Once acceptance letters begin arriving, families quickly move from the application phase into the decision phase. Students admitted to a college are often invited back to campus for special events called Admitted Student Days. Many families wonder if these admitted student days are worth it, and while I know, depending on the location of the school, a lot of planning may be required, but for most students, the answer is yes. These events play an important role helping students decide if a school is the right fit. Touring the campus again allows students to see if it is truly where they want to spend the next four years. Here is a look into why attending admitted students days are with it.
Why Visiting After Acceptance Feels Different
If you toured campuses earlier in the process, you probably remember those visits feeling more informational, as they were more of an overview of the school. Students were trying to get a sense of what different colleges offered. At the time, it was about what programs they had and what they could expect as a student on campus in a broader sense.
However, visiting after acceptance usually feels very different.
Knowing that the college wants them changes the perspective completely. Students begin to envision themselves at a school and dig more into campus life questions to ensure they will be happy there. This is exactly why Admitted Student Days are so helpful.
While every school does it a little differently, students often have opportunities to sit in on classes, meet professors or department advisors, connect with students, tour residence halls, learn more about clubs, internships, and campus life opportunities, and ask more in-depth questions now that they know they are in.
These visits tend to feel more personal and immersive than the initial campus tour. Students begin to imagine their daily routine if staying on campus, such as studying in the library, eating in the dining hall, and obviously, going to class.
Admitted Days are Also a Good Time to Ask Financial Aid Questions
Admitted Student Days can also be a great time for families to ask questions about financial aid. If your student has already received their award letter, or expects it soon, you might be able to meet with someone from the financial aid office during your visit. This is a great time to clarify questions you may have about the aid offer, billing and payment timelines, payment plans, or any other questions about grants, scholarships, or loans. Sometimes a short conversation can bring clarity to information that felt confusing on paper.
Don’t Ignore a Gut Feeling
While comparing financial aid offers and costs is a critical part of the decision, if you visit a school and your gut is telling you something, listen to it! Good or bad, it is important to tune in to what your gut is telling you, and not ignore it.
Walking through the student center, sitting in a classroom, checking out the recreational spots, or simply watching how students interact can help students picture whether they truly feel comfortable at a school.
What if I can’t Attend All Admitted Student Events?
Of course, it’s not always possible to attend every admitted student event, especially if schools are far away. Travel, schedules, and costs can make it difficult.
If that’s the case, try to prioritize visits to the schools your student is most seriously considering. Attending just one or two admitted student events can provide valuable perspective on what will be the best fit.
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions students make during high school. While research, rankings, and financial aid comparisons are important, there is great value in experiencing a campus after acceptance. Admitted Student Days allow students to move beyond brochures, websites, and spreadsheets at home with data and start imagining their future life there.
More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.