College acceptance season is right around the corner, and we see that on full display in one of the latest episodes of The Sex Lives of College Girls. During Episode 8, Bela’s friend Priya comes to visit the Essex campus, and it seriously has given me all the feels from that time in my life. I remember it like it was yesterday: The anxious waiting, the anticipation, and the excitement when I was accepted into my first few schools. When I finally made my decision as to where I wanted to attend college, my eagerness grew even more when I learned all about admitted students day. I really had no idea what this exclusive day for admitted students was about, and if you’re wondering too, don’t worry. I’m about to answer your burning question: What can you expect when you visit any college on admitted students day?
Bela hosts her hometown bestie, Priya, during what Essex calls pre-frosh weekend… which really translates to admitted students weekend. Throughout the episode, Priya expresses her excitement about attending Essex in the future, soaking in the freedom that comes with first going off to college. Priya begins exploring her romantic connections with another admitted student and attends a really fun bonfire party. But is this really what admitted students day is like? Is there actually plenty of parties (and boys) around to spare?
- Admitted students day is all about getting the information you need to make your decision.
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I hate to break it to you, but there probably won’t be a ton of ragers and pre-college parties for you to attend when you choose to visit for admitted students day (or weekend!). These events are really all about giving the accepted students, aka you, more information about the school and what it would be like to attend. At this point, you may have not made a decision about what college you want to attend, and this is the school’s way of convincing you to choose them. Quite honestly, parents often attend admitted students day with their children, so there’s not a bunch of time to be sneaking off into the woods to party and hang out with boys like Priya did in The Sex Lives of College Girls, but going with a parent does mean you’ll get a second opinion on whether a school is right for you.
- You’ll be able to learn more about your intended program of study.
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Yes, sometimes we all forget that we’re attending college to get a degree. Really, though, college is all about learning more about yourself, and one way you can do this is through your coursework. Maybe you’re a little unsure about what you want to major in, or are on the fence between a few different pathways. Take admitted students day to really learn more about the differing majors that your college offers, and just how you’d be able to thrive in each of them.
Some colleges may even allow you to sit in on classes you’re interested in taking. Definitely reach out to your assigned advisor or faculty member to inquire more information about attending a class on your admitted students day if this is something that speaks to you.
- It’s a great opportunity to anticipate what your college experience might look like.
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The college experience encompasses many things. From the day-to-days on campus to the extracurricular activities you indulge in with your brand-new set of best friends, there’s countless opportunities that await you on your college campus. Admitted students day is a time to learn more about the campus culture that the school you’re attending really has. I really encourage you to take this time to walk around your campus, because I assure you that by doing this, you’re going to learn way more than just where the chemistry building is. You’ll be able to pick up on the overall vibe of the college and its students.
Walking around the campus will also allow you to learn more about other activities and clubs that your prospective school has to offer. Every college student knows that there are countless advertisements and pop-up events held by different clubs and organizations happening around campus each and every day. You might just find that there’s a really interesting club sport or fashion club that might pique your interest just by doing a little walk around campus.
- You may be able to stay overnight on campus just like Priya.
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Each admitted students day or weekend program will look different depending on which school you’re visiting, but it is common for prospective students to be invited to stay on campus. Generally, if the college you’re visiting does offer this experience, they can set you up in a dorm room for the anticipated nights of your stay.
Quite candidly, if the college doesn’t offer this and you know someone who may be living on or near campus, there’s no harm in asking if you could room it up with them for one night just like Priya did with Bela. It’s the best way to get a little taste of what overnight life may look like without the strings attached, which you will probably run into a lot during your time in college (take it from a senior college student).
Woohoo, that means you can somewhat live out Priya’s pre-frosh Essex extravaganza. If you’re looking forward to all of the admitted students’ days to come, get ready, and take a page from Priya’s book and live it up to the fullest extent!