During the past few weeks, University students have shared Central Grounds walkways with groups of prospective students hoping to learn more about the University.
The level of participation in tours for this school year is about the same as past years, Associate Dean of Admissions Greg Roberts said, noting that neither the amount of participation nor the popularity of spring tours have been affected by the University's decision to no longer offer early admissions.
According to fourth-year College student Blake Segal, a University Guide, the spring is the most popular time of year for admissions tours.
"The weather is nice, so tourists tend to come," Segal said. Participating in a walking tour in January does not appeal to most people, he added, so prospective students tend to wait for the warmer spring weather to explore the University.
The warm weather also coincides with high schools' Spring Break, which Segal said contributes to a greater number of tours beginning in March.
"Around Easter students are on Spring Break," Roberts said. "Probably the biggest number of students come these two weeks" before and after Easter.
Going on university tours, Segal said, is an important part of the college selection process.
"You have to come see the school for yourself," Segal said. "After that is when you can begin to know if the school is right for you."
Segal noted that each tour guide develops his own individual tour, which allows each guide to show students what he loves about the University and what the University means to him.
"You can't understand U.Va. from a student life perspective until you take the tour," Segal said.
Roberts also described tours' importance for students trying to decide where they will spend their time as undergraduates.
"It gives students a feel for the University and allows them to meet and talk with current students," Roberts said. Students not only learn about specific aspects of the University, he added, but also get a general feel for the culture and spirit of a school.
Genevieve Werner, a high school junior from New York City, said she did not know very much about the University before her tour Tuesday afternoon.
"It's really helpful to learn about campus life and talk to students," Werner said.
Werner has toured several other universities and said she has found that some tour guides are more excited about their schools than others, which can affect prospective students' impressions of the school. Werner added that her University Guide was very enthusiastic.
Segal said the enthusiasm of the University Guides is an indicator of the quality of the University experience.
"It says a lot about a school when a club dedicated to telling how much [students] love it is one of most sought-after clubs," Segal said.
The reason such a large number of students want to become University Guides every year is because students at the University really enjoy being here, Segal explained.
"U.Va. is decidedly different and special," he said. "Students want to share their love [of the school] with other people"
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