Campus News

UK Showcases Success at 2017 Merit Weekends

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 6, 2017) — Students from across the Commonwealth and the region made their way to the University of Kentucky for Merit Weekend, which took place March 17-18, March 24-25 and March 31- April 1. The feedback from students and family members that attended Merit Weekend has been overwhelmingly positive!

These two-day events, hosted by the UK Enrollment Management team, allowed top potential students early registration for classes and one last look at campus before they make their final decision of where to attend college. Each student was ensured to take away a personal touch of UK after this weekend.

This year, Merit Weekend proved to be a success with 1,166 students along with 2,100 parents, guests and family members in attendance — a new record and a 3.5 percent increase from last year. Students represented 84 counties across the Commonwealth and 32 different states. The average ACT score for those students in attendance rested at a 29.7 with the average SAT score being 1387 and an average unweighted GPA of a 3.8.

“Merit Weekends represent the best of the University of Kentucky coming together to showcase all of the incredible academic and extracurricular activities for outstanding students and their families," said Don Witt, associate provost for enrollment management. "UK is on the move and has incredible momentum and it’s exciting to share this with future UK Wildcats!”

Students not only met with individual advisors to register for fall 2017 classes, but they had the opportunity to talk to current students about what it's like to be a Wildcat. Current UK students offered insider information to Merit Weekend attendees at a more personal level.

These special weekends are not entirely about academics though. Students who attended a Merit Weekend gained a wide perspective of the opportunities, diversity and involvement that awaited them at UK through a variety of information sessions. UK provides countless opportunities to become involved on campus, offering a diverse array of more than 600 student organizations.

“From advising and registration with our academic colleges, to learning about the four pillars of academic excellence and meeting with representatives of programs and departments from around campus — our Merit Weekend students and their guests witnessed firsthand the commitment of the UK community to the success of every student who enrolls," said Stephen Barnett, senior associate director of admissions and senior associate registrar. "It was a great pleasure for members of the enrollment management team and our campus partners to spend time with the newest members of UK’s class of 2021.”

The success of Merit Weekend is due to the collaborative spirit of countless faculty, staff and students who contribute their time and talents to showcase the university. One consistent theme which buzzed throughout Merit Weekend centered around the personal approach UK took to provide students the upmost "see blue." experience! The university looks forward to welcoming an outstanding freshman class this upcoming fall.