What to Expect on Accepted Students Day!
How to make the most out of your visit!
By Katie Williamson
If possible, plan on attending as many Accepted Student Day events in person! This is the best way to picture yourself attending the school. If unable to travel, there are often virtual options as well.
Prepare:
Register as soon as you receive your acceptance as these days typically fill up quickly
Be sure to register online for your specific day/time
Sign up for specific Academic Major presentations that align with your interests
Provide contact info for student & any accompanying guests to confirm/cancel/reschedule
Take note of start time and location for the day (typically early start time-may need to arrive day prior)
Be sure you receive your confirmation email
Make necessary flight/rental car/hotel reservations
During Accepted Students Day:
Campus Facilities and Environment
Take pictures throughout your visit to remember certain locations which will remind you how you felt during that moment…touring the dorm rooms, the quad, the dining halls, classrooms, Main street, the stadiums, etc.
Ask to see multiple dorm room options if possible. Sometimes the tour only includes the nicest dorm rooms but if available, ask to visit a few options.
Be sure to eat the food in the dining hall since that is where you will eat most of the time during your freshman year. Also, be sure to eat at a local pizza place, breakfast shop, smoothie/coffee bar for those off-campus adventures.
Be sure to walk the campus multiple times throughout the day (morning, noon, and night). Different times can bring different vibes of the campus regarding safety and community.
Take note of Big Box store distances from campus (such as Target, Walmart, At Home, and Home Goods) for move-in days and essential shopping!
Check out the Student Health Center, surrounding urgent cares, hospital locations, and local Pharmacies.
Understand the options for getting to and from school: planes, trains, bus, car.
Academic and Career Opportunities
If offered, attend a class within your major. If you cannot attend an actual class, be sure to attend the academic session offered. Typically the Academic Advisors, professors, and current students are the presenters so it’s helpful to be able to ask any questions directly to the people most directly involved with the program.
Ask about the graduation rate/student retention rate (specifically after freshman year) and job placement rates. Also, ask about internship opportunities and alumni connections. When do career services engage with the student and how is that implemented in their four-year plan?
Student Life and Extracurriculars
Check out the Student Life, Extracurricular Clubs, Greek Life, Sports, and Study Abroad sessions to learn all that the school offers in addition to academic life.
Ask about the social life—you need to have fun too!! What do most students do on the weekends? Do they stay on campus? Leave on weekends? Do they visit local museums, cities, beaches, concert venues, local towns, social clubs, favorite restaurants?
Ask how students get sports tickets for school games? Is it a lottery or Point system? What is the Cost?
Support Services
Visit the Disability Office should you have any learning disabilities or struggle with mental health to understand the type of support offered at the school.
Inquire about any services offered for First Year acclimation, tutoring/mentoring programs if needed.
Understand how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are promoted within the college.
Housing and Safety
Ask if there is guaranteed housing beyond freshman year. If not, what off-campus options are there and where are they located in proximity to campus? Can you ride a bike, walk or will you need a car after freshman year?
Parents—be sure to attend any Safety session with your students to learn about Campus Safety. You should know the on- and off-campus crime rates, police presence, and student awareness (Safety App Alert).
Ask about on-campus transportation, especially if it's a large campus or experiences extreme weather conditions.
Financial and Practical Considerations
Attend the Financial Aid session if you have questions regarding financial aid and scholarships.
Collect any brochures and reading materials offered.
Engagement and Reflections
Bring the same notebook along with you for each school visit. This will keep your notes organized and all in the same place for a quick and easy reference.
Engage in conversations with the current students. Colleges usually ask many students to help out on Admitted Students Days. Be sure to ask what they like and don’t like about their school, and how their overall experience was as a freshman versus being an upperclassman.
Be sure to recap the pros and cons of your visit in the notebook!!
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!
This could be your new “home away from home” for the next four years...trust your gut and stay true to yourself!
To learn more about what to expect on accepted students day or any other related topics, email hello@collegeflightpath.com or book a free 15-minute call.
