Attending an Accepted Students Day is an exciting milestone for both students and parents. It’s a chance to explore campus life, meet future classmates, and get answers to important questions before making a final college decision. For parents, this event offers valuable insight into academic programs, student resources, and what daily life will look like for their child.
If you’re wondering what to expect on a college tour, this guide will walk you through the key experiences, from attending information sessions to exploring housing and dining options. Whether you’re looking for the best questions to ask on a college tour or tips on navigating the day smoothly, this post has you covered!
What is Accepted Students Day?
Accepted Students Day is a special event designed to help students and their families make an informed decision about their college choice. Unlike a standard college tour for parents, which typically focuses on general campus features, Accepted Students Day gives families a deeper, more personal experience of the college.
It’s an opportunity for parents and students to interact with professors, current students, and staff, offering a firsthand look at what life on campus will be like.
This event is significant in the college decision process, as it allows families to explore specific aspects of the school, such as academic programs, student resources, and campus culture, that can play a key role in making the final decision.
For students, it’s a chance to visualize themselves on campus while parents better understand how the college will support their child’s success. Whether learning more about dorm life, meeting financial aid advisors, or asking questions about student support services, Accepted Students Day is an invaluable experience for students and parents in ensuring they feel confident about the choice ahead.
What to Expect at Accepted Students Day
When you attend Accepted Students Day, there’s a full schedule of activities designed to give both students and parents a comprehensive overview of the college experience. Here’s what you can typically expect throughout the day:
- Welcome Sessions: The day usually starts with a warm welcome from college administrators. This session provides an overview of the college’s values and mission and what sets it apart from other schools. Hearing from key admissions, academic affairs, and student life figures is an excellent opportunity.
- Academic Presentations: Students and parents will often split into smaller groups for academic presentations after the welcome session. These sessions may include details about various departments, degree programs, and career opportunities. You may hear from professors and department chairs, offering insight into the college’s academic strengths and resources.
- Campus Tours: One of the highlights of Accepted Students Day is the campus tour. These guided tours, including academic buildings, dorms, dining halls, and recreational facilities, show off the campus. It’s a great time to ask questions about campus life, get a feel for the school’s atmosphere, and assess the accessibility of various locations.
- Student Panels: Many colleges feature student panels where current students share their experiences and answer questions about life on campus. This is one of the best opportunities for both parents and students to get a real sense of student life, clubs and organizations, and day-to-day experiences.
There will also be plenty of time throughout the day to visit informational booths, speak with financial aid counselors, and learn about resources like campus health services or internship opportunities.
For parents, there are often specific sessions about the college transition, including what to expect from college orientation for parents and how to support your child’s journey as they adjust to campus life. Use these opportunities to gather as much information as possible and address any concerns you may have.
This well-rounded schedule ensures you leave Accepted Students Day feeling informed, excited, and ready to support your child’s college journey!
Questions Parents Should Ask on the College Tour
During Accepted Students Day, it’s essential to come prepared with questions to help you get the most out of the experience. These questions can provide valuable insights into academics, student life, campus safety, and more. Here are 25 essential questions parents should ask during the tour:
- What is the average class size, and what is the student-to-faculty ratio?
- How accessible are professors outside of class for one-on-one meetings or extra help?
- What types of academic support services are available (tutoring, writing centers, study groups)?
- How are students placed into their first-year courses, and is there flexibility in choosing electives?
- What is the college’s approach to internships, job placement, and career counseling?
- Can students easily change their major if they discover a new area of interest?
- What are the most popular majors, and what are the school’s strongest academic programs?
- How does the college support students with disabilities or specific learning needs?
- What are the housing options for first-year students, and how are roommates assigned?
- Are there options for off-campus housing, and how do students find housing in their upper years?
- What meal plans are available, and how flexible are they for students with dietary restrictions?
- How safe is the campus, and what security measures are in place (campus police, escort services)?
- How does the college handle mental health and wellness services for students?
- What extracurricular activities, clubs, and student organizations are available?
- What support systems are in place for students transitioning to college life, especially during the first year?
- How does the college foster a sense of community among students, especially for those living far from home?
- What is the college’s policy on study abroad programs, and how do students apply?
- What kind of on-campus job opportunities exist for students?
- Are there opportunities for research or independent study for undergraduate students?
- What is the college’s approach to diversity and inclusion, and how does it support underrepresented groups?
- How do students get involved in leadership roles or gain experience in their field of study?
- How accessible are the library and study spaces on campus, and are there resources for group work or individual study?
- What are the health and fitness facilities like on campus?
- Are there any additional fees beyond tuition, such as for labs, activities, or technology?
- How do parents stay informed about their child’s progress and college life, and what communication can we expect from the school?
These questions will help you gain a deeper understanding of the academic environment, campus culture, and available resources. It’s important to ask questions that are specific to your family’s needs and to follow up on any areas that are particularly important to you and your child.
Exploring Campus: What Parents Should Look For
When you’re on a college campus tour, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but as a parent, it’s important to take a closer look at key areas that will affect your child’s day-to-day life. Here are some tips on what to observe while visiting campus with your child:
- Dorm Life: Look closely at the dorms, especially if your child plans to live on campus. Are they clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough? Pay attention to the vibe of the buildings and common areas. Does it feel like a comfortable space where your child could thrive? Check for laundry facilities, kitchen access, and other amenities that will make living on campus easier.
- Dining Halls: Since students spend a significant amount of time in dining halls, assess the variety and quality of food offered. Are there healthy options, and are the dining hours convenient? It’s also worth checking if the college can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
- Student Activity Centers: Look for spaces where students can unwind, socialize, or engage in extracurricular activities. These areas are often hubs of student life and provide a sense of community. Are there lounges, game rooms, or student centers where students can relax between classes? This will give you an understanding of the social environment on campus.
- Campus Safety Features: Campus safety should be a top priority when exploring the college. Look for well-lit pathways, visible security personnel, and accessible emergency stations. Does the campus have a security escort service for late-night walks, and how well-connected is the campus to local police? Knowing that safety is a priority will help you feel more confident about your child living on campus.
Observing these areas will give you a comprehensive understanding of the college environment and help you decide if it’s a place where your child will feel comfortable and supported.
Meeting Professors and Staff: Why It’s Important
One of the most valuable aspects of Accepted Students Day is the opportunity to meet college faculty and staff. While campus tours are important for seeing the physical space, connecting with the people who will guide your child’s academic journey is equally crucial. Here’s why meeting professors and support staff is so important:
- Class Sizes and Teaching Styles: Engaging with professors gives you insight into the academic programs and teaching styles your child will experience. Are classes lecture-based, or do professors encourage discussion and hands-on learning? It’s also helpful to ask about class sizes, especially for introductory courses. Smaller classes can offer more personalized attention, while larger ones may require a different approach to studying and engagement.
- Student Support Services: Talking to faculty and academic advisors will give you a better understanding of the student support services available. Are there tutoring programs, writing centers, or mentoring opportunities? How easy is it to access academic help if your child is struggling with coursework? Faculty members can also provide insight into research opportunities and internships that might be available to undergraduates, which can significantly enhance your child’s college experience.
- Faculty Accessibility: It’s also important to learn how accessible professors are outside of class. Do they hold regular office hours? Are they open to one-on-one meetings or extra help if needed? Understanding the level of support students can expect from their professors will give you peace of mind about how well your child will be able to navigate the academic demands of college life.
By connecting with college faculty and support staff during your visit, you’ll gather information that will help you assess whether the school offers the academic resources and support your child needs to succeed.
Understanding Student Life and Campus Culture
When visiting a college, understanding the student life and campus culture is just as important as assessing academics and campus facilities. College is not only about lectures and exams—it’s also about personal growth, forming friendships, and getting involved in activities that align with your child’s interests.
Here’s how you can get a feel for the social side of campus life during your visit:
- Sit-In on Student Panels: Many Accepted Students Day events feature student panels where current students share their experiences and answer questions from prospective families. These panels can give you insight into the day-to-day reality of life on campus. Pay attention to how students talk about their sense of community, support systems, and personal and academic growth opportunities. This is also a great chance to hear firsthand about the inclusivity and diversity of the campus.
- Explore College Clubs and Activities: College life is made rich by the variety of clubs and activities students can engage in. During your visit, ask about student organizations—whether it’s cultural groups, academic societies, or sports clubs. Check if the college offers unique opportunities like volunteer work, internships, or leadership programs. Exploring these options will help you gauge the college’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals and giving students outlets to pursue their passions.
- Learn About Campus Traditions: Every college has its own set of traditions that give it a unique identity. From annual events to social rituals, these traditions help foster a sense of belonging among students. Take the time to ask about special events or traditions that make the college stand out. Whether it’s a big homecoming celebration or a more niche annual event, traditions can give you a sense of what the campus community values and celebrates.
Understanding student life and campus culture is key to determining whether your child will feel at home at the college. It’s important to assess how the school nurtures personal growth, social connections, and a sense of belonging.
Will You Schedule A Visit On Accepted Students Day?
Attending Accepted Students Day is an invaluable opportunity for parents and students to explore all a college offers. From getting a closer look at academics and campus facilities to experiencing the heart of student life, this event will help you make an informed decision about your child’s future.
Remember to take notes, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the campus experience to ensure it fits your family correctly. By the end of the day, you’ll have a better understanding of the academic and social environment and feel confident about the next steps in your child’s journey toward college.