Admitted Students Day Tips

[gabgab]

Hi all,

I just wanted to see if anyone would be willing to share their experiences at admitted students days particularly any:

-Etiquette tips

-Dos and Don'ts

-What you wish you knew

Thanks in advance for your responses and I hope this is helpful for others as well!

[heywassuphello]

I just attended an admitted students day so I can try to answer some of your questions! My biggest tip is ask as many questions as you can, especially if you get a chance to talk to current students. We asked the current students about places to live, the rigor of the program, how they are financially able to afford the program (there is very limited funding available) and they answered our questions honestly and openly so we were able to really gain an understanding of what it would be like to be in the program. Also if you have better offers from other schools, don't be afraid to bring that up to you program coordinator and ask if there are any additional opportunities for funding. Although the program didn't have any additional funding opportunities in terms of scholarships, they did have RA positions open that are paid. Additionally, get to know the other people there! They may be your classmates or even roommates in the future! Finally, go in with an open mind, enjoy the experience and remember, they admitted you because they want you there! Good luck! 

[Carly Rae Jepsen]

Hello! I attended 3 visit days, 1 was an 'interview/get-to-know top applicants before the decision' and the other 2 were post-acceptance visits.

Do:

-Get acquainted with the work of professors you see yourself working with. You can do this by just reading their bios on the website or you can go beyond and read excerpts of their work. You can bond with them and see if they'd be a good match for you.

-Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, business casual is always nice. You will be walking a lot and you want to be comfortable. Look up the weather too--I went to snowy Indiana with just one jacket. A coat would've been nice! Pack toiletries and comfortable clothes for an after visit stroll.

-Ask grad students anything you'd like to know! Every grad student I met at the 3 schools was kind and nice! They were on your shoes not too long ago and are therefore very happy to help.

-Also ask faculty everything you want to know, don't be shy. Funding, research, teaching and other opportunities, how long do grads typically take to finish their degree, the structure of the program, recent placements, rigor, opportunities for interdisciplinary study or just take courses outside the department, the work of current students. 

-Attending grad seminars is a must if you can!

-Familiarize yourself with resources such as the library system or grad housing should you choose to attend.

-Be thankful and appreciative of people who made your visit possible.

Don't:

-Exploring the school and city is nice, but be careful, I got lost at a very large school at night and had to call their public safety number to take me back to my hotel. I was so embarrassed!

-Get nervous explaining your work and interests. You were admitted, you got this. Most schools aren't expecting you to come with a dissertation idea or such.

And something that I can't quite put into the dos or don'ts category is the fact that you might be asked about your other options. Try to be tactful about it, you can mention other schools but ultimately what they'll want to do is sell their school. Be receptive, listen, compare and contrast but don't be confrontational about it.