Select your important considerations, and click on each to discover questions to ask.
What is the average size of classes which transfers normally take?
(Note: Many schools have a low student/faculty
ratio because some of the professors do mostly research. A
low ratio won't always tell you that your intro classes have 300 people
in them.)
What percentage of your courses are taught by graduate assistants?
By "temporary" faculty?
How important is teaching ability in awarding tenure and promotion?
What is the average size of classes which transfers normally take?
(Note: If the class size is above
30 or so, then you will probably be taking computer-graded exams.)
What percentage of your students do internships?
How many credits will I be taking outside of my major?
How many electives are allowed?
(you really know what you want to do) or many options for a major because you have many
interests and aren't absolutely certain.
What majors does the school offer?
Does the school offer a career exploration class or counseling?
In addition, to asking questions:
Does the school have that activity?
How many students currently participate?
Could someone with my credentials and major participate?
How is your school rated nationally and regionally for safety?
Ask students on campus: Do you feel safe at night?
What cultural activities are here?
What are the in-town and out-of-town public transportation possibilities?
How much are tickets?
Can I get them?
May I bring a car to campus?
Where may I park?
Cost of parking?
Other transportation?
Is this a commuter school or do students usually stay on campus weekends?
Ask students these questions:
What percentage of your graduates in this major are employed in their field?
How many get into graduate or professional school?
Ask students about availability of advisors, peer mentor programs, faculty office hours, etc.
May I visit a residence hall?
(A visit will do no good unless school is in session.
Best bet: Arrange to stay overnight with a host student in residence hall
of any school you are seriously considering so you get a feel for the place
at night when most studying will have to happen.)
What computer facilities are available to students?
What are their hours?
What is the ratio of students to computers?
Are residence halls wired with fiber optics?
Ask students, preferably seniors.
What programs are there to help students with admission?
Who is in charge?
May I have a copy of your study abroad brochure?
(For a reasonable price and hassle-free transfer
of credits, look for the number of ongoing exchanges the school actually hosts.)
Ask students about the social life.
Look at the way students dress to see if there is just a narrow range of "types"
or if there is diversity.
Eavesdrop on some conversations as people are leaving and entering the dining hall.
Ask yourself: Can I afford this school's kind of social life?
Do I feel comfortable?
What are the costs?
Will the school do a financial aid pre-estimate for me?
How much will this school cost after I subtract grants and scholarships?
Always ask several students:
For more information, email transfer@mccc.edu.