Connect with admitted students

Overview

Before committing, connect with current students and recently admitted students. They give you authentic insight into the school experience.

Why This Matters

• Tour guides are selected to be positive
• Admissions officers have a job to sell
• Current students have lived experience
• Recently admitted students ask similar questions to yours

How to Find Students

Social Media

• Instagram hashtags: #[CollegeName]26, #[CollegeName]2030
• Facebook admitted student groups (usually private, request to join)
• Discord servers for admitted students (very common now)
• Reddit: r/[CollegeName] community

Formal Channels

• Admissions office can connect you with current students
• Alumni associations (for recent graduates)
• Department coordinators (for major-specific students)

Informal Channels

• Attend admitted student events and chat with attendees
• Connect with classmates applying to same school

What to Ask

Academic Questions

• "How's your major? What's the best/worst class?"
• "Who are the standout professors?"
• "How much do you study each week?"
• "How accessible are research opportunities?"
• "What's the advising like?"

Social Questions

• "What's social life like? Greek life? Clubs?"
• "Where do people hang out?"
• "Is it easy to make friends?"
• "What's the dating / relationship scene?"

Practical Questions

• "What's housing actually like? Best dorm? Worst?"
• "Food options?"
• "How's transportation?"
• "What's the climate/weather like?"

Honest Questions

• "What would you change about this school?"
• "Do you regret anything?"
• "What should I know that tours don't tell me?"
• "Is this the right school for everyone admitted?"

Red Flags in Responses

• Scripted or evasive answers
• Blame-shifting or complaints about classmates
• Negative experiences specific to your situation (international, first-gen, etc.)
• Consistent themes across multiple students

Green Flags

• Specific, detailed stories
• Acknowledgment of both pros and cons
• Enthusiasm about faculty or programs
• Supportive community descriptions

What to Do with Information

• Note recurring themes
• Weight first-person experience with analytical data
• Consider fit specifically for you, not "most students"
• Use information to craft your final decision

Reciprocity

Be respectful:

• Thank students for their time
• Don't expect instant responses
• Follow up appropriately (once)
• Offer to help them in future if they need

Family Connections

If family has connections to current or former students:

• Reach out thoughtfully
• Prepare specific questions
• Be open to their honest experience

Professional Networking

• LinkedIn for alumni in your field
• Career outcomes data
• Internship placement stories
• Graduate school destinations

Parents' Network

Parents can help connect with:

• Adult professional contacts who attended
• Family friends' children at the school
• Community members with college ties