Accepted Student Days: Why attend? What's in it for me?

Elmira, NY (02/21/2019) — Now that you've been admitted to a few (or several) colleges, it's time to take the next step and visit each college (if possible). Perhaps you've already visited each one. If so, visit again…and, attend an Admitted (or Accepted) Student Day. These days are different than your typical open house for a number of reasons. Most importantly, everyone in attendance has been accepted and is making their college decision as well. Also, most visit days are general in nature…Admitted Student Days are more specific and celebratory.

So, why should you attend an Admitted Student Day? Let's count the reasons:

  1. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive first, would you? Attending college can be expensive, but it is also one of the best investments you'll make. Why would you choose to attend a college without seeing what it has to offer? Even if you've visited before, you should really attend an Admitted Student Day as you're now at a point where you're choosing your college. Reasons 2-6 give a better sense of what will happen at one of these events.
  2. Get to know the community you'll call 'home.' When you're in college, you'll likely spend more time with classmates than you will your family. So, it's critical that you immerse yourself into the community to see if it meets your expectations. Are there things to do on weekends? How late is the dining hall open? What do the residence halls (dorms) look like? Are the beds comfortable? Does it have a Starbucks? What student groups are active on campus?

    What about the greater local and regional community? Take it all in…after all, this will be your home.
  3. Meet your future roommate, professors, and, possibly, spouse. As you'll be part of a college community, getting to know other members of that campus community is a key reason why you should an Admitted Student Day. Sit down and chat with classmates. You might meet your roommate…or best friend. Or, perhaps you'll meet your spouse.

    At Admitted Student Days you'll also interact with professors, administrators, and other staff members. You'll spend time learning about your intended academic program of interest - after all, that's a main reason you're going to college - and touring the academic facilities. You might even meet the College President (at EC you will) and the chef who'll cook your meals!
  4. There is such thing as a free lunch. If you ask any current college student, one of the most important parts of college is the food. You need to know if you'll be able to survive without mom's home-cooked meals. Taste test the numerous options that are available. Vegan? Check. Vegetarian? Check. Check. Gluten-free? Check. Check. Check. Carnivore? You bet. No matter your dietary restrictions, attending an Accepted Student Day provides you with the opportunity to test your palate.
  5. Swag it up! Admitted Student Days are a great time to stock up on college gear…t-shirts, sweatshirts, car decals, and more. At most colleges, you'll receive some swag for free. At others, you'll be encouraged to check out the College Store. Discounts? You bet. At EC, you'll receive free swag AND be encouraged to check out the deals at the College Store.

These are only a few of the reasons that attending an Admitted Student Days is a good idea - there are many more. Bottom-line, if you've been accepted by a college, and you're seriously considering choosing that college, be sure to find the time to attend their Admitted (Accepted) Student Day. After all, shouldn't you test drive it first?

Media Attachments

Admitted Student Day? Accepted Student Day? No matter what they're called, these events provide prospective students a more in-depth look at a college. Chris Coons, vice president of enrollment management at Elmira College, shares why students who have been accepted at a particular college should make time to attend one these events.