The visitors will be on campus as part of April Welcome. The annual monthlong event will bring close to 1,000 prospective students from the Class of 2006 to the Hilltop Campus for a sampling of life at Washington University.

The admitted students, who received an open invitation to visit campus any time in late March or April, were chosen from an approximately 20,000 undergraduate applications. About 500 high school juniors also will come to campus in March and April as they begin their college searches.

In its 10th year, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions event gives students an opportunity to experience the University and the St. Louis area.

"Many students have said that April Welcome made the difference in their decision to attend Washington University, so making the visiting students feel like they belong here is very important," said Nanette H. Tarbouni, director of admissions. "The involvement and enthusiasm of our current students and the entire University community is quite impressive -- and crucial to making the month successful."

About half of the students who participate in April Welcome end up enrolling here, Tarbouni said.

The high school seniors can take part in activities both on and off campus during their visit. They can room with a current student in a residence hall, sit in on classes, talk with faculty, attend meetings and social activities sponsored by numerous student organizations and sample the area's entertainment and cultural attractions.

The schools of Art, Architecture, Engineering and Applied Science and the Olin School of Business will offer special tours of their facilities.

The annual Multicultural Celebration Weekend April 11-14 will draw many prospective students from all over the country. This annual event is co-sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the University's many multicultural student organizations, which work together to plan the activities.

"In fact, the opportunity to interact with our current students is one of the major factors that influences a high school student to attend Washington University," Tarbouni said. "All of our students, including the members of our great Student Admissions Committee, do a wonderful job representing our University."

Throughout April, the undergraduate admissions office will extend its hours for prospective students and their parents. In addition to its regular 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekday hours, the office will be open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

The student financial services office will have drop-in hours from 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays and from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.