Which university is right for me?
Where do I belong?
Each spring, these two questions weigh heavily on high school seniors and transfer students as they decide what comes next in their academic journeys. Admitted Student Day (ASD), an OU event that shows admitted students and their supporters what life looks like as a Sooner, helps answer those questions through campus tours, open houses, and opportunities to connect with current students, faculty, on-campus resources, and more.
Traveling from Dallas, Texas, prospective freshman Ari Buck was one of ASD’s 2,100 attendees and had all his questions about his next steps in his college search answered during the event.
“It’s been great being able to check out all the student housing and tour the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts,” Ari said. “I’m going into music education, and this weekend we toured the OU School of Music and got to meet students and faculty."
During the event’s opening session in McCasland Field House, visitors experienced the Sooner Spirit through a performance by the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and a routine by the OU Cheer squad before Erin Simpson, the assistant vice president and assistant dean of students for the OU Division of Student Affairs, took the stage. During her welcome speech, Erin emphasized that each student in attendance earned a place at the University.
“You belong here, and we believe that wholeheartedly,” Erin said. “You’re supposed to be here. We picked you because we know that you can do this.”
While earning a college degree may come with challenges, she outlined what sets OU apart — the support of the OU Family.
“We are all on your team, so when you’re feeling stressed, frustrated, or a little lost, remember that there is always someone who is two steps ahead of you,” Erin said. “There is always someone who knows the next moment and is working hard to get you there.”
Throughout the day, attendees toured campus and academic colleges of interest, giving them the opportunity to not only explore OU’s state-of-the-art facilities, but also connect with the OU tour guides, who double as current OU students. Grace Cotton, a tour guide and psychology junior from Southlake, Texas, said the event was a meaningful way to connect with the incoming class.
“Today, all the tours have had a lot of energy and excitement,” Grace said. “I chose to be a tour guide because I wanted to be someone that made prospective students feel at home at OU, and today I can be someone that these students can come to for help and support!”
According to Grace, visiting families always have thoughtful questions during tours. One she heard on repeat at ASD was, “What advice would you give yourself as a freshman?” Grace’s answer immediately came to her.
“Use all of your resources,” Grace said. “The OU Family truly wants to support students, so take advantage of everything. Try a lot of different things, get involved, see what you enjoy, and make new friends.”
While ASD is a celebration and post-admissions event for students, it is also a chance for families to learn more about their student’s future home away from home. Casie Rasley, an OU parent whose student will attend OU in the fall, encourages supporters to attend on-campus student events like ASD.
“Participate in everything you can before your student is actually on campus, and while you’re here, don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Casie said. “There were so many resources here for Admitted Student Day, and nearly every question I had was answered.”
