“This is a Perfect Match,” Accepted Student Day Welcomes Future Spartans to York College

For Sanaa Walls of Delaware, Saturday began as an exciting day filled with opportunity. By the afternoon, she knew her next four years were likely set!

York College of Pennsylvania rolled out the green and white carpet for its newest class of Spartans at Accepted Student Day on Saturday, bringing more than 200 students and their families to campus for a day filled with excitement, exploration, and essential next steps.

The event, designed to help accepted students finalize their college decision, featured a full schedule of activities, including academic program sessions, campus tours, student and parent panels, and an Involvement Fair showcasing over 35 campus departments and 25 student organizations.

"Today is a special opportunity to help students picture themselves on campus for their college journey,” said York College President Dr. Thomas Burns. "We want students to leave campus today feeling confident that they’ve found ‘home’ for the next four years, a place where they belong, where they will find fantastic friends and gain the experience and skills to prepare them for a lifetime of professional growth.”

With students registered across 53 different academic programs, the event offered a personalized experience, ensuring students and their families received the information they needed to feel confident in their choice.

“I really like the campus. Everybody’s been welcoming and nice,” Walls said. “The environment feels very safe. There are a lot of kids from different backgrounds, too. That stuck out to me. A lot of hands-on professors. I also really like the small classes. The one-on-one focus will be really beneficial.”

Walls plans to major in Business Administration.

Throughout the day, Walls and hundreds of other hopeful students had opportunities to meet with faculty, connect with current students, and learn about resources such as residence life, career development, and financial aid.

“A York College education will be practical and prepare these future Spartans to be a professional,” Dr. Burns said. “We are focused on an experiential education full of hands-on, real-world experiences that help students take the knowledge they gain in the classroom and transfer it into the work they’ll do to make a living. We talk to employers to know what skills and knowledge they want in their employees, and then we make sure we help develop those through classroom and campus opportunities. That way, our students will be highly sought-after when they graduate.”

The afternoon's Involvement Fair was a highlight, providing a glimpse into the vibrant campus life that awaits. Student organizations, academic support services, and campus leaders were on hand to showcase how new Spartans can engage and thrive at York College. A spirited performance by the cheer team added to the celebratory atmosphere.

“I feel like when I came here the first time, everyone was really nice and welcoming,” future Spartan MaKayla Bucher said. “I knew I wanted to go into the medical field, and I know [York College] has a good medical program.”

Bucher decided on York College months ago. For her, Saturday was about getting more familiar with the campus and checking out the clubs and organizations it offers.

“Getting involved is always a good idea and makes for a better college experience, overall,” Bucher said.

While some arrived already committed to joining the Spartan family, others left with newfound excitement and clarity about their future at York College.

“She found this place on her own. I was leaning toward her going farther away,” Tatyana Davis, Walls’ mother, said. “She got into a college in Seattle and a couple of other schools, but with her personality, I think a place a little closer to home might suit her well. This is a perfect match.”

As the day concluded, the message was clear: York College is ready to welcome its next class of Spartans with open arms. With an engaged faculty, a supportive campus community, and endless opportunities for involvement and growth, the Class of 2029 is set to embark on an unforgettable journey.

To cap off the day, students were invited to attend a special Men's Lacrosse game at Kinsley Field, offering them another opportunity to experience Spartan pride in action and connect with their future classmates.

There is another Accepted Student Day on April 12.