<p>My graduate school visit days are coming up (I am already admitted to these schools with full funding). </p>
<p>Does anyone know if prospective students should dress formally for these events? Or would casual dressing work just fine? </p>
<p>Casual should be fine but you can always hedge your bets by taking some nicer clothing and deciding when you see how things stand. No one would expect you to travel in anything but casual attire.</p>
<p>I observed from the sidelines at UCLA and It was super casual. Engineering & CS.</p>
<p>“Casual” has different meanings for different people & regions. In general for this first impression of you I’d play it safe with khakis and a collared shirt. If there’s any chance of going to a fine restaurant (it happens) you might want to pack a jacket & oxford shirt.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the replies.</p>
<p>Do you guys think this would be an appropriate question to ask the coordinator of the visit days or would that make me look dumb? </p>
<p>I mentioned in my OP that “I am already admitted to these schools with full funding,” so this is not in any way an interview, but I still want to make a good impression. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t ask; you want everyone to see you self-confident and in control of your world. And do not dismiss the importance of a good first impression. While this is not an interview to be admitted to the program, there will be MANY “interviews” during your years in the dept. for fellowships, dissertation committee members, mentors, letters of recommendation, etc.</p>
<p>I did graduate school interviews 30 years ago. Khakis and a polo shirts worked then. I see no reason it wouldn’t work now.</p>
<p>Yeah, there’s really no need to ask - smart casual is the standard. A collared or polo shirt with khakis or nice dressy dark jeans and decent shoes should work. That’s the uniform in my department.</p>