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46 College Fly-In and Diversity Programs: A Complete List

What’s Covered:

 

Campus visits are a great way to learn about a college’s culture and determine whether it’s the right fit for you. Unfortunately, not every student can afford to visit every college on their list. If you’re unable to visit colleges for any reason, you should make sure to thoroughly review them online.

 

However, for high-achieving, underrepresented students, there is an alternative. Some colleges offer high school seniors fly-in or multicultural programs that are geared toward low-income, first-generation students, or those from diverse backgrounds.

 

While some fly-in programs were specifically designed to recruit students of color before affirmative action was struck down by the United States Supreme Court in June 2023, colleges have since changed their approaches. Instead of directly considering race or ethnicity in their selection process, they now focus on a broader definition of diversity. Nevertheless, students of color, along with all students who bring diverse perspectives and experiences, are still highly encouraged to apply.

 

The end of affirmative action has not impacted the emphasis on low-income and first-generation students within the fly-in programs. These programs and colleges remain committed to giving preference to students from these backgrounds in their admissions processes. Continue reading to understand more about these programs and how to maximize their benefits.

 

What Is a College Fly-In Program?

 

College fly-in programs are highly competitive college visitation programs for underrepresented students. Institutions fly students in to stay at their campuses for two or three days, allowing students—who might not otherwise get a chance to visit—to get a feel for the college and campus.

 

In most cases, the college covers costs, including transportation and room and board, or offers to reimburse you for some of your expenses associated with visiting their campus.

 

Most colleges just fly in admitted students, but some offer the opportunity to prospective students as well. Examples of these include:

 

 

Keep in mind that these programs are very competitive. To apply, you usually need to submit an application, essay, letter of recommendation, transcript with junior-year grades, and ACT/SAT scores.

 

Fly-In Programs: A Complete List

 

Below is a complete list of colleges and universities that offer some form of a fly-in program to prospective students. Schools that only fly in admitted students were not included in this list since many colleges provide resources for admitted students to visit.

 

Table Of Schools

 

School

State

Undergrad Enrollment

Amherst College

MA

1900

Bates College

ME

1800

Bowdoin College

ME

1900

Brandeis University

MA

3,500

Bryant University

RI

3,000

Bryn Mawr College

PA

1,400

Bucknell University

PA

3,700

Calvin College

MI

3,000

Carleton College

MN

2,000

Case Western Reserve University

OH

5,700

Colgate University

NY

3,100

The College of Idaho

ID

1,100

College of the Atlantic

ME

300

College of the Holy Cross

MA

3,000

College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University

MN

1,500

Colorado College

CO

2,000

Connecticut College

CT

1,800

Dartmouth College

NH

4,500

Davidson College

NC

1,900

Hamilton College

NY

2,000

Haverford College

PA

1,400

Johns Hopkins University

MD

6,100

Kenyon College

OH

1,800

Lehigh University

PA

5,400

Luther College

IA

1,700

Miami University

OH

17,000

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MA

4,600

Oberlin College

OH

2,900

Pomona College

CA

1,700

Reed College

OR

1,500

St. Olaf College

MN

2,900

Swarthmore College

PA

1,600

Trinity College

CT

2,100

Tulane University

LA

8,700

Union College

NY

2,000

University of Evansville

IN

1,700

University of Rochester

NY

6,500

Ursinus College

PA

1,500

Washington and Lee University

VA

1,800

Wesleyan University

CT

3,300

Williams College

MA

2,100

Grinnell College

IA

1,700

Middlebury College

VT

2,800

Wellesley College

MA

2,400

Emory University

GA

7,100

Tufts University

MA

6,600

 

1. Amherst College

 

Access to Amherst (A2A) takes place in the fall and introduces prospective applicants to Amherst’s campus, student body, faculty, and classes. A2A is available to all prospective students, but the selection committee prioritizes the invitation of students from historically excluded groups, such as African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Asian American backgrounds, as well as first-generation students.

 

The program takes place annually between the end of September and the beginning of October. To be considered, you’ll need to submit an application that includes essays, a transcript, and recommendation letters. Your A2A essay can then be used in lieu of Amherst’s supplemental essay.

 

2. Bates College

 

Prologue to Bates is a program open to all seniors who attend high school in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, especially students who are first generation to college, of a low-income background, and/or from a group that is historically excluded from higher education. The program takes place in October.

 

3. Bowdoin College

 

Explore Bowdoin offers prospective students an opportunity to stay with students, attend classes, meet professors, eat in the dining halls, explore downtown Brunswick, check out student clubs and organizations, and learn about the college admissions process and financial aid along the way. There are two sessions—one in September and one in October. Bowdoin handles all of the logistics and covers the cost of the trip.

 

4. Brandeis University

 

Students Exploring and Embracing Diversity (SEED) allows rising high school seniors who currently reside in the United States to meet distinguished faculty and current Brandeis student leaders, develop a comprehensive understanding of the college admissions process, and attend an evaluative admissions interview to support their applications to Brandeis. The program takes place in the fall, generally in late October.

 

5. Bryant University

 

Bryant will reimburse you for half the cost of your ticket (up to $250) to travel to Rhode Island by plane, train, or bus to visit Bryant. If you enroll as a full-time student at Bryant, you’ll receive the remainder of your travel fare, up to a total of $500.

 

6. Bryn Mawr College

 

Bryn Mawr presents the Lantern Scholars Program, a program tailored to rising high school seniors from historically underrepresented backgrounds, such as African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and first-generation students. Lantern Scholars can apply for a funded visit to Bryn Mawr from late September to early October annually.. The program features a range of activities aimed at guiding these students through the college selection process.

 

7. Bucknell University

 

The Journey to Bucknell program is designed to introduce high-achieving, traditionally underrepresented high school seniors to Bucknell. Prospective students will engage with current upper-level students in small group activities and discussions and will meet Bucknell faculty in a sample class experience. The program usually takes place in the fall, but specific dates have not been announced.

 

8. Calvin College

 

The Entrada Scholars Program at Calvin University offers racial and ethnic minority high school students the opportunity to experience college learning and living while earning college credit. Students can enroll in a 3- or 4-credit college course in areas such as English, history, biology, or psychology. Accepted students receive a grant that covers most Entrada costs, including tuition, room and board, books, and activities. Scholars who successfully complete the program are awarded a $4,000 Entrada Scholarship for each year they attend Calvin.

 

Unlike many of the other programs on this list, the Entrada Scholars Program takes place during the summer. The next program will take place from June 30 to July 24, 2024, with applications opening in mid-November 2023.

 

9. Carleton College

 

Taste of Carleton (TOC) is a fly-in program designed for high school seniors. It’s also an all-expenses-paid experience! Students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, like students of color, first-generation college students, and low-income students, are given priority.

 

Applications are usually due between late July and early August, and students are notified of their acceptance in August. TOC takes place every fall in late September or early October.

 

10. Case Western Reserve University

 

Around November annually, Case Western offers their Diversity Overnight program to smart and curious high school seniors from diverse backgrounds. The goal is to give students an in-depth look at the opportunities available to students at the school. CWRU covers transportation costs and can assist with arrangements.

 

Students arrive Sunday and stay overnight in a residence hall with a student host. The program rolls into Fall Open House, where prospective students can learn about how students contribute to classroom discussions, participate in meaningful extracurricular activities and engage in hands-on learning. You will need to submit your application along with an overnight release form and medical release form.

 

11. Colgate University

 

Colgate in Focus allows prospective students to engage with current students, faculty, and staff, while gaining a deeper understanding of diversity at Colgate. This program is one of the ways Colgate encourages an inclusive community.

 

Colgate in Focus is intended for high school seniors—who identify as low-income, first-generation, and/or other historically excluded backgrounds—who have overcome unique personal or structural challenges in their journey to pursue higher education. Students must attend summer webinars before their trip to campus. Applications are generally due in August, and the campus visit occurs around October.

 

12. The College of Idaho

 

While the College of Idaho doesn’t have a specific fly-in program, they do offer reimbursement for student fly-in visits. Students can sign up for an individual campus visit where they can attend a class, meet with a coach, or even audition for one of Idaho’s talent scholarships. The College will reimburse your plane ticket up to $250, as well as any public transportation, as long as the reimbursement form is submitted within two weeks of your visit.

 

13. College of the Atlantic

 

College of the Atlantic offers a selective multi-day program where students can attend classes, enjoy meals in a dining hall, and get to know campus. Students will also learn about and explore Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Applications are welcome from all intellectually curious high school seniors, especially students from marginalized backgrounds and identities—particularly students of color, first-generation college students, and students from low-income households.

 

Applications are usually due in July, with the visit occurring around October. Students should submit their application form, responses to two short essay questions, a high school transcript, and a resume or list of activities/experiences.

 

14. College of the Holy Cross

 

The College of the Holy Cross’s Perspectives Overnight Program is for prospective high school seniors who may identify as a first-generation college student, student of color, student of lower socioeconomic status, or an international student. Students are encouraged to ask honest questions, build genuine connections, and gain insight into the admissions process and community at the COHC.

 

Travel grants are available for students to use; they cover airfare, a bus or train ticket, as well as a hotel stay. Meals for all attendees are provided. The weekend program typically occurs in November. There’s also a day program that hosts the same activities on a shorter time frame.

 

15. College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University

 

CSB+SJU’s fly-in program is designed for accepted students who live outside of Minnesota. Students will experience life as a Bennie or a Johnnie on a two-night visit to the campuses. They sleep in dorms, eat in the dining halls, and meet current students, other prospective students, professors, and coaches.

 

Admissions staff will book your flight and pay the remainder of a roundtrip airline ticket. On campus, students will explore the 3,000 acres of lakes, woods, and hiking trails that the schools have to offer.

 

16. Colorado College

 

The Experience Colorado College program often occurs during the weekend of Indigenous People’s Day. Students meet other prospective students from around the country, explore the community and campus, and engage in conversations about building a conscientious student body. To apply, students submit the application information, an unofficial transcript, and a short evaluation form filled out by your high school counselor.

 

If you’re accepted, you’ll receive information about registration, flights, accommodations, and ground transportation reimbursement if you’re driving. The travel grant also covers flights and accommodations for one parent or guardian to accompany you.

 

17. Connecticut College

 

Every fall, Connecticut College hosts Explore, a program for high school seniors of underrepresented backgrounds, as well as students committed to diversity and social justice. Students at Explore meet faculty, staff, peers, and current students, who can share some information about what it’s like to be a student of color at Conn and about all the resources that are available to create a strong community. Explore often takes place in November, and applications are usually due in September.

 

18. Dartmouth College

 

Each October, Dartmouth hosts an Indigenous Fly-In (IFI) program designed to give prospective students an in-person experience of what daily life could be like at Dartmouth. Students learn about Dartmouth’s Indigenous community and the resources the school has to support it, along with college admissions and financial aid processes.

 

The program is open to rising seniors attending high school in the U.S. who identify as Indigenous or who have a demonstrated interest in the Indigenous community and/or Dartmouth’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Department. Students will experience a tour of the campus and facilities, a community dinner, and admissions workshops.

 

19. Davidson College

 

Access Davidson is a college visit program hosted by Davidson College for high school seniors from historically excluded racial and ethnic groups, those who are first in their family to attend college, and those who are from rural or low-income backgrounds. It’s open to students attending high school in the United States and Puerto Rico.

 

Those who have not been on an official visit are prioritized, and Davidson will cover the cost of transportation to and from campus, meals, and overnight accommodations for program participants. Students learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion and hear from those leading student organizations, connect with admission and financial aid officers, and attend an in-person or virtual class. Access Davidson generally occurs in September.

 

20. Hamilton College

 

Home at Hamilton is a two-day program for high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds, including students of color, first-generation college students, students of a lower socioeconomic status, and students from rural communities. Students will converse with current Hamilton students and staff and will learn about the opportunities available to them at the school.

 

All students are provided overnight accommodations, and travel costs will be covered for those who need assistance. Home at Hamilton usually takes place in October, and for those who cannot make it to campus, a virtual option is available.

 

21. Haverford College

 

Haverford’s Have-A-Look program is a two-day program for high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. It gives them the opportunity to learn about the academic and social scene that Haverford has to offer. Students interact with faculty and administrators, learn about diversity and inclusion at Haverford, engage in an open dialogue with current students, and complete an admissions interview. Haverford provides Have-A-Look participants with need-based travel scholarships.

 

22. Johns Hopkins University

 

The Hop-In Summer Program at JHU is a 5-week initiative tailored to first-generation and limited-income/pell-eligible (FLI) students. Designed to provide an early introduction to the university environment, it offers participants a blend of academic experiences, peer mentorship, early access to advising through the Success Coaching in Academic Advising (SCAA) program, social outings, and customized sessions to cater to individual academic, social, and career aspirations.

 

Additionally, students have access to exclusive funding resources, networking opportunities, and special FLI-focused programs throughout the academic year. The program is lauded by participants for its supportive community and positive impact on student development.

 

23. Kenyon College

 

The Kenyon Educational Enrichment Program (KEEP) is directed at underrepresented students, including students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, first-generation students, students of a lower socioeconomic status, students with disabilities, and others. It’s designed to support and empower these students, making them familiar with Kenyon before Orientation.

 

During the summer, students are offered an intense academic experience, where they will connect with supportive peers and mentors. Stipends are provided to students who are selected. This program is 2.5 weeks long, and students who complete it gain access to financial aid throughout their years at Kenyon.

 

24. Lehigh University

 

Lehigh’s Diversity Achievers Program is offered to select high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. It lasts two days and one night, and tends to be held in October. Participants learn about student support services, connect with current students, have a classroom experience, and live and eat on campus.

 

To apply, students must submit the application information, a transcript, a short essay, proof of COVID vaccination, and a Parent Agreement Form.

 

25. Luther College

 

High school seniors who have applied to Luther can be eligible for reimbursement for their travel costs to visit the school. Students can be eligible for this program when they complete an individual visit. Receipts are submitted to the admissions office following your visit. Students can schedule a visit online at a time and date that works for them.

 

26. Miami University

 

Miami’s Bridges Program is available to high school seniors from historically underrepresented groups to meet current students, engage with faculty, and learn firsthand about the community at Miami. Students who complete the Bridges Program and then enroll at Miami are eligible for further scholarships as well. These programs take place in various Ohio cities between October and November.

 

Round-trip transportation is provided from select cities and airports. Applicants must provide their program application and a personal statement, along with a recommendation from their counselor.

 

27. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

 

MIT’s Weekend Immersion in Science and Engineering (WISE) is a three-day program for rising seniors to learn about life at MIT. It is completely free, including transportation to and from MIT. Students from underrepresented backgrounds—including Black, Latinx, and Native American students, students of a lower socioeconomic status, first-generation students, and students from rural or predominantly minority high schools—are highly encouraged to apply.

 

WISE tends to take place in September, with students staying on campus with a current MIT undergraduate student while learning about academics and campus life. Students get to meet peers, current students, and faculty while attending workshops on the college admissions and financial aid processes. Applications are generally due in August and the program usually takes place in October.

 

28. Oberlin College

 

The Oberlin Overnight: Diversity & Access Program is aimed at high-achieving high school seniors interested in the College of Arts and Sciences. It is an all-expenses-paid program with sessions in October and November. Applications are generally due in September. Students will experience a campus tour, class visit, admissions and financial aid workshops, and activities with current students, faculty, and staff. There is also a virtual option in December.

 

All students who share our dedication to diversity are invited to apply, but Oberlin particularly encourages applications from students who identify with historically underrepresented groups—such as those who are the first generation in their family to go to college, low-income, and/or students of color.

 

29. Pomona College

 

The fall Perspectives on Pomona (POP) program is aimed at furthering the academic journey of students who come from underrepresented groups, students who are first-generation or low-income, and students whose identities are in other marginalized communities. The program is open to all eligible high school seniors, and is usually held in October.

 

Students are provided with shuttle transportation between local airports and the college, lodging at the nearby hotel, and all meals for the duration of the program. There are also travel grants to cover airfare expenses and mileage reimbursement.

 

30. Reed College

 

Reed’s Senior Scholars Program is a three-part program that takes place over a year with the Reed community. The program is designed for underrepresented students and students of color to learn about life at Reed, create lasting connections with current students and faculty, and receive a partially or fully funded travel voucher to visit campus in the spring. Students interested in the program must apply Early Action or Early Decision and submit a Senior Scholars interest form, generally by mid-October.

 

31. St. Olaf College

 

St. Olaf’s fly-in program is open for high-achieving rising seniors—who haven’t yet visited St. Olaf—who identify as students of color, receive free/reduced lunch, or will be first-generation college students. During their visit, students will learn about the school’s need-based financial aid program as well as the ins and outs of the application process. They will also interact with faculty, meet current students, try the food on campus, and explore the surrounding community.

 

32. Swarthmore College

 

Every fall, the college hosts Discover Swarthmore, an all-expenses-paid overnight program for high school seniors. The admissions department will pay for all transportation, meals, and on-campus housing for chosen students.

 

Students will attend classes, stay with current students in residence halls, eat in the dining hall, and go to campus events. They will also attend panel discussions and informal conversations with faculty, staff, alumni, and current students. Sessions of this program occur between September and October, and students can apply online.

 

33. Trinity College

 

Trinity offers both an in-person and virtual visit program. In person, the Bantam Bound program offers a two-day on-campus experience focused on first-generation students, Native and Indigenous students, LGBTQIA+ students, and students of color. All students who apply to the program receive a Common Application waiver, and students can apply online.

 

Students learn about life as a member of the community, attending discussions facilitated by campus partners and classes led by Trinity professors. The visit takes place in November and all expenses are paid.

 

34. Tulane University

 

Tulane’s PreviewTU Multicultural Fly-in is a two-day program that takes place around October. Students explore classes, immerse themselves in campus life, and participate in an application workshop. Students can apply online and are eligible for travel reimbursement from the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

 

Students who identify with one or more of the following identities are especially encouraged to attend: first in their household to attend college, LGBTQIA+, students from low-income backgrounds, students from rural or small towns, and/or students of color.

 

35. Union College

 

The Getting to Know Union (GTKU) event occurs in the fall each year. High school seniors from diverse cultural backgrounds get to experience life on campus, meet students and professors, attend classes, eat in dining halls, and explore the surrounding town. Application information is usually available in the late summer, and all expenses are paid for chosen students.

 

36. University of Evansville

 

UE’s fly-in reimbursement program provides a one-time reimbursement of up to $300 for domestic high school seniors and transfer students. UE reimburses for half your plane ticket up to $150 and, if you decide to enroll, will credit the other $150 to your account. Students from Alaska and Hawaii are eligible for $500. Receipts must be received by the Office of Admission within 30 days of your visit. This visit can occur at any time, and can be scheduled online.

 

37. University of Rochester

 

Rochester’s Multicultural Visitation Program (MVP) is open to current high school seniors in the United States. Those who are accepted to the program receive free travel to Rochester, a one-night stay with a current student in a residence hall, and specialized programming. This event usually takes place in November, and applications are due in October. Acceptance is selective and the school requires a high school transcript. Applications are accepted online.

 

38. Ursinus College

 

Ursinus’s Access Fly-In program is focused on the resources and opportunities available to students from ethnically diverse backgrounds or students of color, first-generation college students, students who identify as LGBTQIA+, or those from families with limited financial resources. This program usually takes place in November and applications are due in October. Applications are accepted online.

 

39. Washington and Lee University

 

W&L’s Diversity and Inclusion Visit Experience (DIVE) program is an opportunity for students to visit the campus in Lexington, VA. It is a three-day event, during which students will stay in residence halls with current students, attend classes and talk with professors, sample the food in the dining hall, and explore student clubs and organizations. They’ll also learn about the college admissions and financial aid processes, as well as the resources for diverse students on campus.

 

These events take place between September and October. Students of color, students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch, students eligible for the Pell Grant, undocumented students, first-generation students, and QuestBridge-affiliated students are highly encouraged to apply.

 

40. Wesleyan University

 

Wesleyan’s WesExplore Fly-In program is available to high school seniors who identify as African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian American, Native American, Native Alaskan/Pacific Islander, first-generation, low income, or undocumented. This program takes place in November and applications are online. Students are able to visit campus for free.

 

41. Williams College

 

Between September and October, the school hosts Windows on Williams (WOW). WOW is a selective program open to high school students in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Preference is given to students who couldn’t otherwise afford to visit Williams. Students get to experience three all-expenses-paid days on campus, stay in dorms with current students, attend classes, meet with professors, and learn about the admissions and financial aid processes. Students can apply online for the program.

 

42. Grinnell College

 

Between March and April, Grinnell College presents the In-Person Admitted Student Day Programs. This exclusive fly-in event is tailored to students who have been granted admission for Spring 2024, and registration can be done via the Admitted Student Portal. The program offers a comprehensive day at Grinnell, where attendees can immerse themselves in the Grinnell experience.

 

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with faculty and existing students to gain insights into the academic journey, attend real-time classes, and explore post-graduate avenues and internship funding with the guidance of the Center for Careers, Life, and Service.

 

Additionally, they can delve into student life through panels, embark on a guided campus tour, and visit both the performing arts and athletics and recreation centers. This program is a golden chance for admitted students to truly feel the Grinnell spirit before making their final decision.

 

Grinnell also offers the Virtual Grinnell Diversity Preview Program around October for students to get to know the school. To apply for this program, students must identify as one of the following:

 

  • a student of color (American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Black or African American; Latinx/Hispanic; or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander)
  • the first in their immediate family to attend college
  • a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
  • a part of any community that would add to Grinnell College’s diversity

 

43. Middlebury College

 

Middlebury College offers a unique opportunity for prospective students through its Discover Middlebury program. This annual, all-expenses-paid fly-in program is designed for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit the campus. The program is tailored to changemakers, leaders, dreamers, and trailblazers who are not only academically inclined, but also socially engaged. The primary focus of the program is on students who are financially constrained and wouldn’t typically have the means to visit the campus.

 

44. Wellesley College

 

Wellesley College offers a unique opportunity for prospective students through its Discover Wellesley Weekend program. This initiative is designed to provide travel grants that cover the costs of transportation, meals, and housing for a select group of rising high school senior girls, specifically from the Class of 2020, who are eager to visit the Wellesley campus. However, it’s essential to note that these travel grants are exclusively available for the Discover Wellesley Weekend and cannot be used for visits on other dates.

 

45. Emory University

 

The Emory Leadership, Enrichment, Advocacy, and Discovery (LEADs) Experience is designed to support the recruitment of talented, high-achieving high school seniors who are either first-generation college students and/or from underrepresented cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds. These backgrounds include (but are not limited to) Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and Native/Indigenous student populations.

 

The hybrid program usually takes place throughout the fall, with monthly virtual programming beginning in September. Select students are invited to participate in a three-day, overnight Leadership Retreat around mid-October. The monthly virtual webinars conclude in December. Applications are accepted online and require a current transcript and a resume or extracurricular activities sheet.

 

46. Tufts University

 

The Voices of Tufts Diversity Experience is a two-day program sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, designed to introduce high school seniors to diversity and community at Tufts University. Participants will have conversations with current students, attend panel discussions with Tufts staff and faculty, enjoy opportunities to meaningfully connect with the school’s identity-based resource centers, and participate in social programming.

 

Any U.S. high school senior is eligible to apply. While Voices has traditionally attracted participants from underrepresented backgrounds—including, but not limited to students of color, first-generation college-bound students, LGBTQIA+ students, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students from rural communities—all students interested in learning about diversity and community at Tufts are invited to apply.

 

Programs On Hold

 

Due to the pandemic, some colleges moved their fly-in programs online, or temporarily suspended them. Here are some colleges that have historically had fly-in programs, and that may eventually reopen them:

 

  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • George Washington University
  • Lafayette College
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

 

Preparing for and Making the Most of Fly-In Programs

 

There are several steps you should take to ensure that you’re making the most of this opportunity.

 

Do your homework.

 

It’s important to research a college thoroughly before attending its program. You want to make sure that you’re truly interested in attending and that you understand what the college has to offer. Plus, you should figure out what activities, courses, and other aspects of the school you want to investigate further.

 

Read our article, Your Step-by-Step Guide to Researching Colleges, to learn how to do this more effectively.

 

Look up what costs are covered.

 

In general, the college will cover transportation and room and board for your stay. Some colleges will also cover the cost of meals. Most colleges are unlikely to cover your parents’ transportation and costs if they want to come with you, though there are some exceptions, such as Vanderbilt.

 

Plan your visit.

 

Research which classes you want to observe and make appointments to talk to admissions counselors and financial aid officers before you leave. When you’re on campus, walk around and get a sense of the culture and atmosphere. Attend events and talk to students about their experiences. You’ll want to get a sense of your fit with the college and make sure you can see yourself going there.

 

Check out other resources for first-gen and diversity applicants.

 

Fly-in programs can significantly ease the financial burden of the college process. If you qualify, make sure to take advantage of this important resource.

 

For more assistance, check out these additional resources for first-generation and diversity applicants. They can help you apply and pay for your education. Also check out scholarships for first-generation college students.

 

What Are My Chances of Acceptance?

 

Fly-in programs are great for admissions, as they give you a chance to show demonstrated interest. Demonstrated interest is a soft quality that some colleges consider during the application process. It can refer to a wide variety of actions on your part, but it all boils down to this—have you proven to be enthusiastic, or at least curious, about the school you’re applying to? If you’ve completed all the steps to a fly-in, you’re definitely showing your interest!

 

Once you’ve done the research, taken time to visit, and discovered where you fit, you probably have a clear understanding of your opinion on the school. You know if you’re going to apply and you know where this school fits on your college list.

 

However, when you’re confronted with your acceptance chances, everything can seem overwhelming. We’re here to help! With a free CollegeVine account, you gain access to our free admissions calculator. This calculator will let you know your chances of acceptance based on your academic and extracurricular profile. It can also help you build a balanced school list.


Short Bio
Varun is a recent graduate from Arizona State University, Tempe, with a degree in Computer Science. He aims to share his knowledge of computer science, the IB Diploma Program, and all things college-related with high school students. In his free time, he can be found performing DJ sets or cooking!