On Saturday, April 12, Villanova’s campus was flooded with hundreds of prospective students who traveled to the University for Admitted Students Day. The primary purpose of this day was to expose potential undergraduate students to Villanova life, including clubs, classes and extracurriculars offered at the University.
Admitted Students Day allowed prospective students of Villanova’s Class of 2029 to get a feel for the campus and what it has to offer from social life to academics. The ultimate goal of this day was to influence admitted students to attend the University, providing a holistic view of campus life and the unique opportunities offered at Villanova.
Beginning at 7:45 a.m., prospective students and their families were welcomed to check-in for the day at the Finneran Pavilion. As these admitted students entered the Pavilion, they were greeted by Blue Key’s spirit line, featuring lively cheering from campus tour guides.
“One of my favorite parts of the day is when all of the Blue Key members line the Finneran Pavilion to cheer on every prospective student and their family walking through,” sophomore Blue Key member Skyler Johansen said. “Seeing everyone’s positive energy and smiles creates an exciting atmosphere. It is so exciting to connect with prospective families and answer any possible questions they may have while making this difficult decision.”
Once inside the Finneran Pavilion, students were met with the spirited sounds of the Villanova Band, as well as the opportunity to grab a quick breakfast before the long day of activities. At 9 a.m., University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue O.S.A., Ph.D. gave his welcome speech, followed by words from several current University students.
After this speech, the day became more individualized for each prospective student, as they had the option to attend a variety of academic presentations and open houses around campus. From the hours of 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. presentations about the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, health professions advising, and financial assistance ran, as well as open houses for both prospective liberal arts and science majors.
The most chaotic event of the day was the First Year Frenzy, taking place at 12:30 p.m. As the area around Vasey Plaza overflowed with admitted students and their families, prospective students were able to connect with each other and with Blue Key members.
“I think I speak for all of Blue Key when I say that we are as excited as the admitted students,” freshman Blue Key member MaryAnn Leshinskie said. “All of the running around is worth it when I get to enjoy hearing the prospective students’ stories, answering their questions, and taking their photos in front of the church.”
This day was about more than academics for many of the prospective students, who came to the campus to discover the extracurricular opportunities of the University. From 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., admitted students and their families had the chance to explore the Student Involvement Fair in the Quad. Rows of posters lined the quad as University students presented their clubs and organizations to the prospective Class of 2029.
For freshman Katie Koslow, the Student Involvement Fair held a special importance.
“Last year, I saw a show by the Villanova Student Musical Theater [V.S.M.T.] the night before Admitted Students Day, and when I saw all of the cast members at the V.S.M.T. table the next day it was so cool,” Koslow said. “Everyone was so incredibly welcoming and enthusiastic, and it’s a very full circle moment to be standing at the V.S.M.T. table recruiting new members today.”
Koslow was a prospective student one year ago, and today she holds the position of publicity director of the VSMT program.
Additionally, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., admitted students were led to South Campus for staggered residence hall tours to get a feel for freshman living at the University. The tours of South and Main campus were led by a variety of Blue Key tour guides, who additionally manned information booths around campus throughout the day despite the rainy weather.
“From early morning wake ups to cheering our absolute loudest and everything in between, Blue Key puts so much hard work into this day and I’m proud to be a part of such a great group of people supporting our new students as they find their new home here at Villanova,” freshman Blue Key member Abbie Neiderer said.
At 4 p.m. the eventful day concluded with an optional mass, taking place in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Overall, Admitted Students Day demonstrated the unique spirit of Villanova, from the University’s academics to its lively student organizations. While the Class of 2029 is yet to officially make its way to the University, it is obvious that there is a place for them at Villanova.
