by Katy Bennett, Amy Jones-Timoney

(March 20, 2014) — Hundreds of top students from across the state and region will make their way to Lexington this Friday through Saturday for the second of two University of Kentucky Merit Weekends. 

The University Registrar and Office of Undergraduate Admission host these two-day events every March so that some of the best and brightest can have a last look at campus before they decide where to attend college.

"Merit Weekends showcase the many opportunities available to outstanding students," said Don Witt, associate provost for enrollment management. "From academic to extracurricular, we are able to demonstrate how UK stands out as an incredible choice for top student scholars. The success of Merit Weekend is the result of collaborations from across the campus. It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm of students admitted for Fall 2014 and to be a part of their academic journey." 

Merit Weekends are available by invitation to admitted students who have excelled academically in high school.

"Merit Weekend is always an exciting time when we can congratulate students on their academic success and showcase everything that UK has to offer these exceptional students," said Stephen Barnett, senior associate director of admissions and senior associate registrar.

A record number of students already registered for this year's Merit Weekends including 940 total students representing 31 different states.


"We have found that Merit Weekends increase our yield with these outstanding students," Witt said.

Not only do students meet with individual advisors to register for Fall 2014 classes, they get to talk to current students about what it's like to attend UK. 

But it's not all about classes. Students also get to attend a wide variety of sessions to learn more about the opportunities that await them at UK.

"Thanks to this campuswide effort, we’re able to assist these students in taking that first step in transitioning to college," said Barnett. "They will learn about everything from Education Abroad and Undergraduate Research to Student Involvement and living learning communities & residential colleges, all while charting an academic course for their college career.”

For more information on Merit Weekends open the PDF below, click here, call 859-257-3256, or send an email or tweet. Students should use the hashtag #UKMW14 while on campus for Merit Weekend to connect with other students and share their experience.