The Day That Makes Future Lawyers Choose Carolina

March and April each year, mark decision times for future Carolina lawyers at UNC School of Law’s Admitted Students Day. 

When Director of Admissions Ian McInnis talks about this spring tradition, he doesn’t mince words: “Sometimes it really is the difference between somebody depositing and not depositing.” Each March and April, these events have transformed maybes into definite yeses for a good number of the roughly 120 admitted students who attend. 

Unlike standard Monday visits or class observations, Admitted Students Day creates moments of clarity. Picture this: You’re touring the law library with current student ambassadors, realizing this is where you’ll craft arguments that shape your career. You’re sitting in on panels where recent grads trace their paths from 1L anxiety to courtroom confidence. You’re standing in the Upper Rotunda during the student organization fair, surrounded by future study partners, mentors, and lifelong friends. 

The day unfolds strategically from 8:00 a.m. to 2:10 p.m., giving prospective students a chance to live Carolina Law, not just hear about it. Both March and April visitors start their day with breakfast alongside alumni, then dive into sessions with Career Development, Financial Aid, and Student Development. They explore clinics and pro bono work that turn classroom theory into real-world impact. 

Lunch becomes a turning point. Faculty, staff, and alumni share tables and stories, while the housing fair in the CDO lobby answers the practical question: “Where will I call home?” Current students offer unfiltered truths during the Student Experience panel – the good, the challenging, and why they’d choose Carolina Law all over again. 

For those weighing multiple acceptance letters, Admitted Students Day often provides the defining moment. As McInnis notes, it’s “getting that one-on-one time with the community” that seals the deal. Whether you attend the March or April event(the programming is identical), you’ll leave knowing exactly why Carolina Law could be your next chapter. 

And for many, that knowledge transforms into action – a deposit that secures their place in the next class of Tar Heel lawyers.