Last Saturday, Feb. 14, may have been Valentine’s Day, but for Villanova, its valentines may have been in the form of a wave of admitted students potentially confirming their acceptance into the Class of 2030. Villanova held Early Admitted Students Day (for students accepted Early Decision I, Early Decision II or Early Action), which showcased the various majors, clubs and the welcoming community of the University.
Early Admitted Students Day allowed potential Villanovans to explore the campus and learn what could make it their “new home.” The goal of Early Admitted Students Day was to provide students with insight into why they should attend Villanova over other institutions and reinforce their previously made ED1 choices. Everything from campus life to the different opportunities unique to Villanova was demonstrated to prospective students.
The day was planned meticulously by both the University and Blue Key, Villanova’s student-run tour guide organization. A second day is planned for April to welcome the second wave of admitted students, which will include those accepted through regular decision.
“Planning begins in October and is done by a group of students on the Admitted Students Day committee under the direction of the student Junior and Senior Directors, who work with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to plan both events,” senior Blue Key member Sophie Christoff said. “Admitted Students Day is the biggest Blue Key event of the year, and Villanova students, across all grade levels, go above and beyond to ensure admitted students and their families have the best experience possible.”
Starting bright and early in the morning, admitted students and their families assembled in the Finneran Pavilion. They were greeted by the warm and passionate Blue Key members and the spirit line. Admitted Students Day means the world to students like Christoff who are part of Blue Key.
“Early in the morning, every Blue Key member meets in the Finneran Pavilion and lines the outside entrance with posters, music and energy,” Christoff said. “It is such a special moment to be a part of and reminds me each year why I love this school.”
Once entered and seated inside, accepted students and their families heard University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue O.S.A., Ph.D., give his welcome speech, followed by words from several current University officials and students. After the opening event, students were able to individualize their day by attending academic presentations about their college within Villanova and open houses for a variety of potential majors.
This also included guided tours by members of Blue Key to both the South and Main Campus dorms, so admitted students could see what freshman living is like at Villanova. Blue Key also had members in information booths across campus to answer any questions or direct lost families.
“If a student is attending Admitted Students Day, that means that this is a place that they are really considering, and I genuinely believe that [Admitted Students Day] has the power to make or break that decision,” sophomore Blue Key member Andrew DiGiando said. “That’s how important it is every year, and I think Villanova understands this and does a fantastic job at keeping energy levels high and bringing all sorts of organizations together to really make Admitted Students Day one to remember.”
For some, Admitted Students Day marked the start of their Villanova journey in an organization like Greek Life, student media, service or campus events like Special Olympics and NOVAdance.
It also provided assistance with making the major decision on whether to commit to Villanova for the next four years, which might be accompanied by apprehension. Villanova might be far from what an admitted student is used to. Admitted Students Day tried to cut through that with the love and passion in much of Villanova.
“Going to college is a decision that is exciting but also can be scary, but Admitted Students Day is a time to show just how strong Villanova’s community can be,” DiGiando said. “It makes a new and unfamiliar place feel like home for a day, and I’m hopeful that for these incoming students, Villanova will be a home for the rest of their lives.”
As it always does, Admitted Students Day demonstrated the ‘Caritas, Unitas, Varitas’ spirit of this campus, and through showcasing academic and extracurricular opportunities, it may have shown potential members of Villanova’s Class of 2030 that a home does indeed exist for them here.
