During March Break, prospective students from across Ontario had the opportunity to step into the shoes of a McMaster University Faculty of Engineering student through a series of Day‑in‑the‑Life (DITL) experiences. Designed to help students better understand academic programs and campus culture, the events welcomed visitors interested in iBioMed, Computer Science, Engineering I and the Bachelor of Technology.
Students travelled from near and far to attend, with visitors coming from across the Greater Toronto Area and as far as Ottawa, Kingston and Windsor. For many attendees, this marked their first visit to McMaster’s campus and an important step in deciding where to pursue their postsecondary studies.
More than 100 high school students participated across the four programs. New this year was a women‑focused Computer Science DITL, created to foster a more inclusive environment. The initiative reflects McMaster Engineering’s ongoing commitment to reducing barriers and increasing access within STEM fields.
“We want future students to be able to make informed decisions,” says Mike Pratas, Manager of Recruitment in the Faculty of Engineering. “Creating opportunities for connection, learning and a first experience on campus — alongside others who may become their first‑year peers — goes a long way in helping students feel confident in their choices.”
One particularly memorable story came from an attendee who travelled independently from Kingston, Ontario. Having never visited campus before, the student shared that attending a DITL was key in helping them solidify their decision about accepting their offer. Stories like this reflected a broader theme echoed throughout the events: for many students, seeing campus firsthand and connecting with current students made university life feel tangible and reassuring.
Each DITL event featured hands‑on activities and opportunities to engage directly with the McMaster Engineering community. iBioMed attendees cited several highlights, including attending a lecture, speaking with current students in the program and exploring the iBioMed Design Studio. The chance to see the 3D printers in action left a lasting impression, helping students visualize the innovative, creative and interdisciplinary nature of the program.
Engineering I participants were equally enthusiastic about their experience. Standout activities included an electric circuits workshop and a rollercoaster‑building challenge, both of which offered insight into how engineering concepts are applied in first‑year coursework. As one student shared, “It helped me understand how some of the engineering projects will be structured and allowed me to gain a better appreciation for the community and resources McMaster offers.”
Perhaps the most impactful outcome of the March Break DITL events was their influence on students’ decision‑making. Many attendees arrived feeling uncertain—describing themselves as “neutral,” “not sure,” or only “likely” to accept their offer. After spending the day on campus and engaging with current students, many reported feeling significantly more confident, shifting to “very likely” to accept their offer.
By offering an authentic glimpse into student life, the March Break DITL experiences helped prospective students imagine themselves as part of the McMaster Engineering community and take their next steps with greater clarity and confidence.