Working on Campus: My Favorite SIPA Admissions Memories

When I visited SIPA, I knew I wanted to work for admissions. I had always wanted to be a tour guide in undergrad, but I was never able to find the time. I loved the idea of representing my school, showing prospective students around, and providing honest questions to answers. Attending any university is a big change, which is only amplified by the unique intensity of New York City and entering the Ivy League. I have loved working at admissions, and will miss it endlessly. It’s true- good people make the place even better. 

Here are my favorite memories working at admissions:

1. Day for Admitted Students

Although I was unable to attend my own DFAS, I was able to work the event this year. I made the silly mistake of forgetting a coat and wearing a dress- which is absolutely something I do all of the time. I was able to greet the students alongside a fellow PA. Watching all the confused and nervous faces shift to smile when I greeted them with my all-too-bubbly attitude made my day. Saying “Happy admitted students day!” nearly three hundred times did make my face hurt, but it was so fun to see the students meet one another. It was fascinating to think how much their lives would change in new friendships, potential love, and new jobs. My interests changed almost entirely in my first week at SIPA. I just loved knowing that their worlds would expand more than they could ever imagine. 

2. Virtual Panels

Virtual panels may give me zoom fatigue, but that is outweighed deeply by my love for all of the questions. While admissions representatives do travel, the PAs do not- but we do get to meet the world through zoom meetings. It is so fun to hear about the lives that others have lived, giving me new dreams of all the people I hope to meet and lives I hope to live. Please attend the admissions panels- we absolutely love it!

3. Office Hours

PAs host office hours during the week for one on one meetings. I love meeting students whose applications I eventually may get to read! It is such a gift getting to meet some of the students who attend office hours at Day for Admitted Students. I have even been asked more questions after our meetings as individuals maintain contact! It is the coolest way to learn about everyone’s experiences. More than that, I get to ease everyone’s concerns. It is so gratifying to see a stressed out student leave our meeting with a smile because they have clarity on a question they may now have felt comfortable sharing at a group event. I love hosting office hours- I wish I could host office hours for my personal life where all my friends come by and share about their lives and let me ease their worries!

4. Thursdays

I have most consistently been in office on Thursdays. I love this because it is when many people are in office. I love my coworkers- they listen to me talk about the random happenings of my life and we spend time just sharing about our week. Although everyone is very busy, it is so fun when all of the PAs are in the office at the same time. We have a little patio, and when it is sunny I cherish the moments of eating oranges in the sun with my colleagues while we work toward getting all the greatest students on campus. 

SIPA Admissions- I love you. Thank you for accepting me, hiring me, and helping guide me. My greatest advice for SIPA admits and students- apply to SIPA Admissions. You won’t regret it!

Note from Admissions: We are so sad to see our amazing 2024-25 PAs, Pooja, Colby, Marsela, and Sena graduate. This year's cohort wrote many reflective and inspiring blog posts that we hope you found useful while crafting your application. We wish them all the best of luck!