NACS-Fest is a 2-day recruitment event held on a Thursday and Friday in the middle of February. Top applicants are invited to attend. NACS-Fest provides an opportunity for top applicants to interact with NACS students and faculty, learn more about the NACS program, and interview with potential mentors. Attendance is by invitation only.

NACS-Fest 2025 was held in-person on February 13 and 14. The schedule of events appears below.
 

NACS-Fest 2026 will be held in-person on February 12 and 13.

Thursday, February 13
          4:30pm - 4:45pm        Welcome and Introductions
          4:45pm - 5:30pm        Campus Tour
          5:30pm - 7:15pm        Reception and Lab Blitz
          7:30pm - 9:00pm        TerpZone with NACS students

Friday, February 14
          8:45am - 10:00am      Breakfast and Overview of NACS Program
        10:15am - 11:45am      Interviews/Meetings
        11:45am - 12:45pm      Lunch
        12:45pm -  2:30pm       Interviews/Meetings        
          2:30pm -  2:45pm       Break
          2:45pm -  4:00pm       Blitzes by NACS Students
          4:00pm -  4:30pm       Walk back to the hotel
          4:30pm -  5:00pm       Break
          5:00pm -  6:00pm       Graduate Student Panel
          6:00pm -  6:30pm       Cocktail Reception
          6:30pm -  8:00pm       Dinner
          8:00pm                            Optional Social Event with NACS students