Admissions counsellors are the most helpful guide for a prospective student to navigate the complex admissions process. They help students and parents with academic options and answer any queries on the application or post-admission details. Since this counsellor will have a high influence on your application process, it is vital that you ask them the right questions before signing the dotted line. Here are some of the questions that you must always ask:
- How is this programme suitable for my career goals?
The success of your career goals depends on the choices you make as a student. Therefore, you must find out how a particular degree will help in grooming you for your dream career. Before contacting the counsellor, find out about the latest developments in the industry you want to be part of. This information will help you evaluate if the syllabus of that college programme is relevant to the latest industry demands.
2. What kind of practical exposure will I gain during any academic year?
According to a Forbes report, the ability to work in a team, followed by the abilities to take decisions and solving problems, are the top skills that employers look for in a fresher. Technical knowledge ranks only seventh in this list of top 10 desired skills. Clearly, one cannot cultivate the top skills with the help of just textbooks. You need sound practical training and group activities to sharpen them. Therefore, it is important that your college has practical training modules in the curricula.
3. What were the biggest campus events last year?
College events are fun and exciting, but they also offer a chance to students to showcase their creativity and sharpen various soft skills. Bluecrest College, for example, hosted Hackathon 2.0 last year as a competition among college coding enthusiasts. Other than participating teams that took weeks to meticulously prepare themselves, there were many students who helped in co-ordination, planning and organising the event.
4. What kind of support do you offer to students to manage tuition fee?
Ideally, paying the whole semester fee in lumps shouldn’t be the only option available with student. Education is an important investment, and therefore, you must ask your college counsellor about the payment terms without hesitation. Additionally, you must also find out if your school grades qualify you for a scholarship or fee concession.
5. Does the college offer internship and placement assistance?
Access to quality internship is important for every student, no matter what their choice of subject is. Find out from your admissions counsellor if the college offers assistance in internship and placement.
