Admitted Student Preview Days
You're invited to this exclusive experience designed for admitted students where you can join us at Penn State's University Park campus to experience life as a Smeal graduate student. During your visit, you'll sit in on a live class, connect with current students and faculty, and explore how a Smeal master's degree can accelerate your career.
Unlock a $500 Scholarship
Attend Admitted Student Preview Day and receive a $500 scholarship toward your Smeal master’s degree!
The scholarship will be awarded after you submit your $500 enrollment deposit and fully enroll for Fall 2027. Funds will be applied toward Fall 2027 tuition and credited directly to your Penn State student account in LionPATH in August 2027, prior to the start of the academic year.
This award is non-transferable and available only to students who enroll in a Smeal one-rear residential master’s program for Fall 2027.
Scholarship Policy
To be eligible for the $500 Admitted Preview Day Scholarship, you must attend and actively participate in at least 75% of the day's scheduled events. You must check in upon arrival and maybe be asked to verify your attendance throughout the day.
Registration alone or attendance at only a portion of the event does not guarantee scholarship eligibility. Students who do not meet the minimum attendance requirement will not qualify unless an exception is approved by the Professional Graduate Programs (PGP) Office.
2026-2027 Preview Days
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026
Monday, Jan. 25, 2027
Monday, Feb. 8, 2027
Thursday, March 25, 2027
Thursday, April 8, 2027
Sample Agenda*
Attendees are welcome to participate in as many sessions as their schedules allow; full-day attendance is not required.
Arrive, grab a coffee, and get settled in for the day. During check-in, you’ll receive materials to help guide you through the sessions. This is also a great opportunity to meet members of the Admissions team and connect with fellow admitted students before the day begins. We recommend bringing a notebook, laptop, or tablet for note taking!
Hosted by the Admissions team, this session provides an overview of the day’s events, sets our shared goals, and opens the floor for your initial questions.
Learn how Smeal supports you in building a successful career from day one. In this session, you'll hear directly from our career services team about the tools and guidance available to help you. From personalized career coaching, professional development opportunities, employer engagement, and access to career fairs, you'll discover how Smeal equips you to thrive. You'll also get a look at where recent grads are working, what roles they landed, and the trends shaping the job market.
Sit in on a class to experience the energy of a live graduate lecture. You won't just be observing, you'll be immersed in the dynamic discussions, real-world case studies, and collaborative problem-solving that defines our learning environment. See how our graduate students engage with faculty and bring diverse perspectives to the table. Whether you're curious about the pace, the expectations, or the classroom culture, this is your chance to envision yourself as part of the Smeal community.
Enjoy lunch while connecting with faculty, staff, and current one-year master's students. This informal networking opportunity allows you to hear real stories, ask candid questions, and get a feel for the community you'll be joining. These conversations offer valuable insights from those living the graduate experience every day.
Hear from current master’s students representing a range of programs in this engaging panel session. They’ll share why they chose Smeal, what they’ve gained from the experience, and their advice for new students. You’ll also have plenty of time to ask your own questions and join the conversation.
Wrap up your Smeal Master's Preview Day with practical next steps for your transition to graduate school. The Admissions team will highlight recommended pre-arrival learning opportunities, offer tips for starting your career exploration early, and share guidance on relocating to State College, including housing and transportation resources.
End your day with an optional guided tour of the Business Building, home of the Penn State Smeal College of Business.
* Agenda subject to change.
RSVP
Keep an eye on your inbox! Admitted students will receive a direct invitation to their inbox from the Admissions team with registration details.
If you have not yet been admitted but are interested in attending, please contact admissions at smealmasters@psu.edu for more information.