Open house dress codes

[chaughwo]

I just got admitted to my top choice and they have invited me to attend an open house in 2 weeks. What is the typical dress codes at these type of events? Should I go in a suit and tie, or a polo and khakis, or are jeans and a t-shirt fine? Also, does the school typically pay my expenses associated with attending or do I cover that myself (there was no specific mention in the announcement email)? I apologize in advance if these questions seem a bit naive, but this is all new to me.

 

Thanks,

 

chaughwo

[fuzzylogician]

1. You should ask about funding. Most schools will offer some reimbursement, but the sum may vary, and it's not unheard of for a school not to offer any reimbursement at all. Also ask if they will book a flight and hotel room for you or find you crash space with a current student, or if you are supposed to take care of your own accommodations and flights.

 

2. No need for a suit and tie. Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable. A polo and khakis, or a dress jeans with a nice shirt would probably do the trick. Generally, schools on the east coast are more formal than schools on the west, but this varies and also depends on your field. Ask your professors what they recommend if you aren't sure. 

[MathCat]

Dress code probably depends on field. Some people have mentioned that suits are the norm even on admitted student visit days (rather than interviews), which seems odd to me. In math, it's very casual, and every visit I've been on most people have been in jeans with somewhat nice shirts (usually not a T-shirt, something like a nice blouse or sweater for women and a button down or nice sweater for men). On each, there has been at least one person in dress pants and it's obviously been too much. But it might be too casual not to in other fields. How do the faculty dress in your area? In math, it's usually jeans and T shirts.

[matsci333]

kakhis/nice pants + button-down/sweater

[TXInstrument11]

I just straight up asked my POI, which is what I would recommend you do. If that's a no-go, try their current grad students.

 

Both told me that there basically was no dress code since I had already been admitted and offered funding, but the department I applied to seems unusually young and laid-back.

 

If they still haven't given you word on financing, you might want to edge dressy to be on the safe side, but asking folks at the school is really the best bet. I don't think it's an unusual question for them.