \"What is the sense of community like here?\"\n\n \"What's your favorite tradition?\"\n\n Don't Ask:\n\n \"Where are the bars?\"\n\n \"Will you compare your university to the university across town?\"\n\nAsk specific questions about academic programs.\n\n J.D. Rothman, author of The Neurotic Parent's Guide to College Admissions, recommends asking tour guides questions about their academics and experiences adjusting to college life. \"Don't ask about anything that is readily found on the website,\" she says. \"And don't bombard them over-the-top braggy questions about your personal interests.\"\n\n Do Ask:\n\n \"Are there opportunities to do research with a professor?\"\n\n \"What kind of resources are there for community service, summer programs, outdoor education, internships, or study abroad?\"\n\n Don't Ask:\n\n \"What did you get on your SATs?\"\n\n \"Is it easier to be accepted into certain majors than others?\"\n\nInquire about the diversity of the student body.\n\n \"Ask hard questions to which you really want to know the answers,\" says Laura Clark, the director of college counseling at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School [a private school in New York]. \"Don't hesitate or feel embarrassed. The answer itself is factually helpful, and the way the person chooses to answer the question will tell you something.\"\n\n Do Ask:\n\n \"What is the race situation like here? Do groups mix well?\"\n\n \"Any there any things that most of the students here have in common?\"\n\n Don't Ask:\n\n \"Where do all the cute guys and girls hang out? Can we go there now?\""^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.teenvogue.com/story/best-questions-to-ask-college-tour>