The Absolute Worst Question You Can Ask Students

A big worry that many students have during their college search is not knowing what questions to ask. They simply don’t know what they don’t know.

Because of that, the absolute worst question an admissions counselor, tour guide, faculty member, or anyone else affiliated with your school can ask a prospective student is, “Do you have any questions?” 

The problem with that particular question is it’s too open ended.

Every student has things they’re wondering about throughout the college search process. Unfortunately most of them experience what’s known as question reluctance. On top of that, they don’t want to ask something that you might perceive as silly or something they should already know the answer to.

Before you ask any question, a good rule of thumb is to define what you hope to learn from the student. Then, come up with a more narrow and direct question that you ask in a conversational tone.

Here are a few examples you can utilize with new inquiries:

• As you’ve been learning more about different schools, what’s standing out to you the most?

• What are some of the things you’re looking for when it comes to your college classes and that learning environment?

• What’s one thing you’re still hoping to figure out before you start filling out applications?

• Besides cost, what other factors are most important to you at this point in the process?

  
  

If you want to better understand what kind of community a student is looking for, ask, “What makes a new community feel welcoming to you?”

Or, if you want to better understand some of the things a student wants in their future college location, ask, “When you think about life outside of classes, what do you hope the area around your future college offers?” 

Try these out and let me know how they work for you.

Did someone forward this article to you? Subscribe to my newsletter today and join 3,000+ other higher ed professionals who are investing in themselves.