Could this be home?
Admitted Student Overnight at Bethel University gives an inside look on college life.
By Taylor Hanson | Reporter
Cali Hall walked into Bethel University, her hair damp from the clumps of snow falling outside. The moment she walked through the front door into the Community Life Center she was greeted by a woman in a blue shirt that read “Host Team.” She had a smile that made Hall feel like she was wanted.
Instantly the fear of an awkward night was gone and Hall was filled with excitement. Hall watched all the people around her, students were laughing, shaking hands. Some were hugging their parents goodbye and others were standing on the outskirts working up the courage to go talk to someone. One group played a game of hacky sack. It had been less than 30 minutes and she could already tell this place was different.
“It seemed very welcoming,” Hall said, “I felt like I knew where to go and I felt like it was going to be a good night.”
Prospective students arrived on the Bethel University campus Sunday night for the Admitted Student Overnight program, an event that allows high schoolers to get a glimpse of college life. For some, it’s a chance to see the campus for the first time, but for Hall, this was a chance for Bethel to become her top choice.
“It is important for students to not only know about Bethel but also know what it feels like to be a Bethel student. These events are great for students looking to make their final decision.” -Ben Richburg, Bethel Admissions Counselor
Fall enrollment reports reveal that enrollment in Bethel’s College of Arts and Sciences has been decreasing since 2011. However, last year over 75% of students who attended the overnight ended up coming to Bethel.
“It is important for students to not only know about Bethel but also know what it feels like to be a Bethel student,” Bethel admissions counselor Ben Richburg said. These events are great for students looking to make their final decision.”
Hall had narrowed her options down to two schools: Bethel and the University of Minnesota. She was convinced it would be Bethel. She loved the faith-based community, already knew some students and felt like she would be able to find her place. Until a few weeks ago when she found out she had been accepted into the Carlson School of Management, which has a 37% acceptance rate. Having that school on her resume would draw attention from a lot of employers. Hall hoped that this weekend would give her the answers she was looking for in order to make the best decision for her and her future:
What kind of education would she be getting?
Would the professors challenge her enough?
What about friends, would she fit in?
Where did she feel like God was calling her to be?
“I think the biggest difference between the schools is faith,” Hall said. “I can tell the culture of this campus is so different. I think it would be hard to keep your faith at the U of M. You’re either going to live for Christ or not.”
The night consisted of trivia, tacos and running around campus completing challenges with her freshmen student hosts, Anna Evans and Molly Nelson. She had met so many people and seen so many places it was hard to keep track of all the information. Her favorite part of the night was Vespers, a student-led worship service where students gather in Benson Great Hall to sing and worship as one community. By the end of the night, she was exhausted but excited by the idea that this is what her life could look like in five months.
“I think this experience has definitely given me things to think about,” Hall said. I can see myself living on campus a lot more than I could have before. I think it’s shown me what the true culture of Bethel is, beyond the facts on paper.”
