10 Questions to ask at an Open House

 

You’ve RSVP’d to your first Open House, printed out directions for your parents, and packed snacks for the car. But have you thought about what you really want to know about this campus? An open house is your chance to talk to faculty, staff, and most importantly, other students and decide if this is where you want to live and learn for the next four years. Make the most of this visit and be ready with questions to ask. We recommend asking current students questions about their experience — they’ll tell you like it is and provide insight that not even the longest-tenured employee would know to share. We also encourage you to get to know the professors who will potentially teach your courses and act as your mentors throughout your academic career.

Here are 10 questions to ask at an open house:

Current student questions

Why did you choose this college? This answer will give you a good idea of the college’s best features. For most Saint Rose students, the answer is almost always because our campus feels like home.

What do you do on weekends? College isn’t only about academics. Having a social life is important too. Find out what students do for fun. Do resident assistants (RAs) plan activities? Do students attend varsity athletic games? Find out if there’s a movie theater or coffee house within walking distance. There should be lots of opportunities to socialize, unwind, and have a good time.

How’s the food? You’ll be eating the majority of your meals in the on-campus dining hall. An Open House is a great time to try out some of the food options. Ask where students typically have lunch or grab a quick snack. At the Saint Rose dining hall, one of our star food items is the hand-churned ice cream made in-house!

What kind of clubs and organizations I can join? Joining a group is a great way to make new friends and connect with like-minded students who share your interests. Ask if there are a variety of academic and civic organizations, recreational and sports clubs, and cultural groups. At Saint Rose, you can choose from 40+ clubs and organizations, or start your own.

Are your classes in small rooms or large lecture halls? Class size is important and means all the difference in how closely your professors will get to know you and provide support. You won’t find cavernous lecture halls at Saint Rose. In fact, 99% of classes have fewer than thirty students.

 

Professor/faculty member questions

My friend’s older sister spent a semester in Paris. Can I study abroad? Traveling is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn a new language. You’ll even earn credits. Saint Rose students can study a wide range of disciplines in 35 countries and on five continents!

Will I be able to find an internship? An internship in your field of study is an important way to gain industry experience and apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Your professors and/or advisor should be ready and willing to help you find the best placement. The majority of Saint Rose students complete an internship, student teaching assignment, or clinical practicum.

Can students participate in research with their professors? This answer should be yes! Collaborative research results in hands-on experiences you can’t always get in a classroom. Many Saint Rose undergraduate students present their research findings at industry-leading conferences and get published in academic journals.

Can I apply right now? Is there an application fee? If you’ve made up your mind and you’re ready to apply, don’t wait. Submit your application for an early admissions decision and take one very big item off your to-do list. Saint Rose even waives the application fee for early applicants. Apply today!

How do I get financial aid? College is an important investment, and the right school should help make it affordable. Saint Rose has awarded more than $37 million in scholarships and loans in the last few years. In fact, 98% of our first-year students receive financial aid.

Ready to visit Saint Rose? Our next Open House is November 20 — schedule your visit!