With a new format in hand, the Admission Office completed its fifth and final Accepted Student Day on April 16. With 505 students and 1,412 people in total on campus across the five events, the reviews have been extremely positive.
"This year we changed our format quite a bit, aiming to give our visitors a unique, memorable, and authentic student experience," said Christine McInaw, associate director of enrollment communication. "New sessions included a student life discussion exclusive to students, parents only parent panel, and a Taste of Philly walking tour for lunch."
The new sessions got great reviews on the evaluations, specifically the student Life @ USciences session where prospectives sat in on a student only small group discussion on what it is like to be a USciences student. Another change was providing each tour group with two tour guides rather than one, to spark more organic dialogue.
The days were made successful by the massive support received from the University's faculty, staff, and students. Many of the evaluations noted how the day was enhanced by key contributions of the current student ambassadors. Another high point was the support of alumni who communicated the great value of a USciences education by exhibiting the successes of USciences graduates. Student and parents also noted that their interaction with faculty was informative and program availability will be a key component to their final college decision.
The biggest praise came for the Taste of Philly Tour, designed to bring a little Philadelphia flavor to the USciences campus. While stopping at the ARC, Wilson Student Center, Griffith Hall, and the McNeil STC, taste stations included: Roast Pork and Veggie Sandwiches, cheese steaks and hoagies, soft pretzels, and Tastykakes.
"In addition to educating the families and students on the benefits of a USciences experience, we wanted guests to leave with a better understanding of what Philly has to offer and one of those things is good food", said Dianna Collins, executive director of admission. "Plus, Philadelphia is the larger city campus for students. To that end, it seems we made a nice impression."