This past weekend most colleges had their admitted students days. Students who have been accepted are invited to see their college of choice for special tours, informational panels, and a look into student life. But is it worth the sometimes states away trip? 

Sara Spencer, a Camas High School (CHS) senior, visited the University of Denver for admitted students’ day. 

“…There was an info session and student panel at the beginning, which was very boring because I already knew all that stuff from reading their website,” said Spencer. “I probably could have just scheduled a campus tour and saved myself 2 hours. Overall, 6.5/10 experience,” Spencer said. 

But, on the other hand, Lisel Shyam, a senior, found the University of Washington admitted students day helpful in her decision-making. 

“Going in, I knew a bit about the school but had some clarifying questions about the different aspects of college life,” said Shyam. Shyam found that visiting the campus helped her visualize her future life in Seattle. “…Overall, the idea of walking around campus and exploring the different places gave me an insight into life as a future student and all the different activities and places I can explore. It was also fun because I’m really excited to go to [University of Washington] in the fall, and the Admitted Students Day really gave me an intro to everything,” Shyam said.

“[The tour gave me] an idea of my future living space, but also how to manage my general stuff,” Shyam said. Grace Mitcham, a senior, visited Otis College of Art and Design in California for admitted students’ day.

“…Visiting the school showed me what exactly I’d be learning there. How good their program was, along with what programs they provided, and what the employment rate of graduating students is,” Mitcham said. 

Similar to Shyam at the University of Washington, Micham was able to visit dorms at Otis College of Art and Design on admitted students’ day. Dorm tours are not provided on non-admitted students’ days.

The effectiveness of admitted students’ day seems to vary from college to college. If you’re planning on attending one in the future, be sure to take advantage of dorm tours and talk to students about their experiences at a college’s admitted students’ day to find out what’s right for you. 

If you’ve done plenty of research on a college’s programs you might want to save the weekend for something better. Every college experience is different, and it seems every admitted student’s daily experience is different too.