What is Inside the Gates?
Note: All Inside the Gates dates for the 2023-24 school year have passed. However, The Citadel is still welcoming daily visitors. Students and parents can arrange an individual visit to The Citadel here.
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 riverfront 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.
Prospective students also meet in a small group setting or one-on-one 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 can also participate in 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 may have about the admissions process or would like recommendations around town!
Inside the Gates dates for the fall of 2024 will be posted here later this summer.
What can you expect at Inside the Gates?
Thursday:
Prospective students check in at 5:00 PM at Capers Hall. During check in, light refreshments are served while guests have the opportunity to speak with current cadets, admissions staff and with other prospective students. There is also time to explore this new academic building, including the art gallery.
Thursday evening includes programming for both students and parents. Parent programming will conclude by 7:00 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 physical training demonstration.
Parents are asked to return to Capers Hall by 12:30 PM 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.
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 encouraged. 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!
