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Original poster

How critical are University Open days?

55 replies

TisGlorious · 29/06/2017 12:48

I understand they are a opportunity to find out more about a proposed course, it's structure, content etc
An opportunity to get a feel for the University and its surroundings.

What I'd like to know is does it form part of the admissions process? Are only limited numbers of candidates able to visit?
Why do people have to book? (Apart from wanting to know numbers) If you don't book can you still attend? Does not attending look bad for your application?

OP posts:
BubblesBuddy · 29/06/2017 21:14

My DD not attending an open day was mentioned by the admissions tutor who interviewed her at Brighton. When she asked a question that she had asked at an interview at another university where it had elicited a good discussion, at Brighton she was told that had she attended the open day, she would know the answer. I complained to the university because pupils cannot get unlimited time off school to go everywhere. We had looked at their U Tube presentation of their open day and her question was not answered.

I complained about the tutor's comments to the university and was brushed off in a 2 page letter! They also delayed her interview by 2.5 hours and she was also interviewed by a student sitting with the admissions tutor. It was an utter shambles and totally unprofessional.

The end of April came and went and she never heard from them again! Pressed NO! Happily went elsewhere.

Original poster
TisGlorious · 29/06/2017 19:02

Thank you for all your replies. It was on MN that I seemed to recall a poster talking about being asked wether her DD attended the open day by her prospective Uni as only those were the ones being called back for interview? Confused. It just kind of stuck since then.
I'm glad that's not the case.

OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 29/06/2017 18:07

My daughter Booked for all hers, I think it's so they know how many to cater for ( often you get tea or coffee or a snack) and how many student helpers they need.

It's nothing to do with the application process, you don't get brownie points for having a look round and scoffing a few sandwiches, but it is worth it, you get a feel for the uni, meet staff and students, and understand their ethos better.

DoneInn · 29/06/2017 18:02

No connection to admissions, even at the top unis.

Subject specific talks aimed at giving the prospective student more than a web search get fully booked in some places.
Logistics are tricky in some, often park and rides run from remote locations.
You really don't have to book, apart from a few (I seem to recall UCL?).
Going on an open day everything is open, from labs to theatres to halls of residence. If you go for a wander round on another day you can get a feel for the campus but you won't see inside any buildings or speak to any staff.

AtiaoftheJulii · 29/06/2017 17:28

They have no importance wrt admissions. They are so you can have a look around, and the university can advertise themselves to you. Most courses at most unis are not very selective.

You book so they have your details and they can send you "hope you apply here!" messages. And some of the talks do fill up so you have to book ahead for them, and there are probably limits on how many people it's practical to have on campus/in the buildings.