What is Inside the Gates?
For those looking for a more immersive campus experience and a preview of cadet life, The Citadel offers an opportunity for prospective students to spend the night with the Corps of Cadets on our legendary waterfront campus in historic downtown Charleston.
At Inside the Gates, prospective students are hosted by a current cadet, take an in-depth campus tour, attend classes, eat in the mess hall and spend the night in the barracks. Students need to be 16 years old in order to spend the night in the barracks at Inside the Gates.
Prospective students also meet one-on-one or in a small group with faculty from their major of interest, ROTC staff, campus leaders and administrators.
Parents and guardians are invited to attend informational sessions with the President, Provost, Commandant and Student Support Services. Parents programming also includes Q&A sessions with both current cadets and Citadel parents.
Admissions staff will be present throughout the event and are happy to answer any questions you have about The Citadel or the admissions process! We are also happy to give recommendations about all things Charleston to help you make the most of your visit to the Holy City .
Inside the Gates: Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
- September 25 – 26, 2025
- October 9 – 10, 2025
- November 6 – 7, 2025
- December 4 – 5, 2025
- January 22 – 23, 2026
- February 5 – 6, 2026
- March 26 – 27, 2026
- April 2 – 3, 2026
Please note that registration closes at midnight on the Monday before each event.
Additional Information:
What can you expect at Inside the Gates?
Thursday:
Prospective students check in at 5:00 PM. During check in, light refreshments are served while guests have the opportunity to speak with current cadets, admissions staff and other prospective students.
Thursday evening includes programming for both students and parents. Parent programming will conclude by 6:45 PM.
Students are introduced to their hosts, enjoy dinner in the mess hall, take a twilight tour of campus and enjoy a cadet life presentation.
Friday:
Students wake up early for breakfast, formation, classes, academic sessions and attend a information fair where they can meet cadets and staff from clubs and offices around campus.
Parents are asked to return to campus by 12:00PM to meet the President, ROTC staff and hear from various student support departments on campus.
All visitors are invited to stay for parade at 3:45 PM (please note there is no parade on December 5).
What should you bring?
- Change of clothes
- Comfortable shoes
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Toiletry items to include shower shoes
- Pack items in a backpack.
*We request no JROTC uniforms are worn during the visit. Attire is casual; however, a neat and presentable appearance is expected. Please leave valuables at home, i.e. jewelry, airpods, laptops.
How will you get here?
The Citadel is located about 20 minutes from Charleston International Airport.
After registering, you will receive detailed information including a campus map, parking directions, hotel, restaurant, and attraction recommendations. A second email will be sent out a week prior to your visit with more specific arrival details.
Please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@citadel.edu or (843) 953-5230 if you have any questions.
We look forward to hosting you!
