Blonde female with stethoscope thinking with question marks on chalkboard

Important Campus Visit Questions for Prospective Health Students to Ask

If you hope to study Health and Medicine in college, you’ll want to ask some specific questions on your college visits. Bring this list on your next tour!

With the academic year starting up again, it’s a great time to go on college visits. Students can gain insight into their schools of interest by visiting campus and asking questions in person or virtually. For students interested in health and medicine, inquiries often involve the likelihood of attaining a research position as an undergraduate or the proximity of an acclaimed medical school. If this sounds like you, peruse this list of unique questions and keep it handy for your next campus visit.

Questions to ask students 

Nothing’s better than getting firsthand accounts from the people whose shoes you’ll be in eventually. Whether it’s a random student or a tour guide, here are the questions you’ll want to ask.

What is the admission process like for health students?

If you intend to apply to highly competitive programs like BS/MD (which are increasing in popularity), it’s best to know if the odds are in your favor. Find out how many students apply on average, how many are admitted to the program, and what the school is looking for in an ideal applicant. Questions like these can help you determine if you’re a strong candidate while helping you identify your weaker areas.

Related: How to Get Accepted to a Direct Medical Program

Are classes mostly discussion or lecture based?

Based on your learning style, you may thrive in an environment that encourages open discussion and debates. In contrast, if you’re a more reserved learner, you may not want to enroll in a class that includes a Socratic circle. Knowing your options can significantly improve your enthusiasm for class and improve your readiness to learn.

Does your institution offer a work-study program?

Though not all colleges and universities offer work-study, it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask. You could possibly assist an acclaimed professor while paying off your tuition, gaining work experience, and expanding your résumé—all while working on or near campus. What more could a future medical student ask for?

What clubs or other opportunities exist for community service?

This is a big one, especially if you want to apply to medical school in the future. Having volunteer and community service hours can significantly set you apart from other applicants and boost your résumé. This also gives leeway to possibly start your own club and show off your networking and leadership skills.

How’s the Wi-Fi?

This question is mundane but oh so important. Ask students about the internet on campus, how reliable it is, and if they’ve encountered any persistent problems. A wimpy connection shouldn’t get in your way of earning an A.

Related: 10 Uncommon Questions to Ask in Your College Search

Questions to ask admission representatives

Representatives are an omniscient presence on campus, so don’t shy away from asking them specific questions. Consider the following…

Are there any fields or specialties that are underrepresented at this school?

This may sound like a notable dealbreaker; however, it could benefit you. Many institutions want a well-rounded student body or graduating class, meaning if your intended major or field is underrepresented, your likelihood of admittance could increase in hopes of filling that criterion.

Are the libraries open 24 hours a day?

You never want to see the words “Sorry, we’re closed” at 8:00 pm when you have a rough draft in process and the paper is due the next morning. Returning to your dorm might mean having to listen to your roommate’s bedtime playlist. Simple things like this are often overlooked, so take into consideration whether you need the reassurance of a 24-hour library or other quiet study area on campus.

Related: Video: What's the Best College Study Spot?

What internships are available throughout my time at this school?

Internships and experiential learning are so important to health and medicine students. Be sure to specify if available positions are affiliated with the school, as this can decrease competition and increase your chances of landing them. Internships are also incredible opportunities to network. Who knows—after you graduate, your internship experience could be the reason you were hired for a job over another applicant. 

Are there special advising services for prospective medical students?

Students need guidance navigating medical school admission and/or alternative employment opportunities. Be sure to ask about campus resources or special programs for those who want to attend medical or graduate school. Sometimes colleges have affiliated medical schools that guarantee admittance if you’ve attended their partner school and concurrent programs. 

What percentage of students participate in research projects?

Getting involved in research as an undergraduate can open doors to many accolades that can help you extensively as a medical student and in your postgraduate endeavors. Research also gives you the opportunity to scientifically explore and delve deeper into a topic of personal interest, regardless of whether if it’s a project conducted by an existing group, professor, or independent. Ask about opportunities at your schools of interest and how many students are eligible to participate.

Related: Questions to Ask Your Future Medical School

At the end of the day, be sure to make the most of your campus visits and ask as many questions as you can. After all, you’re trying to find your new home away from home to study health and medicine. Connect with current students and engage with admission counselors and reps to get a broad scope of the schools and programs you’re interested in. Take this time to really consider what you’re primarily looking for in your higher education to set you up for the next successful chapter of your life.

Still looking for your best-fit college to study medicine? Check out our featured health school profiles and request more information quickly and easily!

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:
campus visit questions campus visits college search health and medicine health majors medical school

About Alyssa Montanez

Alyssa Montanez

Alyssa Montanez is a high school sophomore and student journalist. She has a passion for the sciences and anticipates continuing her education in the medical field. Alyssa loves learning and satisfies this feeling via her culinary creations and lived experiences. In her free time, she enjoys an ice-cold lemonade while gardening, reading, or watching vintage films.

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Abhishek Kumar

Abhishek Kumar

High School Class of 2022

As a high schooler, I know how hard it is to plan for college. You have to consider a lot of factors: SAT/ACT scores, college searches, scholarships, and more. CollegeXpress has been a helpful resource that solves all these problems. One can easily create a free account and search away. They help you search for scholarships and colleges, they have graduate program search, they have lists and rankings, and so much more. CX also has a lot of articles and advice to read—whether it’s financial aid, test prep, campus visits, internships/careers, or anything. Not only that, CX gives out free scholarship money to students who sign up and create a free CX account. I love CX and will continue to use it! Thank you CollegeXpress for making my college journey easier!

Joseph Johnsly

Joseph Johnsly

High School Class of 2021

It's an honor for me to be writing to share a little about my experience with CollegeXpress. I've been using CollegeXpress for about a year now, and the reason why I chose it is because it provides astonishing scholarships for every student around the globe. Besides that, this organization dispenses all the information necessary to help students get to college. CollegeXpress has helped me have an easier experience with applying to colleges and choosing the best fit for myself.

Jasmine

Jasmine

High School Class of 2021

CollegeXpress helped me find the school I am currently attending by consistently sending me emails of other schools. This allowed me to do research on other schools as well as the one I am in now!

Nazira Abdelkhalek

Nazira Abdelkhalek

$2,000 Community Service Scholarship Winner, 2014

I am very honored to be this year’s recipient of the Multicultural Student Community Service Scholarship! This scholarship is vital to helping me achieve and fulfill my dreams, and gives me confidence and motivation as I begin my college career. The CollegeXpress website has been invaluable over the past year as I planned my educational and professional goals. I highly recommend it to all students as they begin to focus on their college and career interests. The website is a wonderful guide to schools and scholarships.

Heaven Johnson

Heaven Johnson

Back to School Scholarship Winner, High School Class of 2023

I’d like to thank everyone on the CollegeXpress team for their generosity. Not only have I been awarded this scholarship, but CollegeXpress makes it easier to apply and gives amazing tips for schools and scholarships. I am extremely grateful as this will help with my schooling and allow me to be able to enter into the field I’ve been dreaming of all my life. 

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

SUNY Morrisville

Morrisville, NY

Castleton University

Castleton, VT

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD