Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. It’s more than just picking a place to study — it’s about finding a community where you can grow and build a foundation for your future. However, with so many options, how do you know which school is right for you?
Here are six compelling reasons why attending a college open house should be a priority as you begin your journey to discovering the right fit.
What Is a College Open House?
Before exploring the advantages of attending one, it helps to understand what goes on at a college open house. A college open house is an event where prospective students visit a campus to learn more about programs, meet faculty, and tour facilities.
The format can vary — some open houses may be large group events with presentations and campus tours, while others offer more personalized experiences, like one-on-one meetings with advisors or student-led tours.
At ACC, college open houses feature live hands-on demonstrations from instructors. This allows attendees to get a taste of the curriculum along with an idea of what a typical day in class is like. It also helps attendees determine whether this is a field that truly interests them or not.
1. See What the Campus is Really Like
Physically experiencing the campus is vastly different from viewing images online. An open house gives you the opportunity to check out classrooms and key facilities like the library or hands-on labs. This allows you to get a feel for the campus and evaluate whether it's an environment you can see yourself flourishing in.
But college isn’t just about academics — you should also appreciate where it’s located. Attending an open house lets you explore the surrounding area and experience the city’s culture, recreational activities, and local dining options. After all, it’s more than just a college campus; it’s where you’ll spend time building a supportive community.
2. Get Answers to Your Most Important Questions
Do you have questions that a college website doesn’t seem to address? Maybe you want to know more about specific programs or whether you can transfer credits from another institution you attended.
Whether it’s about transfer credits, financial aid,program length, course offerings, or career guidance, this is your chance to gather the information you need to make an informed decision. And who better to answer your questions about day-to-day life than current students, alumni, or counselors?
3. Meet Faculty and Staff
Building relationships with the faculty and staff directly involved in your education is a vital part of selecting the right college. An open house allows you to meet with instructors who will teach you and the staff who will help support you.
Each interaction can grant you insight into teaching styles, academic expectations, and commitment to student success. These conversations help you build meaningful connections with potential mentors who can guide you through your college experience and beyond.
4. Learn About the Admissions Process
It can be overwhelming to navigate the college admissions process alone; attending an open house can give you the clarity you need. This is your chance to receive step-by-step guidance on how to apply, including deadlines and required documents.
If you’ve earned credits elsewhere, you can discuss if/how they may be applied towards your future education. You’ll also learn about any entrance exams, essays, or interviews that might be part of the admissions process.
5. Explore Your Financial Aid Options
Financing your education is a major part of the college decision-making process, and attending an open house can help you explore your options. By talking with financial aid advisors (who are typically on-site during these events), you’ll have the chance to get your questions answered directly and learn more about how to access scholarships, grants, and loans.
These conversations can help illuminate how to apply for financial aid and determine your eligibility. You’ll also learn about work-study opportunities and other ways to fund your education. Plus, you can uncover scholarships that are unique to the college and/or program you are applying to.
6. Connect With Current Students
One of the greatest advantages of attending a college open house is connecting with current students — since many open houses occur during campus hours.
These conversations with current students offer you a glimpse into daily life at the college beyond what you can find online or hear from admissions staff. You can hear about personal experiences, such as how students balance academics with their personal responsibilities or even their favorite spots to get lunch around campus.
Use this opportunity to ask about the challenges and rewards of being a student at that college. Whether you’re curious about course workloads, social events, or time management, students can offer honest feedback to help you set realistic expectations.
Attend an Open House at American Career College
Ready to advance your education? Whether you intend to take in-person classes or enroll in a fully online program (such as our Medical Coding program), American Career College offers open-house options that fit your needs.
Come visit our campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, or Anaheim and get answers to your questions. This is the perfect opportunity to decide on the future you want.
Take the first step in your college journey by scheduling a campus tour! Be sure to check out our events page for a list of open houses. Register today to secure your spot and learn more about the industry-current healthcare career training programs that ACC has to offer.
