R.A.T. Adoptions are a ceremony held after the first full-band music rehearsal. Each male R.A.T. is given a R.A.T. Mom while each female R.A.T. is given a R.A.T. Dad. These R.A.T. Parents serve as friends and mentors for their rookie "son" or "daughter" throughout the course of the week, as well as throughout the season. The R.A.T. Parents are particularly helpful for R.A.T.s who are freshmen and have left home for the first time, and need someone who can help explain the college experience. Depending on the amount of participation of the vets, it is common to have "twins".