An Immersive Experience: 24 Hours at The Citadel
For those seeking a firsthand experience of life at The Citadel, Inside the Gates offers a unique opportunity to spend the night with the South Carolina Corps of Cadets on our legendary riverfront campus in historic downtown Charleston, S.C.
During Inside the Gates, prospective students are hosted by a current cadet and participate in a comprehensive campus experience:
- Campus Tours and Cadet Life: Experience cadet life firsthand with an in-depth campus tour, dining in the mess hall, and staying overnight in the barracks.
- Academic Engagement: Attend classes, academic sessions, and physical training demonstrations. Meet faculty from your major and engage with ROTC staff, campus leaders, and administrators.
- Parent and Guardian Sessions: Attend informational sessions with the President, Provost, Commandant, and Student Support Services. Participate in Q&A sessions with current cadets and Citadel parents.
Upcoming Opportunities to Join
Inside the Gates Fall 2024- Spring 2025
- October 3 – 4, 2024
- October 24 – 25, 2024
- November 14 – 15, 2024
- January 16 – 17, 2025
- February 13 – 14, 2025
- March 27 – 28, 2025
- April 3 – 4, 2025
Additional Information
Schedule Overview
Thursday
Prospective students check in at 5:00 PM at Capers Hall. Light refreshments are served, allowing guests to speak with current cadets and admissions staff. There’s also time to explore the new academic building, including the art gallery.
Programming includes activities for both students and parents. Parent programming concludes by 7:00 PM. Students are introduced to their hosts, enjoy dinner in the mess hall, take a twilight tour of campus, and attend a cadet life presentation.
Friday
Students wake up early for breakfast, formation, classes, academic sessions, and a physical training demonstration. Parents return to Capers Hall by 12:30 PM to meet the President, ROTC staff, and various student support departments. All visitors are invited to stay for parade at 3:45 PM.
What to Bring
- Change of clothes
- Comfortable shoes
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Toiletry items to include shower shoes
- Pack items in a backpack.
* Note: No JROTC uniforms should be worn during the visit. Attire is casual, but a neat and presentable appearance is encouraged. Leave valuables at home (e.g., jewelry, airpods, laptops).
Arriving to Campus
The Citadel is located approximately 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.
Contact Us
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!
