Calista Robledo, MDiv, '26
In my graduate studies discernment, Accepted Students Days at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry served as a catalyst for my decision to attend. Without it, the decision would not have been as earnest as it was. At the advice of my undergraduate mentors, I visited CSTM hoping to take note of any “green flags,” or “red flags,” that would aid my discernment once I returned home. When the plane from McAllen TX. took off to Boston MA I was 40% sure I’d attend CSTM. The plane landed, and I was nervous and excited. I approached Symboli Hall alone, far from home, and so unsure of where my life was taking me. But the moment I entered, I caught a glimpse of Our Lady of Guadalupe near the door. And I felt peace. I felt at home. That was green flag #1. The following two days were a joyous blur of insight and clarity. While I learned about the school from a variety of sessions and panels, I learned the most in conversations with current students and faculty. Accepted Students Days intentionally ensured we felt not only welcomed but embraced by the current community. In this embrace I remember feeling spiritually, intellectually, and interpersonally stimulated by everyone I met. Green flag #2. Moments of clarity were sprinkled throughout the two days thanks to prayer opportunities and fellowship. Participating in the CSTM’s Thursday liturgy allowed me to clearly picture myself as a student doing this every week. I was enthused just imagining it. Green flag #3. Additionally, there were instances where we were encouraged to pause, pray, mediate, or reflect on our graduate studies discernment thus far. Through these moments, I was able to connect with God and assess where we thought I should be. By the middle of the second day, I was 80% sure I would attend CSTM. I let the thought of being there linger the rest of the day. While on a group trolley tour of Boston, I saw myself in the stands at Fenway or strolling the Boston Commons. Green flag #4. I told a new friend I made, another accepted student, that I was sold, and she said she was too. When the festivities ended we didn’t say goodbye, rather we joyously exclaimed “See you in the fall!” And I knew I made the right choice. I called my family before going to sleep and told them I’d be attending CSTM. Somehow they knew this was the place for me before I did, but I would not have known the beautiful possibilities ahead if I did not attend Accepted Students Days.
Olivia Britt, Hybrid MATM, '26
Though each part of the application process had its own role in my decision to attend the CSTM, Accepted Student Days was truly the final key piece of the puzzle. The CSTM's online presence and communication is top-tier, but nothing helps you picture something becoming a reality in your life quite like physically being there. Even as a hybrid student, it was important for me to be able to picture myself at the CSTM since I would be there for three summers, so ASD was a critical step in my decision-making process. From the moment I set foot on campus, I felt welcomed and embraced as part of the community. The Admissions team (and really everyone at the CSTM) devoted so much energy and enthusiasm to the activities and events of those two days and used our time so well. When we weren't in a panel of professors, we were sitting down enjoying a meal with them. When we weren't shadowing a current student in class, we were chatting with them at a happy hour. And when we weren't on a tour of BC's campus and library, we were on a trolley through the city of Boston and enjoying time with the community at a historic tavern downtown. Each element of the programming was intentional, and I couldn't have asked for a fuller experience of the CSTM (and BC as a whole) before making my final decision. The community of faculty and students, opportunities for research and formation, and the memories made in just two days were all aspects that led me to decide that the CSTM was the right next step for me, and I couldn't have done that without ASD!
Christian Stanzione, MTS, '24
Accepted Students Day proved crucial because it provided me with a space to discern in community with my peers. Thursday Mass was especially key; seeing the professors and students of the CSTM gather to worship and celebrate the life of Christ, both with the Mass and at lunch. To see the CSTM alive with fellowship showed me that it was a place where the risks we take in our Christian lives will be met with honesty, care, and love.