Written by Sajni (she/her), student
Whether you’re in grade 12, or just starting high school, it’s never too early to start exploring your options when it comes to university.
Campus visits are a great way to explore a school’s environment and see how you fit in, and you’ll find that most schools offer daily campus tours for visitors. Open houses are another great way to learn about a school and meet with students, professors, and other staff who can help you decide whether the school is a good fit for you.
But if you can't make it to campus, another fantastic way to learn about a university is by attending university fairs or presentations and speaking with knowledgeable representatives about your interests. Despite not being at the campus, these representatives can provide you with great resources and information to help you get a feel for the school and the programs you're interested in.
So, let’s say you’ve chosen to check out a university booth at a fair and you're wondering what questions you should be asking.
“What programs exist for the areas that I am interested in?”
This is a great question to begin your conversation, as the representative will help narrow down your search by offering programs that specifically suit your interests. It’s also an easy way to eliminate schools that don’t offer what you’re looking for.
“What are the admission requirements for my program(s) of interest?”
By learning about the admission requirements early on, you can ensure that you'll meet them all when it's time to apply. It will also help to know whether there are extra admission requirements, such as volunteer or extracurricular experience.
“How do I apply for residence?”
Every school differs in the way students apply for a spot in residence and how residence placements are assigned. On-campus residence is a great option for students moving away from home for the first time, as it will give you access to all the best resources on campus while connecting you to other first year students.
“What kinds of financial aid opportunities do you offer?”
Schools will offer several options for students seeking financial aid, ranging from scholarships and bursaries, to work-study programs. Know these options early on so you can plan accordingly.
“What are the first-year class sizes like?”
By knowing what to expect in your first year, you remove the shock of stepping into a massive lecture hall or small group tutorial. Knowing class sizes also helps you understand if the school is a good fit for you. There are also different resources that exist for different sized classes that you may wish to explore before classes start.
“What job opportunities exist for students who graduate from my program(s) of interest?”
Asking this question will allow you to think ahead and understand how your program(s) of interest fit into industry. Knowing the job and employment prospects of your field of study can assist you in making a more informed decision.
Be sure to check out our tours and events page to learn about virtual and in-person opportunities to visit Waterloo.
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