Iowa State's second annual Admitted Student Day (Friday, April 7) has drawn about 65% more prospective students than the university's inaugural event last spring. With family members along to help size up campus, total guests -- more than 2,000 -- would double last year's attendance.
All of the 800-plus students visiting April 7 have an admissions offer from Iowa State, and more than half -- about 450 -- have yet to make their college decision. The others have committed to Iowa State, but perhaps delayed their official visit to campus until spring. For most, this will be their first time on campus, which makes it an impactful, useful day. Emili Johnson, assistant director for reporting and project management in the office of admissions, said a majority of the visitors are traveling from outside of Iowa and as far away as Oregon, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
May 1 is coming
Admitted Student Day, scheduled prior to the May 1 national college decision day, is a strategy to bring to campus students with an admissions offer. Getting commitments ahead of the May 1 date helps everyone, according to Johnson. Students who make their decision "can enjoy the end of their senior year." Iowa State has more time to prepare for their arrival -- at orientation in June and for fall semester in August.
Emili Johnson
"We wanted a big-push event that really encourages students to become Cyclones," Johnson said. "This is a best-of-the-best day where we roll out the red carpet. All the colleges are involved and showcase their programs and academic tracks. Units that focus on student services are involved to let these students and families know 'These are the things we do at Iowa State to make sure you have an amazing Cyclone experience.'"
Johnson expressed her gratitude to the nearly 300 Iowa Staters -- students, academic affairs and student affairs staff, faculty and recent alumni -- who have important roles on Admitted Student Day. They'll lead more than 200 discussions and demonstrations, staff a resource fair and provide campus walking tours.
Scheman Building at the Iowa State Center will be the check-in site for Admitted Student Day, and all visitors will start the day at a 9 a.m. welcome session and young alumni keynote panel in Hilton Coliseum. Coach buses will transport visitors between the Iowa State Center and central campus via Lincoln Way to the west side of the Memorial Union.
Sign with Cy
Students who decide to accept their offer of admission Friday can head to a special booth at the front of the ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union (11 a.m.-2 p.m.). Design students who studied calligraphy will personalize a certificate of intent for each new student, and Cy will be on hand as a silent and supportive witness when they sign it.
Hope it's a great day
Johnson encouraged the campus community to be alert to the more than 2,000 visitors on campus and show their Cyclone spirit by wearing Iowa State gear. New students will be identifiable by lanyard name badges.
"Think back to your first experience on our Iowa State campus," she said. "Ask guests if they need any assistance.
"It's a big day. I hope it's a great day for our prospective students and their families," she added.
