Colleges Offering Fly-In and Diversity Programs

Do you want to learn more about different colleges?  Exploring a college campus firsthand offers invaluable insights into different academic and extracurricular programs to help you decide if it's the right fit for you. Many universities offer fly-in and diversity programs to support students with a fully-funded college visit! 

What is a fly-in and diversity program?

A fly-in and diversity program is an initiative by colleges to bring prospective students to their campuses for a brief visit, typically a couple of days. 

These programs cover travel expenses, accommodations, and meals, allowing students to explore the campus, attend classes, meet faculty and current students, and get a genuine feel for the college environment. Some diversity programs are offered virtually.

Will I qualify for a fly-in and diversity program?

Fly-in and diversity programs are often competitive to join. To qualify, you may need to meet specific criteria. These programs typically prioritize rising high school seniors who are first-generation college students, come from low-income families, or who will offer a diverse perspective on campus. Each program has its unique set of requirements and deadlines, so it's crucial to review the specific eligibility criteria for each one to determine if you qualify.

How do I apply for a fly-in and diversity program?

Typically, applicants must provide their GPA, ACT/SAT scores, an essay, and sometimes a letter of recommendation. To make the most of your experience, it’s important to research the school's offerings, opportunities, and admissions process beforehand. Spots are limited in these programs, and unfortunately, colleges are often unable to accept everyone who applies.

What universities offer fly-in and diversity programs?

Below is a list of some of the colleges that offer fly-in programs. This is not an exhaustive list. If you are interested in a college that is not on the list, check with their admissions office about whether they offer a similar opportunity to visit.

  1. Amherst College: Diversity Open House
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 7%
    Dates of Program: September 28 - 30, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 12, 2024

  2. Bates College: The Prologue to Bates Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 12%
    Dates of Program: October 13 -15, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 9, 2024

  3. Bowdoin College: The Explore Bowdoin Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 9%Dates of Program:
    Explore 1: September 19-21, 2024
    Explore 2: October 24-26, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 14, 2024

  4. Brandeis University: The SEED program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 33%
    Dates of Program: October 20-21, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: September 8, 2024

  5. Bucknell University: The Journey to Bucknell Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 35%
    Dates of Program: TBD
    Deadline to Apply: TBD

  6. Case Western Reserve University: The Diversity Overnight Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 30%
    Dates of Program: TBD (Est. Summer 2024)
    Deadline to Apply: TBD (Est. Sept. 2024)

  7. Claremont McKenna College: The Diversity Fly-In Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 11%
    Dates of Program: October 13-15, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 19th, 2024

  8. Colgate University: Colgate in Focus
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 17%
    Dates of Program: October 1-2, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 18, 2024

  9. Dartmouth College: Indigenous Fly-In Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 6%
    Dates of Program: October 13-16, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: July 22, 2024

  10. Davidson College: The Access Davidson Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 16%
    Dates of Program: September 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 2, 2024

  11. Emory University: Emory LEADs Experience
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 16%
    Dates of Program: October 17-19, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 11, 2024

  12.  Hamilton College: Home at Hamilton
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 16%
    Dates of Program: October 2024
    Deadline to Apply: TBD (Est. July 2024)

  13.  Haverford College: Have-A-Look
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 18%
    Dates of Program: October 27-29, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 12, 2024

  14.  Lehigh University: Diverse Achievers Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 46%
    Dates of Program: Late October 2024
    Deadline to Apply: September 15, 2024

  15.  Middlebury College: Middlebury Dimensions
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 13%
    Dates of Program: October 2024
    Deadline to Apply: September 6, 2024

  16.  Oberlin College: The Oberlin Overnight Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 34%
    Dates of Program:
    Session 1: October 10-12, 2024
    Session 2: November 7-9, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: TBD (Est. July 2024)

  17.  Pomona College: Perspectives on Pomona (POP)
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 7%
    Dates of Program: October 6-8, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 12, 2024

  18.  Swarthmore College: The Discover Swarthmore Program
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 7%
    Dates of Program: September/October 2024
    Session 1: September 26-28, 2024
    Session 2: October 24-26, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: July 7, 2024

  19. Tufts University: The Voices of Tufts Diversity Experience
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 11%
    Dates of Program: October 6-7, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: July 22, 2024

  20. Tulane University: PreviewTU
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 10%
    Dates of Program: October 14, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: September 5, 2024

  21.  Williams College: Windows on Williams (WOW)
    Admissions Acceptance Rate: 8%
    Dates of Program: October 6-8, 2024
    Deadline to Apply: August 1, 2024

It is worth exploring fly-in and diversity programs because they offer an incredible opportunity for you to explore campuses without the financial burden. By taking advantage of these programs, you can make a more informed decision about your higher education path, introducing you to different college campuses and helping to ensure that the college you choose aligns with your academic goals, personal values, and overall aspirations. Best of luck!


If you have questions or would like to learn more about college admissions,  please visit Excelsioradmissions.com.

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