You’ve been accepted, hurray! You’ve done the hard work—now it’s time to decide where to go.
Admitted Students Day is your chance to visit college as an accepted student. These events let you explore campus, meet professors and students, and get a feel for campus life. By making the most of your visit, you’ll gather the insight you need to choose the best fit for your next four years.
7 Ways to Make the Most of Admitted Students Day
You’re investing in your future—so get all of the answers and information you need before committing to a college. Here are 7 ways to get the most out of Admitted Students Day.
1. Accept Where You Are
Whether you’re happy with how your college decisions turned out, disappointed, or somewhere in between, now is the time to accept where you are. What’s done is done, so to make the most of Admitted Students Day, you have to leave the past behind. Make peace with where you are now so that you can be excited about your future.
You have options, and that’s fantastic! A few years ago, the Wall Street Journal reported that the CEOs of Wal-Mart, Intel, and Costco went to Pittsburg State University, the University of San Francisco, and San Diego City College. You can succeed and thrive wherever you go. Remember: it’s not where you go; it’s what you do once you get there.
2. Remember You’re in Charge!
You—the potential student—are the customer. You’ve already been accepted, so relax! You’re in the driver’s seat.
Even if you visited this school before, it’s important to go back. Your perspective changes once you’re admitted, and you’ll be surprised by how differently you view this school now that you’re an accepted student.
You get to choose where to invest in yourself and your education, and this college would love to have you as part of its student body. Use the Admitted Students Day to decide whether or not this college is the right fit for you.
3. Make a List of Questions
You’ve survived the whirlwind of college applications, so now you have the chance to dig deep among your choices. Make a list of any questions that you have about this school.
What are your biggest priorities? What are your concerns? What do you need clarified? What do you feel confused about? What do you want to learn more about?
Here are some questions to consider:
- Were you accepted into your desired major/department? If not, how easy or hard is it to transfer into that major/department?
- What happens if you change your mind about your major? What is the process to change majors?
- How do you register for classes for freshman year? How easy or hard is it to get the classes that you want or need?
- Will this college accept any of your AP, CLEP, IB, or dual enrollment credits? If so, what is the process?
- Do you understand your anticipated cost of attendance?
- Do you need to meet with the financial aid office to better understand your aid, grants, or scholarships?
- What’s required to keep your aid, grants, or scholarships in subsequent years?
- What is the housing situation on campus?
- Are you guaranteed housing as a freshman?
- How do you get matched with a roommate?
- Are there any forced triples?
- What does your potential housing look like?
- What supports or accommodations would you need to thrive at this school?
- How would you set up any supports or accommodations?
- What is the process for using your supports or accommodations?
- What mental health services are available on campus?
4. Figure Out How to Get Your Questions Answered
At least one week before Admitted Students Day, make a plan for who, when, where, and how you can get your questions answered.
Email or call your points of contact, and check if you can meet with them before, during, or after Admitted Students Day—or if you’ll need to schedule a separate phone call or virtual meeting.
Here are some people who might be able to answer your questions:
- Academic advisor for your major/department
- Accommodations/accessibility services representative
- Career services representative
- Faith leader/coordinator
- Financial aid counselor
- Honors College representative
- Housing coordinator
- Student success/tutoring coordinator
5. Connect with Your Potential Major/Department
Your major/department will be your home base—so what do you think of it?
Talk to faculty members and students, and learn as much as you can about the programs that interest you. If possible, sit in on a class in your major/department to get a sense of the academic rigor, teaching style, and student engagement.
Here are some questions to consider:
- Would the professors in your major/department care about you as a student?
- Would you have at least one professor who makes you feel excited about learning?
- Would you have a professor who mentors you?
- Would you be able to work on a project that takes a semester or more to complete?
- What is the average and the maximum class sizes in your major?
- What is the student to faculty ratio in your major/department?
- Are there any opportunities for experiential learning—like a capstone/senior thesis, co-ops, internships, projects, study abroad, or undergraduate research?
- What are the 4-year graduation rates in your department/major?
- What do career outcomes look like for students in your department/major?
6. Arrive Early. Stay Late. Talk to as Many People as Possible
Wander around campus outside the Admitted Students Day organized events. While you’re there, pay attention to how you feel. Is there a school where you’d feel both comfortable AND challenged?
To get the “real scoop” on a college, try these things:
- Chat with students, faculty members, and campus staff. Do they seem happy and engaged? What’s their unfiltered opinion of this school?
- Ask anyone you meet: What do you love most about this college—and what would you change?
- Read bulletin boards and the student newspaper. What’s the mood on campus? Are there any types of activities or events that you might enjoy?
- Eat a meal in the dining hall. What’s the food like, both on campus and off? If you have special dietary needs, can the college accommodate them? Are students eating in groups? Or do many kids eat alone?
- Once classes are over, what’s the energy like on campus? Are there things to do, or does it feel dead or isolated?
- Do you feel safe? What’s the area like surrounding the school?
- How would you get around campus? Is the campus walkable?
- Is there a bus/shuttle? How often does the shuttle run? How late does the shuttle run?
- Can you have a car on campus? What’s the process? How is the parking situation?
- Are there any activities, clubs, or organizations that you feel excited about?
- Where do you see yourself hanging out at this school?
- Are there students that you can see yourself hanging out with?
- Are there opportunities to have fun at this school, without spending too much—or any—money?
7. Picture Yourself as a Student
Once you’re back from Admitted Students Day, reflect on how you feel. What did you love? What stood out to you?
Picture yourself as a student at this school. What would an average week look like? What do you feel excited about? What do you want to dive into? Do you still have any questions to address? What would be your next steps in order to make a decision?
Conclusion
I once heard that the college you choose isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding a place where you can grow and learn. You have choices, and that’s exciting! Use Admitted Students Day to make the most of them.
If you have questions about the college decision process or need guidance on making the right choice, our college admissions experts are here to help. Reach out today for a free consultation with a HelloCollege admissions expert.
