350 Questions to Ask Graduating High School Seniors

Graduating high school is a huge milestone, full of mixed emotions and big choices. What better way to dive into the minds of these young adults than by asking them some thought-provoking, funny, or heartfelt questions? 

Whether you’re curious about their plans or their past or just want to share a laugh, these questions will help you get to know them a bit better. Let’s dive in!

Questions About College Plans And Preparation

1. What college are you going to?
2. Why did you choose that college?
3. What major are you thinking of?
4. How far is the college from home?
5. Are you living on campus or off campus?
6. Are you excited about dorm life?
7. What classes are you looking forward to?
8. Have you received any scholarships?
9. How did you pick your major?
10. Do you know anyone else going to the same college?
11. Are you planning to join any clubs?
12. How are you planning to pay for college?
13. Are you thinking of studying abroad?
14. What are you most excited about for college?
15. Are you nervous about anything?
16. Do you have a plan for managing your time?
17. Have you thought about internships?
18. Are you planning to work part-time?
19. What resources are you looking to use on campus?
20. Have you visited the campus yet?
21. What sports or physical activities are you interested in doing?
22. How will you stay in touch with family and friends?
23. What do you hope to get out of your college experience?
24. Do you have any academic goals for college?
25. How are you preparing for the move?
26. What’s your backup plan if things don’t work out?
27. Do you have a plan for staying healthy, like a gym membership?
28. Do you plan to take any online courses?
29. How did your family react to your college choice?
30. What made you rule out other colleges?
31. How are you planning to get around on campus?
32. How did you approach the college application essays?
33. Did you take any AP or college-level classes in high school?
34. How did you prepare for the SAT or ACT?
35. Are you nervous about any particular aspect of college?
36. What are your goals for the first semester?
37. Have you thought about studying abroad?
38. Did you have any mentors or advisors helping you with college prep?
39. What resources have you found most helpful for college planning?
40. How are you handling the transition emotionally?
41. Have you talked to any current students or alumni from the college you’re going to?
42. What study habits do you plan to adopt?
43. Do you think you’ll go home often or mainly stay on campus?
44. How do you prepare to handle stress and pressure?
45. Have you looked into work-study programs?
46. Do you plan to attend college events like sports games or concerts?
47. How do you feel about making new friends in college?
48. Will you be seeking any on-campus job opportunities?
49. Do you have a plan for your electives, or are you going to explore?
50. How are you planning to keep up with chores like laundry and cooking?
51. Are you interested in any academic competitions or events?

Questions About Career Goals

1. What career are you interested in?
2. How did you become interested in this career?
3. What skills do you have that fit this career?
4. Have you done any job shadowing or internships?
5. Are you planning on doing any side gigs?
6. Do you have a dream job?
7. What are the steps you’re planning to take to reach your career?
8. Are you looking to work right after college?
9. Do you want to start your own business?
10. Have you talked to anyone in the field you’re interested in?
11. What’s your backup career plan?
12. Are you open to moving to a new city for a job?
13. Are you thinking of getting additional certifications?
14. How are you planning to network in your field?
15. Do you plan to continue your education after your undergrad degree?
16. Are you interested in remote work?
17. What salary range are you aiming for?
18. Do you have mentors who are helping guide you?
19. Have you done any volunteer work related to your career?
20. What do you value most in a job?
21. Are you interested in public or private sector work?
22. Do you want to work for a big company or a small company?
23. Are you considering any alternative careers?
24. How do you plan to build up your resume?
25. Have you thought about work-life balance?

Questions About High School Memories

1. What was your favorite class in high school?
2. Who was your favorite teacher, and why?
3. What was the funniest moment you remember?
4. Did you have a favorite school event like prom or homecoming?
5. What’s the most challenging project or assignment you did?
6. Were you part of any clubs or sports teams?
7. Do you have a favorite year in high school?
8. What was your first day of high school like?
9. Have you ever skipped a class?
10. What’s the most memorable field trip you went on?
11. How have you changed since your first year?
12. What was your go-to lunch in the cafeteria?
13. Did you have any embarrassing moments you can laugh about now?
14. What will you miss the most about high school?
15. Did you have any high school traditions?
16. Were you ever in a school play or musical?
17. Did you win any awards or honors?
18. Who were your closest friends?
19. Did you ever pull a harmless prank?
20. What’s one thing you wish you had done differently?
21. Did you ever have a crush on someone in high school?
22. Did you attend any school dances besides prom?
23. What was your favorite subject and why?
24. Did you ever get into any trouble, like detention?
25. Were you ever a part of student government?
26. What’s one thing you learned that you’ll never forget?
27. Did you go on any memorable class trips?
28. How do you usually spend your free periods?
29. Do you have any favorite spots to hang out in the school?
30. What advice would you give to incoming first-year high school students?
31. Did you ever participate in a talent show?
32. What was the craziest theme day or spirit day you remember?
33. Did you ever take part in a school fundraiser?
34. Was there a subject or class that surprised you by how much you enjoyed it?
35. Have you ever attended academic competitions like the Math Olympiad or Science Fair?
36. Did you ever go to a school camp or retreat?
37. How did you celebrate your last day of school?
38. Was there a teacher who you couldn’t stand but now appreciate?
39. Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment in a class?
40. Did you learn any life skills or take any non-academic courses?
41. Were you ever involved in creating the yearbook?
42. Did you have a memorable moment during graduation practice?
43. Did you make any friendships that you think will last a lifetime?
44. What was the most surprising thing about high school for you?
45. Did you go on memorable outings with friends, like a road trip?
46. What’s the one thing that you think defined your high school experience?

Questions About Plans For Summer Break

1. Do you have any travel plans for the summer?
2. Are you taking any summer courses or workshops?
3. Do you have a summer job lined up?
4. Are you planning to attend any concerts or festivals?
5. Will you be doing any volunteer work?
6. Do you have any family trips or reunions planned?
7. Do you have plans to visit friends who are moving away for college?
8. Are you doing any home improvement or DIY projects?
9. Will you be participating in any sports or physical activities?
10. Do you plan to catch up on reading or movies?
11. Are you going camping or spending time outdoors?
12. Will you be learning a new skill or hobby?
13. Do you plan to have a “staycation” and just relax at home?
14. Are you going to any weddings or big family events?
15. Are you exploring any local tourist attractions?
16. Do you plan to visit any amusement parks?
17. Are you going to spend time on a beach or near water?
18. Will you be house or pet-sitting for someone?
19. Are you participating in any community events?
20. Do you plan to go fishing or boating?
21. Are you interested in doing any photography projects?
22. Do you plan to learn cooking or try new recipes?
23. Will you be gardening or landscaping?
24. Do you have any artistic projects lined up?
25. Are you planning to sell stuff online or at a garage sale?
26. Will you spend time journaling or writing?
27. Do you have any hiking or adventure trips planned?

Questions About Handling Stress And Challenges

1. How do you usually deal with stress?
2. What’s the toughest challenge you’ve overcome so far?
3. Do you have a calming routine or ritual?
4. How do you handle disagreements with friends or family?
5. What do you do when you feel overwhelmed with schoolwork?
6. Do you have any tips for time management?
7. How do you pick yourself up after a setback?
8. Do you ever meditate or do mindfulness exercises?
9. Have you ever had to deal with a big change, like moving or switching schools?
10. What helps you stay focused when studying?
11. Do you have any strategies for coping with pressure, like during exams?
12. How do you balance social life and school?
13. Do you have a go-to person you talk to when you’re going through a tough time?
14. Have you ever used a mental health resource like counseling?
15. What’s your best method for avoiding procrastination?
16. Have you had to deal with any failures, and how did you handle them?
17. Do you set goals for yourself when facing challenges?
18. How do you deal with negative emotions like anger or sadness?
19. What’s something that always cheers you up when you’re down?
20. Have you ever had to stand up for yourself or someone else?
21. What helps you feel better when you’re sick or physically down?
22. What’s the most valuable life lesson you’ve learned so far?
23. Do you have a healthy eating or sleeping routine that helps you feel better?
24. Have you ever had to juggle multiple responsibilities at once?
25. What motivates you to keep going when things get tough?
26. How do you decide when it’s time to take a break?
27. Do you have any relaxation techniques like deep breathing or stretching?
28. How do you recharge your energy when you’re feeling drained?
29. Do you have a go-to comfort food or activity?
30. How do you celebrate your wins or achievements?
31. Do you keep a to-do list or use any apps to stay organized?
32. How do you handle criticism or feedback?
33. Have you ever had to deal with gossip or rumors about you? How did you handle it?
34. Do you have a particular mantra or saying that helps you through tough times?
35. How do you handle homesickness or feeling lonely?
36. Do you have any go-to stress snacks or comfort foods?
37. Do you find exercise or physical activity to be a good stress reliever?
38. Have you ever had to handle conflict within a group project or team? How did you manage?
39. How do you deal with distractions when you need to focus?
40. Do you have any rituals before a big event, like an exam or performance?
41. How do you deal with disappointment, like not getting something you really wanted?
42. Do you find it helpful to talk to others about your challenges, or do you prefer to process them alone?
43. Do you have any tips for dealing with test anxiety?
44. How do you handle relationship stress, like issues with a friend or significant other?
45. Have you ever felt burnt out? How did you recover?
46. Do you find nature or outdoor activities to be calming?
47. How do you decide what’s worth stressing over and what’s not?
48. How do you avoid overcommitting yourself or spreading yourself too thin?
49. Do you ever use art or creative activities to deal with stress?
50. Do you have a favorite place where you go to think or relax?

Questions About Hobbies And Interests

1. What’s your go-to hobby when you have free time?
2. Do you play any musical instruments?
3. Are you into any sports?
4. Do you have a favorite type of art to create or look at?
5. What’s the last book you read for fun?
6. Are you a gamer? What’s your favorite video game?
7. Do you have a collection of anything?
8. What’s your favorite type of music?
9. Are you into cooking or baking? 
10. Got a favorite recipe?
11. Do you enjoy any outdoor activities like hiking or fishing?
12. Are you a movie buff? 
13. What’s your favorite genre?
14. Do you like to travel? 
15. Where’s the coolest place you’ve been?
16. Are you into tech stuff, like coding or building computers?
17. Do you have a favorite TV series you binge-watched?
18. What’s your favorite social media platform and why?
19. Do you enjoy any crafts like knitting or woodworking?
20. Are you into photography?
21. Do you write, like journaling or even stories and poems?
22. Do you have any pets that you take care of?
23. Do you have a favorite exercise or workout routine?
24. Do you have any hidden talents?
25. Do you enjoy volunteering or doing community service?
26. Are you into podcasts? Any favorites?
27. Do you enjoy any unusual or unique hobbies?
28. What’s your favorite board game or card game?
29. Do you have a go-to YouTube channel?
30. Are you into fashion or makeup?
31. Do you enjoy DIY projects?
32. What’s your favorite holiday?
33. How do you like to celebrate it?
34. Do you enjoy gardening or taking care of plants?
35. Do you like to dance? What’s your favorite style?
36. Are you into any sort of extreme sports like skateboarding or skydiving?
37. Do you enjoy watching or participating in theater?
38. Are you a fan of any sports teams?
39. Do you have a favorite place to hang out with friends?
40. Are you into astrology or tarot cards?
41. Do you enjoy solving puzzles or doing brain teasers?
42. Do you like going to concerts or music festivals?
43. Are you into any specific type of cuisine or cooking style?
44. Do you enjoy thrifting or vintage shopping?
45. Do you have a favorite museum or gallery?
46. Do you like to explore new places or go on road trips?
47. Do you enjoy building things, like models or furniture?
48. Are you into science fiction or fantasy?
49. Do you enjoy drawing or painting?
50. Do you play any tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons?
51. Are you a fan of any particular comic book series?
52. Do you enjoy learning about history or different cultures?
53. Do you like participating in group activities like trivia nights or escape rooms?

Questions About Life Lessons

1. What’s the biggest lesson high school has taught you?
2. What advice would you give your younger self?
3. What’s the most valuable skill you’ve learned so far?
4. How do you define success?
5. What would you do differently if you could relive high school?
6. What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
7. What experience has had the most impact on your life?
8. What’s a goal you’ve set for yourself for the next 5 years?
9. How do you handle peer pressure?
10. What’s the best book you’ve ever read, and why did it affect you?
11. How do you handle making difficult decisions?
12. What’s your biggest regret, and what did you learn from it?
13. How do you manage your time effectively?
14. What’s something you wish you had learned earlier?
15. What’s your personal philosophy in life?
16. How do you handle setbacks or obstacles?
17. What’s the importance of honesty in your life?
18. What does leadership mean to you?
19. What’s something that’s changed your perspective on life?
20. How important is money to you in terms of happiness?
21. What makes you genuinely happy?
22. What’s the role of kindness in your life?
23. How do you approach problem-solving?
24. Do you believe in taking risks? Why or why not?
25. What’s your view on lifelong learning?
26. How do you deal with uncertainty or the unknown?
27. What’s a lesson you learned from a relationship or friendship?

Questions About Inspirations And Role Models

1. Who inspires you the most?
2. Do you have a role model in your family?
3. Are there any celebrities or public figures you look up to?
4. What book or movie has had a big impact on you?
5. Do you have a favorite quote that motivates you?
6. Is there a teacher who had a big influence on you?
7. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
8. Do you have a mentor?
9. What qualities do you admire in others?
10. Are there any historical figures you find inspiring?
11. Who do you go to for advice?
12. Are there any athletes you admire for their skill and dedication?
13. Is there a particular career person who inspires you?
14. What kind of leader do you want to be?
15. Are there any artists or musicians who really move you?
16. What event in history has inspired you the most?
17. Do you look up to any entrepreneurs or business leaders?
18. What character traits do you find inspiring in others?
19. Who in your life has shown you the meaning of hard work?
20. Are there any activists who inspire you?
21. Do you have a spiritual or religious figure that you find inspiring?
22. Who in your life has shown you the value of kindness?
23. Is there someone you know who’s overcome adversity that inspires you?
24. Do you have a favorite author whose words really speak to you?
25. What qualities do you hope to have that your role model possesses?
26. Who has been your biggest supporter in life?
27. Are there any podcasters or YouTubers you find motivational?
28. What social causes are you passionate about because of someone’s influence?
29. Who in your life has shown you the importance of integrity?
30. Do you know someone who has significantly changed your life view?

Funny Questions To Ask

1. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen happen in the cafeteria?
2. Have you ever fallen asleep in class and got caught? What happened?
3. What’s the funniest nickname you or a friend had in high school?
4. What’s the silliest elective or course you wish your high school offered?
5. What’s the funniest thing you heard a teacher say?
6. What’s the most hilarious rumor that went around your school?
7. Did you ever get stuck in a weird place at school? Like, literally stuck.
8. What’s the craziest fashion trend you or your friends followed?
9. What’s the most embarrassing song you jammed to before a big test?
10. Have you ever been caught doing something weird in a Zoom class?
11. What’s the funniest excuse you’ve used for not turning in homework?
12. Have you ever accidentally called a teacher “Mom” or “Dad”?
13. What would your high school’s mascot be if it were based on the student body?
14. Did you ever draw funny doodles in your textbooks?
15. What’s the strangest club you would start if you could?
16. What’s the most bizarre thing you’ve ever found in a locker?
17. If you could give a funny yearbook superlative to yourself, what would it be?
18. What’s the goofiest pick-up line you’ve ever heard or used?
19. Have you ever misunderstood an assignment and done something totally off? What happened?
20. What would you call your autobiography if it was about your high school life?
21. What’s the most pointless rule your school had?
22. If your life in high school was a movie, what would its title be?
23. What’s the oddest food combo you’ve ever seen someone eat in the cafeteria?
24. If you could make a meme about your high school experience, what would it be?
25. What funny habits or traditions do you or your friends have?
26. What’s the most ridiculous question you’ve heard someone ask a teacher?
27. If you could sum up high school with a GIF, which one would it be?
28. Have you ever been photobombed in a school picture? What’s the story?
29. What’s the most awkward moment you’ve had with a crush at school?
30. Did you ever try to start a trend that flopped hilariously?
31. What’s the most outrageous dare you ever accepted?
32. What’s the weirdest punishment you’ve seen a teacher give?
33. Have you ever dressed up for a school event and realized you got the theme wrong?
34. What’s your most hilarious misunderstanding with a teacher or classmate?
35. What’s the most embarrassing autocorrect fail you’ve had in a text or email to a teacher?
36. If your high school life was a reality TV show, what would it be called?
37. Have you ever blamed a friend for your own mischief? What happened?
38. What’s the funniest talent you’ve shown off in a talent show or similar event?
39. Did you ever bring a strange pet to school?
40. What’s the weirdest thing you ever Googled for a school project?
41. If you had to replace a class with a game show, which would it be?

Frequently Asked Questions

Any tips for making this conversation special?

• Listen: The most crucial part is to listen. Show them you care about what they have to say.
• Be honest: If you ask them to open up, be prepared to do the same. This makes the conversation more meaningful.

What’s the best way to wish seniors future success and fulfillment?

Emphasize inherent worth is not defined by titles or wealth. Encourage identifying purpose and passions and then pursuing them creatively through continuous learning and growth. 

Offer help connecting seniors with opportunities aligning skills and interests. Leave reassured of their ability to craft rich, meaningful lives through perseverance and service to others.

How can I support seniors’ well-being during the transition?

1. Be there: Show up for their important events like graduation and celebrations.
2. Offer guidance: Share advice or resources only if they’re open to it.
3. Check-in: Keep in touch to see how they’re doing as they move into the next chapter of their life.
4. Encourage: Celebrate their achievements and reassure them that it’s okay to not have everything figured out yet.

What if the senior doesn’t have plans yet? Is it okay to still ask about their future?

Yes, but be sensitive. Not everyone has their life mapped out at graduation, and that’s okay. 

Questions about the future can be more open-ended, like “What are some things you’re curious about?” or “How do you see yourself spending your time in the next year?” This allows them to explore their thoughts without feeling pressured to have all the answers.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a parent, a friend, or just someone who loves a good chat, these questions can help you connect on a different level with the young adults who are stepping into a whole new chapter. Cheers to what comes next!