Eight Questions to Ask During a College Visit

(MoneyWatch)  A dear friend called me on her cell phone this week while she was strolling around the campus of American University in Washington, D.C. Susanna and her daughter Paloma were spending their spring break visiting colleges back East.

Why did she call? Paloma was excited about American University. She loved the look and feel of the place and her mom was wondering what kind of questions they should be asking during the college visit. I gave her some quick suggestions, but I wish they had done their homework before starting the road trip.

When I've gone on college tours with my own kids, I've been struck at how few meaningful questions get asked. It seems that teenagers and parents are fixated on things like meal-plan minutia and whether Wi-Fi is available in every nook and cranny.

Come on folks, is that the best you can do?

It'll be easier to come up with more insightful questions if you download this helpful booklet: A Pocket Guide to Choosing a College, Are You Asking the Right Questions on a College Campus Visit?
The National Survey of Student Engagement put together the booklet that focuses on what's most important - a school's academics. Here are some of the questions that the NSSE says you should be asking:

1. How much time do students spend on homework each week?
2. How much writing and reading are expected?
3. How often do students discuss ideas in class?
4. How often do students make class presentations?
5. How many students work on research projects with faculty?
6. Are faculty members accessible and supportive?
7. What type of honors courses, learning communities, and other distinctive programs are offered?
8. Is a culminating senior year experience required?

Ask these sorts of questions and you're more likely to choose a college based on what's truly important, rather than on how many vegan entrees a school cafeteria serves.