Why Apply DC Day

Friday, Nov. 17, 2023

This fall, thousands of students across the District will submit college applications and celebrate their plans for the future. Whether applying to a certificate program, two-year college or four-year university, it’s important to celebrate this critical and necessary step on the journey to postsecondary education. To celebrate college application season and our students, OSSE encourages participating in the Why Apply DC Day social media campaign.

What is #WhyApplyDC Day?

As part of a national initiative in collaboration with the American College Application Campaign, Why Apply DC Day, sponsored by OSSE’s DC College Application and Exploration Month, enlists DC public and public charter high schools and community-based organizations to host events that assist students with exploring their college options (including two-year, four-year, and postsecondary certifications). These host sites also support 12th grade students and graduating adult learners through the college application and career programming application process, especially first-generation college students and those from low-income families who may not otherwise apply to college. Why Apply DC Day celebrates the college application season by sharing encouraging and motivating messages on social media that highlight the importance of applying to college.

How to show your support

On Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, wear your college gear (t-shirt, hats, pins, etc.) and share why you believe students should apply to college and/or why you applied to college, using this digital template and the hashtag #WhyApplyDC. Then share your response on your favorite social media platform. Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to do the same. Not sure what to post? Get creative! You might:

• Type a short response in your status and use #WhyApplyDC;
• Make a video of yourself, your kids, or your friends answering the question, “Why should students apply to college?" or "Why did you apply to college?”; 
• Draw a picture depicting your reasons for applying to college; 
• Write your answer on a piece of paper (feel free to use the #WhyApplyDC template) and post a photo of you holding it or use this digital template; or
• Post the image, photo, or video with your reason. Create a post or use one of the sample posts below.
  • Example posts for Why Apply DC Day:
    • Because you can’t go if you don’t apply.
    • To reach your fullest potential.
    • To open new doors of opportunity that will last a lifetime.
    • Because you are college material.
    • Because #RepresentationMatters

Please post to your favorite social media channels using #WhyApplyDC. Don’t forget to tag OSSE on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Don’t forget to check out our DC Decision Day filter on our Instagram page!

Use #WhyApplyDC to help promote DC College Application and Exploration Month throughout the month of November! Together we can let our students know that we believe in them and their postsecondary goals. For more information about this exciting campaign, please contact Greg Palmer at [email protected].