High-schoolers and their families came from far and wide to tour the U of G campus
Three thousand high school students from across the province flocked to the University of Guelph campus on Sunday, March 23 to get a taste of student life.
Prospective students and their families were treated to a full day of activities that highlighted just what it means to be a Gryphon.
The day began with a walking tour of campus, where U of G student volunteers led large groups of visitors around Guelph’s major landmarks. Following this were academic information sessions, residence drop-in tours, and various resource fairs.
On top of the 3000 visiting students and families, 200 U of G students, staff, and faculty helped to turn campus day into a success. Even Guelph’s mascot, Gryph, was on hand to pose for pictures with guests.
While many of the attending students were eagerly awaiting an acceptance letter from the U of G, others were still comparison-shopping between universities. Some younger students were hoping to get a head start on admissions research for next year.
The University of Guelph has consistently been ranked as one of the top comprehensive universities in Canada. According to Maclean’s magazine, the U of G is at the top of its class in student excellence, reputation, and quality of faculty. Having been ranked number one in Canada for campus food for the past ten years doesn’t hurt, either. Families were keen to look for hints that the product matched the hype.
The University of Guelph also prides itself on the diversity of its student body. Sarah Goody, a Campus Day coordinator said, “This event, more than others the university hosts on campus, sees the most diverse group of visitors.”
U of G tour guide Hunter Marshall felt proud to be able to share the experience of visiting the campus for the first time with these students.
“I found that the day was full of great experiences and workshops that will allow potential students to thrive at the university should they choose to call it home in the fall,” said Marshall.
The first two rounds of admission offers have already been sent out to prospective students. Those who have yet to hear back need not (necessarily) worry, however, as a third official round of offers will be sent out in May.
In general, students and families were pleased with their decision to visit the campus and left with a new perspective on the community that is U of G. Come autumn, a sizable number of them will join the 20,000 or so other students that already call the University of Guelph home.