Do you want a FREE sneak peek into college life? Attending fly-in programs is one of the best ways to travel to several college campuses and experience college life without going broke! Never heard of fly-in programs, but would love to check out some colleges in person? No worries! All the information you need to participate in the top fly-in programs for high school seniors is below
Your Guide to Fly-In Programs for High School Seniors
What is a Fly-In Program?
Fly-in programs were created for high school seniors and transfer students from underrepresented backgrounds, first-generation students, or from low-income families. These programs are usually free and provide:
- Travel to campus
- Dorm accommodations and meals
- Attend classes and workshops
- Meet faculty, current students, and other fly-in attendees
- Insight into the application and financial aid process
What to Expect from a Fly-In Program
Typically, college fly-in programs are usually an overnight program or a weekend immersion, and the college covers your travel, meals, and housing. At your fly-in program, you will get to:
- Stay in a dorm with a current student or another fly-in participant
- Sit in on actual classes
- Join admission and financial aid sessions
- Eat in the cafe
- Tour the campus
- Explore student clubs and campus life
Related Post: You Want to Visit Colleges for Free? Check Out These Top Fly-In Programs in 2026!
Why You Should Attend a Fly-In Program
College fly-in programs were designed to provide prospective students with a preview of campus life, allowing for an in-depth experience that goes beyond the typical campus tour.
Academic Opportunities
Participating in a college fly-in program is a unique opportunity for you to immerse yourself in an academic environment where you can learn about the various majors and academic programs. You may attend some classes, meet potential professors, and learn about campus clubs and activities.
Networking and Mentorship
This is the perfect opportunity to establish connections with faculty, current students, and other fly-in program attendees. These interactions and relationships established during your fly-in experience can be pivotal, offering one-on-one time that can lead to mentorship and insider knowledge about your potential college.
Finacial Advantages
The financial incentive is a huge benefit of the fly-in program. Being able to travel in person and having your living accommodations and meals covered will help your parents more than you will ever know! This economic assistance makes campus visits accessible, thus eliminating potential financial barriers to campus exploration. Also, your potential college may give you an application waiver because you were a fly-in program attendee.
Demonstrates Interest
Typically, if you attend a college fly-in program, you are interested in attending the college or learning more about the college so you can finalize your college list. This is a great way to demonstrate interest in a college and may be a plus factor for you in the admissions process. If two candidates have similar backgrounds, interests, and academics, demonstrated interest is one way to stand out in your application.
Application Perks
Showing up in person can have application perks. Many programs offer fee waivers or early application advice. If you apply for admission, don’t forget to mention that you were a fly-in attendee or write about a professor, student, or program that inspired you during your campus weekend.
Meet Your Potential Classmates
Be socialable! Some of the fly-in attendees may be your future suitemate, classmate, or someone you want to keep in contact with.
Learn About Resources
During the fly-in program, you will learn about the various campus resources available to students, such as financial aid, academic assistance, campus employment, etc…
See the Campus Up Close and Personal
Photos and websites are helpful, but there’s nothing like seeing it for yourself.
What is the Application Process for Fly-In Programs?
Pay attention to the specific eligibility criteria of each fly-in program you are interested in. These programs prioritize high school seniors and transfer students. They often target individuals from historically underrepresented groups, first-generation college students, or those from low-income backgrounds. Some of these programs may require a minimal GPA. Take these steps:
- Research fly-in programs that you are interested in
- Check eligibility
- Apply early (applications usually open in June or July)
- Make sure you have all the requested documents (transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation)
- Follow up with admissions and stay in touch (remember you want to demonstrate interest)
Tips for a Successful Application
The application process typically includes gathering essential documents, crafting well-written essays, and securing strong recommendations. Most of the fly-in programs are competitive, so follow these tips to enhance your chances of getting accepted:
Essential Documents
Start by compiling all your required documentation. This typically includes:
- Transcripts: An official high school transcript displaying coursework and grades
- Standardized Test Scores: Copies of SAT or ACT results, if required
- Application Form: A completed application specific to the fly-in program
Essays
Essays are vital to the application process. You should:
- Adequately Address the Prompt: Respond directly to the question or prompt given
- Make it Personal: Write essays that reflect your personal experiences and aspirations
Recommendations
Obtaining the best recommendations is another key step. Applications should:
- Choose Wisely: Select recommenders who know you well and can speak to their strengths
- Request Early: Ask for letters well in advance of the deadline
You Received Your Fly-In Program Acceptance. What’s Next?
Now it’s time to plan your college fly-in program trip. You should do the following:
Plan Your Travel Arrangements
You should verify details with the college’s admissions office, as they may offer a reimbursement program for travel expenses. Once confirmed, book your transportation early.
- Book Flights: At least 6 weeks in advance
- Stay Informed: Check your emails for any updates from the colleges
- Provide Itineraries: Send travel details to the program coordinator
What to Bring
You want to pack everything you need for a successful fly-in visit. Plan to bring the following:
- Essential Documents: Photo ID, acceptance letter, travel tickets
- Academic Materials: Notepad or Tablet, pens, and questions for the faculty and students
- Personal Items: Toiletries, medications, phone/tablet charger
- Comfortable clothing that looks professional and comfortable shoes for walking
Post Follow-Up Visit
So you were accepted into some fly-in programs, attended these programs, and are now back home. Now it’s time for the follow-up! You should maintain a relationship with these institutions through strategic follow-up actions. These steps can leave a lasting impression on the admissions team and potentially support a future application, and remember it’s a form of demonstrating interest in your future colleges
Thank You Notes
You should send a thank-you note within a week of your visit to express appreciation for the opportunity. You should mention specific aspects of their fly-in program that were especially meaningful, such as engaging with a faculty member or exploring campus facilities. Personalizing these notes reflects genuine interest and can strengthen your connection with your potential college.
Continued Engagement
Guess what? The follow-up does not stop after you send your thank-you note. You still want to continue a relationship, it might include asking insightful questions via email, attending virtual events, or interacting with the college on social media. Consistent and thoughtful engagement demonstrates sustained interest, which colleges may consider favorably. You should aim for quality interactions that convey your enthusiasm and that you are a great fit for their institution.
Are you a high school senior dreaming of college but not sure how to get there? Fly-in programs can help you visit your dream colleges for free. Apply to a few, ask your counselor for help, and get ready to visit your dream colleges! Have your friends apply too. Tell your friends about all these opportunities and share this post.
Check Out This List of Fly-In Programs
Babson College – Babson Park, MA
Access Babson
At Babson College, we believe that entrepreneurial leadership is fostered by our diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We value the diversity of perspectives and the power of our differences. We hope you will join us overnight on campus for the opportunity to stay with a current student in a residence hall and participate in many other sessions.
Any rising senior who attends high school in the U.S. and Puerto Rico is welcome to apply, especially students who are first-generation-to-college, low-income, or whose backgrounds/families have been historically excluded from higher education. Access Babson is open to any student who is particularly committed to creating an equitable and inclusive community.
We’re excited to provide you with a deep understanding of the Babson experience. We’ll help you develop a greater understanding of Babson’s approach to inclusion and belonging through conversations with members of our community, including “real talk” sessions with current student leaders.
Application Deadline: July 31
Event Dates: September 27 – September 28
Carleton College – Northfield, MN
Taste of Carleton(TOC)
Apply for Taste of Carleton and get ready to discover one of the top ten liberal arts colleges in the country! Participants in this three-day program will explore our beautiful campus, attend classes with our #1 ranked professors, and learn more about our admissions process and generous financial aid. The best part? You won’t pay a dime.
The program is for underrepresented rising high school seniors who have talent, curiosity, and limited access to resources that would help them explore colleges like Carleton. If travel costs or guidance counselor availability make it hard to visit campuses, TOC may be a good fit. Applicants must currently attend high school in the United States.
Application Deadline: August 10
Event date: October 11 – October 12
Dartmouth College – Hanover, NH
Dartmouth Bound: Summer Program
The Dartmouth Bound Program is designed to give participants an in-person experience of daily college life at Dartmouth. Participants will learn about Dartmouth’s close-knit community and its resources, as well as college admissions and financial aid processes. Dartmouth Bound is open to any rising senior currently living and attending a high school in the U.S., regardless of citizenship. We encourage students from underserved communities to apply.
Dartmouth will cover travel expenses, housing, and meals for students who are selected for the program.
Application Deadline: May 18
Event Dates: July 19 – July 22 or August 2 – August 5
Dartmouth College – Hanover, NH
Dartmouth’s Indigenous Fly-In (IFI) Program is designed to give participants an in-person experience of daily college life at Dartmouth. Participants will learn about Dartmouth’s Indigenous community and its resources, as well as college admissions and financial aid processes. IFI is open to rising seniors living and attending a high school in the U.S.and/or Canada, who identify as Indigenous* themselves, or have demonstrated an interest in the Indigenous community and/or Dartmouth’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Department.
Dartmouth will cover travel expenses, housing, and meals for students who are selected for the program.
*Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations, Aboriginal, Pasifika/Indigenous Pacific Islander, or other Indigenous groups.
Application Deadline: July 13
Event Dates: October 11 – October 14
Emory University – Atlanta, GA
LEADs 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, including, but not limited to, Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic, and Native/Indigenous student populations.
Application Deadline: July 31
Event Dates: October 1 – October 3
Pitzer College – Claremont, CA
The Preview Pitzer program is specially crafted to offer a true taste of our college’s unique ethos. Engage with our students, learn alongside our esteemed faculty in panel discussions, and receive personalized guidance from our admission counselors. It’s your opportunity to see what makes Pitzer’s approach to education so transformative.
The Preview Pitzer program is a pre-application program designed for high school seniors attending school in the United States that are either first-generation college students and/or from lower-income socioeconomic backgrounds. This program allows all students to visit Pitzer on an all-expenses paid two-and-a-half-day trip to campus.
Application Deadline: August 21
Event Dates: October 12 – October 14
Pomona College – Claremont, CA
Through Fall Perspectives on Pomona (POP), we offer prospective students insights into life at Pomona College, opportunities to learn and connect with our inspiring professors, and invitations to open discussions with current students. Fall POP allows for the exploration of all the layers of Pomona’s community and resources.
Fall POP is open to all seniors attending high school in the United States (U.S. citizens, undocumented/DACA students, and Permanent Residents), its programming is focused on furthering the academic journey of students who come from underrepresented groups, are first-generation or low-income, and whose identities are in other marginalized communities.
Application Deadline: August 10
Event Dates: October 4 – October 6
Smith College – Northampton, MA
Intended for high school seniors, this annual event will highlight opportunities offered by Smith College for African American, Asian American, Latin American, Native American, and/or first-generation college students. All students are welcome. Housing, meals, and transportation to and from campus are included.
Participants will have a chance to connect with current Smith students, faculty, and other community members. Additional programming will include a series of panels and workshops on academics and student life.
Application Deadline: September 6
Event Dates: October 16 – October 17 or November 6 – November 7
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI
This fly-in program for out-of-state juniors and seniors is geared toward, but not limited to, students from groups historically underrepresented at the University of Michigan, first-generation college students, students from households with limited financial resources, and students from underrepresented geographic areas.
The event is free for all selected to attend, as well as two parents/guardians. (airfare, hotel, and meals that are officially a part of Ross All-Access Weekend are included.)
Application Deadline: May 29
Event Dates: October 1 – October 3
Frequently Asked Questions
College fly-in programs give attendees a preview of campus life and are instrumental in streamlining your college list.
What are the benefits of participating in a college fly-in program?
If you attend fly-in visit programs, you will experience firsthand the campus environment of your potential colleges. You will also benefit from direct interaction with current students and faculty, tips on the college application process, and gain valuable information about academic programs and student life. These diversity visit programs typically provide or reimburse transportation costs, and cover the costs of the meals in the dining hall and special events.
What are the typical eligibility requirements for college fly-in programs?
Eligibility for fly-in programs often includes high school seniors from historically underrepresented backgrounds, first-generation students, low-income students, students from rural areas, or who have a strong interest in the institution. Academic achievement and community involvement may also be considered.
How competitive are fly-in programs for prospective students?
Most college fly-in programs are highly competitive due to their limited capacity and the comprehensive benefits they offer. They seek students who stand out academically and have a genuine interest in the college.
What is the range of activities typically included in college fly-in programs?
College fly-in programs usually cover a variety of activities, including campus tours, class visits, meetings with admissions representatives, and sessions about financial aid. They provide a comprehensive view of the college experience.
How can high school students apply for college fly-in programs?
High school students can visit the college websites to find application procedures for fly-in programs and should talk to their high school counselor for additional assistance. These college fly-in programs require you to submit an application with a transcript and recommendation letters.
How do college fly-in programs impact the college admissions process?
Participation in fly-in programs may offer prospective students a competitive advantage by demonstrating their interest in the institution, which can be a favorable factor in the admissions decision process.
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