On stage: Prof Thandabantu Nhlapo speaks to parents and learners at a recent information evening at Bergvliet High School.

As application deadlines approach, the Admissions Office each year makes a further foray into local schools, meeting with parents and learners at UCT Information Evenings. Over the past few weeks, the office has held three such occasions, holding court at host schools Belgravia High, Bergvliet High and Glendale High. Parents and learners from several surrounding schools also attended, with about 17 schools represented over the three visits. These sessions aim to show parents just why UCT should be the first choice for their children, with representatives from the Admission Office and the science and humanities recruitment offices filling them in on the details of the application process and courses on offer. The evening also allows parents to question senior executives about student life - and other things - at the university. DVCs Prof Martin Hall and Prof Thandabantu Nhlapo were among those in the firing line.