3 reasons to attend Admitted Student Day
Deciding where to attend graduate school can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re choosing between great programs. I attended an Admitted Student Day at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in March of my senior year of undergrad, and it ended up playing a major role in my decision to attend Michigan. Beyond schedules and presentations, Admitted Student Day gave me clarity, confidence, and community before I ever set foot in a classroom. If you’re on the fence about attending this event, here are three reasons why it’s absolutely worth your time.
1. You start making connections before you even start classes.
One of the biggest advantages of attending Admitted Student Day is building relationships long before your first semester starts. I met faculty who later became my professors, which made the first weeks of class feel far less intimidating. Instead of walking into a room and knowing very few people, I already recognized faces and felt comfortable asking questions and engaging in discussion from the start.
Admitted Student Day also introduces you to student organizations that shape your Michigan experience. I learned about the Epidemiology Student Organization (ESO), a student-led group that supports professional development, community building, and advocacy for epidemiology students. I was able to hear from the ESO board, which gave me insight into student life at the School of Public Health, and I ended up joining ESO when I got to Michigan! Making these connections early helped me feel like I already belonged from the moment I arrived on campus.
2. Who knows, you might meet your future roommates and friends!
At Admitted Student Day it was helpful to learn more about my program and familiarize myself with the faculty and staff who would support me throughout my academic experience. But, I also met other admitted students who I found had similar interests and undergraduate experiences. We immediately bonded over those shared experiences and similar goals — forming the beginnings of a close-knit cohort.
I didn’t necessarily expect Admitted Student Day to help me find my roommates, but that’s exactly what happened. By the end of the visit, a few of us started talking about living together, which made the transition to graduate school so much smoother. Now, I live with people who are in the same classes, working through the same challenges, and tackling the same epidemiology problem sets. Having that built-in support system has made a huge difference both academically and personally.
3. You really don’t get to know a school until you visit.
Admissions emails and mailings are great (hello Michigan swag!), but there’s no replacement for stepping foot on campus and experiencing the energy first-hand. During Admitted Student Day, I was able to walk through the School of Public Health, explore campus, and imagine what daily life as a student would feel like.
Michigan has a strong reputation, but visiting made me fall in love with the school in a way I didn’t expect. I discovered that campus is right next to the Arboretum and peony garden, realized Ann Arbor has a Trader Joe’s, and got a feel for how vibrant and liveable the area is.
My visit transformed the University of Michigan from a name on a screen into a place where I could see myself thriving.
Attending Admitted Student Day gave me answers to questions I didn’t even know I had and helped me begin seeing myself as a University of Michigan student. If you’re considering the University of Michigan School of Public Health, I can’t recommend it enough. Sometimes, all it takes is one visit to know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
About the Author
Hannah Fields is a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health Epidemiology. Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, Hannah received her Bachelor of Arts in Global Health and Hispanic Studies from DePauw University before heading to the University of Michigan, where she is a member of the Epidemiology Student Organization and works in the Gordon Research Lab.
