Admitted Student Events: Why They're Worth Your Time
Admitted student events offer a under-the-hood look into your potential college future. You will get exclusive access to info, personalized attention, and connections beyond regular campus visits.
This weekend my daughter - who is a high school senior - is attending an admitted student day reception.
The college itself is many hours from our home, but the school is hosting a local event at a swanky restaurant. In addition to the amazing scenic views and outstanding free food, she’ll have the opportunity to meet other admitted students and hear a “pitch” from admissions officers (hey - they’re in selling mode right now!).
Generally, she’ll receive the red-carpet treatment (the Oscars were this past weekend, and still on my mind).
It’s a complete 180 from the stress of applications. The tables have turned, and now it is the college’s opportunity to help you see and experience all the reasons you should attend. They now need to convince you!
Trust me, these admitted student events aren't your standard campus recruiting fare. They’re very much worth your time.
The VIP Treatment Begins
You’ve been admitted - congratulations!
Remember those campus tours where you blended into a crowd of anxious faces, straining to hear a backwards-walking tour guide recite memorized facts? Those days are behind you.
As an admitted student, you're now the guest of honor. The experience transforms from "please accept me" to "please choose us." It's a refreshing change that comes with benefits:
"Off-script" tours and events: Current students tend to be remarkably candid with admitted students. They'll tell you which dining hall to avoid, which professors give the most engaging lectures, and where students actually hang out (hint: it's rarely where they take regular tours).
Department-specific deep dives: Rather than generic overviews, you'll generally get connected with professors and students in your intended major who can speak to the specific opportunities that matter to you. If you’re not automatically connected with these academic departments - ask for this!
Financial conversations that actually help: Financial aid officers are far more attentive when you're already admitted. They'll often work with you on packages, explain options, and help you make comparisons between offers.
Examples of Admitted Student Events
Once you’re accepted, many colleges offer exclusive admitted student events to help you make a final decision.
These events typically occur in February / March / April of your senior year, and you’ll usually receive invites directly from the school (check your email!).
Virtual Events:
Live Q&A Panels – Chat with current students and professors.
Virtual Campus Tours – Explore dorms, classrooms, and facilities from home.
Webinars on Next Steps – Covers housing, financial aid, and course registration.
Admitted Student Socials – Meet future classmates via Zoom or Discord.
In-Person Events:
Admitted Student Days – A full-day campus event with sample classes and student panels.
Overnight Stays – Shadow a current student, stay in a dorm, and experience real campus life.
Classroom Visits – Sit in on a lecture to get a feel for academics.
Specialized Meetups – Events for athletes, honors students, or specific majors.
Scholarship Awards – On-campus events for recipients or finalists of specific scholarships.
These events are your best chance to see if a school truly feels like home prior to committing—so take advantage of them!
Connections That Matter
One overlooked aspect of admitted student events? You're surrounded by other students who might become your classmates. The person sitting next to you at the financial aid session could be your future roommate, study partner, or lifelong friend.
These events create natural opportunities to:
Meet potential classmates in low-pressure settings
Connect with current students who share your interests
Find your people before orientation even begins
A quick personal anecdote. I attended an admitted student day for scholarship recipients (yes, colleges have been offering admitted student events for a LONG time…), where I ended up meeting several of my future classmates… one of whom ended up dating my roommate. You never know who you’ll meet!
Making the Most of Your Visit
To maximize these events:
Come with specific questions: This is your chance to get detailed answers about your program, housing options, and specific opportunities.
Split from your parents: Many schools design separate tracks for parents and students. Take advantage of this separation to experience campus through your own lens.
Take notes on your feelings: Beyond facts and figures, jot down how each campus makes you feel. That gut reaction often proves surprisingly reliable.
Connect digitally: Most schools create social media groups or apps for admitted students. Join these before the event to coordinate meetups or continue conversations afterward.
The Bottom Line
The college decision is too important to make based solely on websites or a campus tour you went on 2 years ago. Admitted student events offer an authentic glimpse of your potential future that no virtual tour can replace.
After months of stress, deadlines, and anxious waiting, these events are a chance to celebrate your accomplishments and make an informed choice about your future.
You've earned this moment - when colleges compete for you, rather than the other way around.
So RSVP and attend these admitted student events. You're not just another prospective student anymore - you're an honored guest being welcomed into a community that hopes to call you their own.