Fall 2026 Diversity – Fly-In Visit Programs


We list all that we can find by providing the program and application dates and links to applications. If we provide a * before the college name, the trip is free. If we provide a (D), trip is for first gen students. We also give you an estimated GPA and test scores for each college.

Bright Blue Means Fall 2026

Dark Green Means Fall 2025

*(D) Amherst College (2026, IP) 
Amherst, Massachusetts

Small private university; part of consortium, 3.7+ GPA ; mid to high test scores

Program: Fall 2026 Access to Amherst Program (A2A)

DATES: Saturday, September 26 – Monday, September 28

Deadline: Applications for the program must be received by August 10, 2026.

Program Info: https://www.amherst.edu/admission/diversity/a2a

Program FAQs: https://www.amherst.edu/admission/diversity/a2a/a2a-faq

Application: https://admission.amherst.edu/register/?id=bf134137-b2e5-422b-8115-edc6f700a01b

Short Essay:

Please respond to the following essay prompt in no more than 350 words. Write your response in another document and upload it below.

“We seek an Amherst made stronger because it includes those whose experiences can enhance our understanding of our nation and our world. We do so in the faith that our humanity is an identity forged from diversity, and that our different perspectives enrich our inquiry, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our community, and prepare students to engage with an ever-changing world.”
-Trustee Statement on Diversity and Community

Q: In what ways could your experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world?

Additional Short Answer Question

Please respond to the following short answer question in no more than 250 words. Write your response in another document and upload it below.

Amherst has no distribution requirements and no core curriculum. Instead, students work with their faculty advisors to choose the courses that matter most to them within our Open Curriculum. This flexibility allows for deep engagement within your major with room to explore other disciplines – and it means Amherst classrooms are filled with inquisitive, fully engaged learners.

Tell us about a class, idea, or academic project that broadened your perspective or helped you learn something new about yourself. What did you take away from this experience?

Also takes an optional AcademicWriting Sample.

*(D) Babson College (2026, IP)
Babson Park, Massachusetts (suburban Boston)

Screen Shot 2015-08-17 at 7.39.45 PMSmall private business-oriented college, 3.5+ GPA, mid-test scores

Program: Access Babson

Dates: Sunday, September 27 – Monday, September 28, 2026

Application Deadline: Friday, August 21st, 2026.

https://www.babson.edu/undergraduate/admission/visit-and-engage/access-babson/

Short Answer Questions

What draws you to the world of business or entrepreneurship, and what are your goals within it? (200-word max.)

Tell us about part of your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that has shaped who you are as an individual. (150-word max.)

*(D) Bates College (2026, IP)bates

Lewiston, Maine

Small rural campus; liberal arts, 3.2+ GPA and higher. Optional test scores.

Program: Prologue to Bates

Dates: Sunday, October 11 – Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Application Deadline: August 7, 2026. Applicants will be notified of decisions by early-September.

http://www.bates.edu/admission/prologue/

Application: https://apply.bates.edu/register/?id=b05eec95-a892-47c4-9eed-119f02c083cb

*Prologue to Bates is a highly selective program and will provide you with wonderful insight into the Bates community. What do you hope to gain from this experience? (Essay should be between 300 and 500 words)

*(D) Bowdoin College (2026, IP)bowdoin

Brunswick, ME

Rural college, private, liberal arts. 3.2+ GPA and higher. Optional test scores.

Program: Explore Bowdoin

Dates:

  • Explore 1: September 17-19, 2026
  • Explore 2: October 22-24, 2026

Deadline to apply is August 11 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Program Link: https://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/visit/explore-bowdoin/

Questions? Email explore@bowdoin.edu

Counselors: Suggest a student for Explore Bowdoin. School counselors are also invited to request a poster to hang in your school or organization’s hallways.

Application: https://admissions.bowdoin.edu/register/ebapp

Short Answer Questions
If you wish, you may share anything about the unique experiences and perspectives that you would bring with you to the Bowdoin campus and community or an experience you have had that required you to navigate across or through difference.

*(D) Bryn Mawr College (2026, IP)

Bryn Mawr, PA (Suburban PA)brwy mawr

Small, all women’s college

Program: Lantern Program
Dates: Saturday, September 26- Monday, September 28, 2026

Application Deadline: July 17, 2026

Program Info: https://www.brynmawr.edu/admissions-aid/visit-bryn-mawr/lantern-scholars-fly-program

Application:

https://admissions.brynmawr.edu/register/?id=8fcc1258-6625-43e9-9697-b81402744f3d

*(D) Bucknell College (2026, IP) 

Lewisburg, PennsylvaniaScreen Shot 2015-05-17 at 8.38.59 AM

Small suburban private college. 3.3+ GPA. Middle to high test scores.

Program: Journey to Bucknell

Dates: October 1-October 3, 2026

This year, our Journey to Bucknell program will begin the evening of Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, and end mid-afternoon Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. The program includes participation in Bucknell’s Fall Open House taking place on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Application Deadline: Friday, June 8 (closed)

http://www.bucknell.edu/journeytobucknell

Essay Prompt

*(D) Carleton College (2026, IP) 

explore carleton

Northfield, Minnesota

Small suburban private college. 3.3+ GPA. Middle to high test scores.

Program: 2026 Taste of Carleton:

Dates: Program Dates: October 11-12, 2026

Application opens: mid May

Application Deadlines: August 10

Website: https://www.carleton.edu/admissions/visit/toc/

Application: https://www.admissions.carleton.edu/register/f26toc

Application Essays

What’s something you want to understand better about the world, about people, or about yourself? Why does it matter to you? (250 words)

What kind of learner are you and what draws you to Carleton as a place to keep growing? (250 words)

Optional: What do you make or create, and how has it brought you into community with other people? (150 words)

(*D) Caltech (2026, IP)

Los Angeles, CA

Small private university, test optional, 3.9 average GPA

Program: Caltech Up Close 2025 (for kids interested in STEM fields)

Program Dates: October 10-12, 2026

Application Deadline:  Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/visit/visit-campus/fall-fly-in-program-caltech-up-close

CUC Application Essay Questions

  1. Caltech students have a relentless curiosity for STEM. What are you relentlessly curious about?
  2. If you won a 500-million-dollar research grant, what problem would you try to solve through the use of science, technology, or engineering and how would you do it?

Program: Women in Stem

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/visit/visit-campus/summer-preview-women-stem

Program Dates: August 6-7, 2026 

Application Deadline: Sunday, June 21 at 11:59 p.m. PST

*(D) Claremont-McKenna College (2026, IP)

Claremont, California

Small college, part of consortium, 3.6+ GPA, mid to high test scores

Fall Preview Program: Sunday, October 11 – Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Website: https://www.cmc.edu/admission/visit/diversityflyin#collapse-926

Applications are due August 9, 2026

Contact Preview Program at preview@cmc.edu or 909.621.8088.

*(D) Colorado College (2026, IP)

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Screen Shot 2014-06-11 at 6.40.52 AMSmall private college; one class at a time. 3.0+ GPA. Middle test scores.

Program: Experience Colorado College: Fall Visit Scholarship Program

Program Date: October 3-5, 2026

Application deadline: July 13, 2026

Release Date: August 17, 2026

Website: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/admission/for-students/explore-campus/open-house-opportunities/discover_colorado_college/discover-colorado-college.html

Application: https://ccbasecamp.coloradocollege.edu/register/?id=df0b45d6-5f7c-45e5-bb1b-5fbf753f432e

Essay and Short Answer Questions

Colorado College values having a diverse community where people from many different backgrounds can learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences. Describe how your background and life experiences have contributed to your identity and values, and explain what kind of role you would aim to play in the Colorado College community.* (200-450 word range)

What specific resource or aspect of CC are you most excited to engage with? This can include support servicesacademic departmentsresearch, or student organizations.* (100-250 word range)

Your written responses above provide the selection committee with valuable insight, not only to your interest in DCC and Colorado College, but additional context to your strengths and passions. We recommended you draft your responses and carefully edit your responses before submitting your application.

*(D) Dartmouth (2026, IP) 

Hanover, NH

Rural IVY League. 3.7+ GPA. High test scores.

https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/visit/visitation-programs/dartmouth-bound-summer-program

Dartmouth Bound

Dates: July 19-22, and August 2-5, 2026

All material (application, transcript, and resume): Passed

Indigenous Fly-In Program •  Sunday, October 11 to Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Application Deadline: July 13, 2026

Program Info: https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/visit/visitation-programs/indigenous-fly-program

Application Link: https://apply.dartmouth.edu/register/ifi-account-2026

*(D) Davidson College (2026, Virtual)

Davidson, NC

Suburban, private college. 3.5+GPA; medium to high test scores.davidson

Program: Access Davidson

Dates: November 8, 2026 from 1-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. 

Application Deadlines:

Priority Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 1 (program decision released by October 1)

Final Application Deadline: Thursday, October 15 (program decision released by November 2)

Essay

  1. Please respond to the following in no more than 300 words: “There are just under four thousand 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College?”*

https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/visit/access-davidson

*(D) Emory University (2026, IP and some virtual session)

Screen Shot 2015-10-22 at 5.44.21 PMMedium college, mid to high test scores, 3.5+ grades

Program: Emory LEADs Experience In Person Leadership Retreat

Dates: October 1-3, 2026

Application Deadline: July 31, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Website: https://apply.emory.edu/leads/index.html

Application: https://apply.emory.edu/leads/application.html

Application opens May 26, 2026

Virtual Leads Sessions Start August 25, 2026

Short Answer Essays
* Please select two of the four prompts below and answer using your own opinions, lived experiences, and personal voice. Each response should be no more than 150 words.

Final Comments

If there’s any relevant information you feel isn’t captured within this brief application, please let us know using the space provided below.

(*D) Grinnell College (2025, Virtual), 2026 Not Yet (June 21)

Grinnell, Iowa

Small liberal arts; 3.0+ GPA; middle test scoregrinnell

Program: Grinnell Diversity Preview Program (Virtual and Live)

Dates: 

Deadline to Apply: Opens Late Summer

Registration coming soon.

This preview program is a great way to discover your place at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. Registrants must be domestic students (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) entering their senior year of high school. We encourage attendance from students who:

  • wish to have a campus affinity with communities 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 low-income student

http://www.grinnell.edu/admission/visit/programs/diversity-preview

*(D) Hamilton College (2026, IP) 

Clinton, New York

Small liberal arts, upper state NY, 3.2+ GPA; middle test scores

https://www.hamilton.edu/admission/promise-program

Program: Home at Hamilton

Dates: September 27-28, 2026

Application Deadline: July 7, 2026

Application: https://admission.hamilton.edu/register/?id=bc3faf38-ef16-4d1e-a561-39fbcd28c0e1

2. Know Thyself is Hamilton’s motto, and our journey toward self-discovery never ends. As you think about the person you know yourself to be and the person you hope to become, please share the different aspects of your background, identity, and viewpoints and how you would contribute to our diverse community. Please limit your response to 250 words.

*(D) Harvey Mudd College (2026, IP)

Claremont, CA

Small science and engineering, 3.5+ GPA, high test scores

harveymuddFAST Program Program:

September 13-15, 2026 and October 25-27, 2026.

Application Deadline: August 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm PDT

Website: https://www.hmc.edu/admission/fast/

Application: https://connect.hmc.edu/register/2026HMCFASTApp

Essay

In 500 words or less, describe the community in which you were raised. In what ways has your community/background informed your goals, beliefs, ideas and perspectives?*

haverford

(*D) Haverford College (2026, IP)

Haverford, PA (Suburban Philadelphia

Small liberal arts, 3.6+ GPA, middle to high test scores

Program: Have a Look

Dates: October 25-27, 2026

Deadline: Monday, August 17, 2026

https://www.haverford.edu/havealook

Supplemental Have-A-Look Questions

Describe how your lived experiences will influence the kind of college community member you expect to be. (Word count: 250)
Please briefly let us know how you became aware of Haverford College and the Have-A-Look program.

Contact admission@haverford.edu

kenyon

*(D) Lafayette College (2025, IP) (2026 Not Yet, June 21)

Rural small to medium campus, near Philadelphia, 3.0+ GPA,

Program: Our Beloved Community (OBC)

October 24-25, 2025

Deadline: TBD

If you have further questions about the program, please contact Louise Frazier at frazierl@lafayette.edu.

Our Beloved Community

*(D) Miami University (Ohio) (2026, IP) 
miamiohio

Oxford, OH

Small Midwest college; 2.9+ GPA; medium test scores

Program: Bridges at Miami University

Students should choose one session to attend (to be declared on the application). Round-trip transportation will be provided from select cities, and airports for the sessions below:

  • Session 1: Oct. 18-19 (Akron and Columbus)
  • Session 2: Oct. 25-26 (Chillicothe, Cincinnati, and Toledo)
  • Session 3: Nov. 8-9 (Cleveland and Dayton)
  • Session 4: Nov. 15-16 (Out-of-state via Cincinnati and Dayton airports)

Application Deadline: Rolling until late September 2026

https://miamioh.edu/visit-miami/bridges-program/index.html

*(D) Middlebury College (2026, IP)

disco_middMiddlebury, Vermont

Small liberal arts, rural. 3.3+ GPA, medium to high test scores

Program: Discover Middlebury

Dates: October 11-13, 2026

Application Deadline:  September 4, 2026

Website: http://www.middlebury.edu/admissions/visit/programs

Application: https://admissions.middlebury.edu/apply/?b3548150-c79c-4477-86d5-2bf5f345904d=

A one-page statement recounting an important educational moment in your life and its impact on you.

Middlebury is currently test optional; you’re not required to submit self-reported scores. If scores are submitted, they will be considered in your academic evaluation. You can also submit an optional “Glimpse” video through InitialView.

*(D) Oberlin College and Conservatory (2025, IP) (Fall 2026 Not Yet, June 21)

Oberlin, Ohio

Small liberal arts and conservatory. 3.3+ GPA; medium to high test scores

Program: Themes: Oberlin Overnight: Diversity & Access
Oberlin Overnight: Spotlight on STEM

Program Dates:

  • October 9-11, 2025
  • November 6-8, 2025

Application Deadline:  September 21, 2025

https://www.oberlin.edu/admissions-and-aid/visit-and-connect/visit-programs/mvp

Short answer question – respond to the following prompt in 300 words or fewer:

“Since 1835, Oberlin has been a leader in diversity, becoming the first school in the nation to admit African Americans and adopting a policy to admit students regardless of race or gender. Because of this, some students first hear about Oberlin in their history books. How did you first learn about Oberlin and how does Oberlin’s history of diversity, equity, and inclusion align with your values?”

*(D) Ohio University (2026, IP)

Athens, Ohio

Large public university. 3.0+ GPA and higher, middle test scores

OHIO Discovery Day

OHIO Discovery Day is an in-person visit program designed for prospective first-year students and their families. At OHIO Discovery Day, visitors will hear from current students, meet with admissions representatives, learn more about their academic interest area, tour the OHIO campus and more. Prospective students can also get help completing their Ohio University application.

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Friday, October 16, 2026

Monday, November 2, 2026

https://www.ohio.edu/admissions/visit/ohio-discovery-day

More information: https://www.ohio.edu/admissions/visit/ohio-discovery-day

Deadline: Rolling

(*D) Olin College of Engineering (2026, IP)

Needham, Mass

Small engineering college, mid to high test scores, 3.9 avg. GPA.

Program: Olin 2024 Mix & Mingle Fly-in

Program Dates: November 8-1, 2026.

Application Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026, by a school counselor, teacher, or other administrator, to nominate a student for the Fly-In.
. They do not accept self nominations from students. Unfortunately, they do not accommodate nominations for international students at this time.

Nomination Form:

https://admission.olin.edu/register/Fly-InNom2026

Website for more Info:

https://www.olin.edu/admission/visit

*(D) Pitzer College (2026, IP)

Claremont, CA

Small liberal arts, progressive. 3.2+ GPA; test optional for GPA higher than 3.6 and top 5% of class

Program: Preview Pitzer

Dates: October 12-14,2026pitzer

Deadline: August 21, 2026 at 11:59 PST

Website: https://www.pitzer.edu/admission-aid/visit/preview-pitzer-program

Essay:

At Pitzer, five core values distinguish our approach to education: social responsibility, intercultural understanding, interdisciplinary learning, student engagement and environmental sustainability. As agents of change, our students utilize these values to create solutions to our world’s challenges. Please answer only ONE of the following prompts in 650 words or less.

  • Describe what you are looking for from your college experience and why Pitzer would be a good fit for you.
  • Reflecting on your involvement throughout high school or within the community, how have you engaged with one or more of Pitzer’s core values?
* (D) Pomona College (2026, IP and V)

Claremont, CA pomona

Small elite liberal arts college, 3.8+ GPA, SAT 2100, ACT 31

Program: Perspectives on Pomona (POP!)

On Campus: Sunday, October 4 to Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Virtual: Two half-day sessions after school on Thursday, October 22 and the morning of Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Application Deadlines:

Monday, August 10, 2026 for those who wish to be considered for both programs

Friday, September 28, 2026 for those who wish to be considered for the virtual program exclusively.

https://www.pomona.edu/admissions/learn-more/diversity-pomona/perspectives-pomona-pop

Application: https://admissions.pomona.edu/apply/

*(D) Smith College (2026, IP) (Check 2026 Deadline, June 21)

Northampton, Massachusetts

Small, all women’s, 3.3+ GPA, test optional

smithProgram: Women of Distinction: October 16 – 17, 2026 or November 6 – 7, 2026

Application opens: Application Opens August 3, 2026

Application deadline: September, 14, 2026

Essay Prompt: Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, is a term used to describe the complex ways in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (racism, sexism, classism, etc) combine or overlap. How has your own intersectional lens impacted your worldview?

https://www.smith.edu/women-distinction-program#application-materials-1

*(D) Swarthmore College (2026, IP) 

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Small, suburban, near Philadelphia. Intensive. 3.5+ GPA, medium to high test scores

Discover Swarthmore Program: Thursday, September 24 – Saturday, September 26, 2026
Or
Thursday, October 22, 2024 – Saturday, October 24, 2026

Deadlines: July 7, 2026

Nominations

Nominations for the Fall 2026 programs are now open. Students do not have to be nominated in order to apply. Students who are not nominated are not at any disadvantage in our review process.

Applications

Student applications for the Fall 2026 programs are now open. The application deadline is July 7th, 2026.

Website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/admissions-aid/discover-swarthmore

*(D) Tufts University (2025, V and IP)

Medford, Massachusetts

Medium, private college, 5 minutes from Boston. 3.3+ GPA, medium to high test scores

tuftsProgram: Voices of Tufts Diversity Experience

In-person program: Sunday, October 19- Monday, October 20, 2025)

Virtual program:  Sunday, October 5, 2025

Application deadline: July 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. local time.

https://admissions.tufts.edu/voices/voices-home/

The application also includes two short answer questions:

In 250 words or less, tell us about 1-2 academic subjects you enjoy and hope to explore during your undergraduate education at Tufts. Why do these fields of study excite you?

Please provide any additional information you would like us to consider. You may choose to share more about your family background, community, commitment to diversity and inclusion, or interest in attending Voices of Tufts. (This question is optional)

*(D) Tulane University () Fall 2026 will be posted by August 1

New Orleans, Louisiana

Mid-sized, city campus, 3.2+ GPA, mid test scores

Programs: Preview Tulane (PUT) Visit Day

Dates:

Deadline: 

To apply, please complete the PreviewTU registration form and indicate that you are applying for a travel grant. Please be prepared to include a 250-word essay about why you are interested in visiting Tulane.

*(D) Union College (2025, IP) (Fall 2026 Not Yet, June 21, 2026)

Schenectady, NYScreen Shot 2016-07-20 at 10.03.17 PM

Small private college, 3.2+ GPA, medium test scores

Getting to Know You: Sunday, October 13 – Monday, October 14, 2024

Application Deadlines:

  • Completed GTKU applications are due by Monday, September 30, 2024
  • Decisions will be emailed to all applicants by October 4,2 2024.
  • Optional online interview will be offered the evenings of October 1 and 3.

https://www.union.edu/admissions/getting-to-know-union#:~:text=Sunday%2C%20October%208%20%2D%20Monday%2C,with%20our%20Fall%20Open%20House

Application Requirements:

  • High school senior in fall 2024.
  • Residing in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland or Washington D.C. metro area.
  • B+ average or above in core high school courses (English, History, Math, Science, World Language).
  • Enrollment in challenging courses (Honors, AP, IB).
  • ACT or SAT scores may be considered. Submission of these test scores is optional.
  • Genuine interest in learning more about Union’s academic and community experience.
  • Citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
  • GTKU Application, including copy of high school transcript (with grades through junior year) and short answer question (50-100 words): Why are you interested in Union College?
  • Recommended (but optional) online interview.

*(D) University of Denver (2026, IP)

Denver, Colorado

Mid-sized, 3.3+ GPA, mid-SATs 

Programs:

The 2026 Pioneer Prep Leadership Institute 

Program Dates: July 15 – July 18, 2026

Application Deadline: closed

https://www.du.edu/admission-aid/undergraduate/pioneer-prep

*(D) University of Michigan (2026, IP)

Large public university, highly selection business school.

Program: Michigan Ross: All-Access Weekend, October 1-3, 2026

Deadlines: Submit a complete application within the application window, which is typically early March through late May

Website: https://michiganross.umich.edu/about/events/all-access-weekend

*(D) University of Pennsylvania (2026, V) 

Screen Shot 2016-07-20 at 9.46.37 PMPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Mid-sized Ivy League college, 3.7+ GPA, high test scores

Program: PEEP: Penn Early Exploration Program

Cohort 1: Wednesdays from 7-9 pm. ET. July 15-July 29, 2026

Cohort 2: Wednesdays from 7-9 pm ET. August 5-August 19, 2026

Application: June 1, 2026

How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)

http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/peep

*(D) University of Rochester (2026, IP)

Rochester, NY

Medium college, medium city, upper state NY, 3.3+ test scores, medium test scores

Program: Meliora Visit Program (MVP)

Dates: October 22-24, 2026

Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Website: https://enrollment.rochester.edu/multicultural-visitation-program/

*(D) University of Vermont (2026, IP)

Burlington, Vermont

Medium public, 3.0+ GPA, medium test scores

uvm

Discovering UVM Program Dates: Sunday, November 1 through Tuesday, November 3

Application Deadlines: October 2, 2026

Program: https://www.uvm.edu/admissions/undergraduate/discovering-uvm

*(D) University of Virginia (2026, IP and V) 

Charlottesville, Virginia

Large public university, 3.8+ GPA, high test scores

2026 HOOS First Look PROGRAM DATES AND INFORMATION:

    • In-person cohort: Saturday, September 26th, 2026
    • Virtual cohort: Saturday, October 10th, 2026

Deadlines:

  • Initial Round Applications Due: Sunday, June 28th, 2026 @ 11:59 pm EST
  • Second Round Applications Due: Sunday, August 9th, 2026 @11:59 pm EST

Outreach: https://hoosfirstlook.com/

More Information: https://hoosfirstlook.com/about#81b54329-a244-4e9e-b267-d88f3f6389b2

*(D) Washington & Lee University (2026, IP)

Lexington, Virginia

Small, rural college, 3.2+ GPA, mid-test scores

Program PATH to W&L

Website: https://www.wlu.edu/admissions/visit/path-fly-in-program

PATH 2026 Dates

  • PATH I: September 20 – 22
  • PATH II: September 27 – 29

Application Deadline: Rolling before August 2.  The application must be completed by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on August 2.

Application Opens in Mid-May

*(D) Washington University in St. Louis (2026, IP)

St. Louis, Missouri

Mid-sized, competitive admissions campus, 3.7+ GPA, mid to high test scores

How to apply:

As part of the application, you will need to:

  • Respond to a short-answer question about your academic area of interest (200-word count).
  • Submit a copy of your transcript or a list of courses and grades showing completed coursework through first semester of junior year.
  • Submit a list of confirmed or expected senior year coursework.
  • Recommended supplemental materials include a school profile and resume.

If you have new information you’d like to add to your application after you’ve submitted it (such as recent grades, new activities, etc.) you will still be able to do this through your application portal.

Applicants will be notified of their decision by May 27, 2026. Students who are not selected will still be able to register for an Academic Theme Day.

Art, Architecture, & Design, June 24 – 26

Explore WashU’s Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. Discover our distinctive opportunities in art, architecture, and design, complemented by creative thinking and a collaborative culture.

You will fly in to St. Louis on Wednesday, June 24, and fly out on Friday, June 26. On Friday, you will participate in an Academic Theme Day with other prospective students. Activities on that day will include a campus tour, an Admissions & Aid group information session, and additional Art, Architecture, and Design programming.

Business, July 8 – 10

Explore WashU’s Olin Business School. Discover our unique opportunities, experiential thinking, and collaborative culture.

You will fly in to St. Louis on Wednesday, July 8, and fly out on Friday, July 10.

On Friday, you will participate in an Academic Theme Day with other prospective students. Activities on that day will include a campus tour, an Admissions & Aid group information session, and additional Business programming.

Engineering, July 15 – 17

Explore WashU’s McKelvey School of Engineering. Learn what the engineering experience is like at WashU and how it can it can expand your lifelong opportunities.

You will fly in to St. Louis on Wednesday, July 15, and fly out on Friday, July 17.

On Friday, you will participate in an Academic Theme Day with other prospective students. Activities on that day will include a campus tour, an Admissions & Aid group information session, and additional Engineering programming.

PreMed, July 22 – 24

Explore WashU’s PreHealth programs. Learn how students are prepared for success in the application process for medical and other professional schools.

You will fly in to St. Louis on Wednesday, July 22, and fly out on Friday, July 24.

On Friday, you will participate in an Academic Theme Day with other prospective students. Activities on that day will include a campus tour, an Admissions & Aid group information session, and additional PreHealth programming.

Arts & Sciences, July 29 – 31

Explore WashU’s College of Arts & Sciences. Discover how the many majors, minors, and programs in the College of Arts & Sciences can help you apply critical and creative thinking to make your mark on the world.

You will fly in to St. Louis on Wednesday, July 29, and fly out on Friday, July 31.

On Friday, you will participate in an Academic Theme Day with other prospective students. Activities on that day will include a campus tour, an Admissions & Aid group information session, and additional Arts & Sciences programming.

Screen Shot 2016-07-20 at 9.54.29 PM*(D) Whitman College (2026 opens application opens in August)

Walla Walla, Washington

Small liberal
arts college, 3.3+ GPA, medium test scores

Program: Fall Visit Scholarship Program: Fall For Whitman Day, October 16-18, 2026

Application Deadline: Rising high school seniors and their college counselors can submit a nomination form when it opens in August.

https://www.whitman.edu/admission-and-aid/visit-whitman/visit-scholarship-program

*(D) Williams College (2026, IP)

Williamstown, Massachusetts

 Small liberal arts, rural, 3.3+ GPA, medium to high test scoreswow

Program:  Windows on Williams (WOW)

We are excited to offer two all-expenses-paid fly-in programs

Dates: Sunday, October 4 to Tuesday, October 6

Application Deadline:

Apply by August 1 and receive your decision by August 31. There are two ways to apply:

Website: https://www.williams.edu/admission-aid/wow/

Application Link: https://myadmission.williams.edu/register/?id=3b28feea-8f82-4693-ba92-fc56d84af7df

Writing Sample

WRITING SAMPLE

*Please submit an essay or paper, at least 500 words in length, written for an English or social science class during the 2024-2025 school year. If possible, please include the essay prompt at the top of your submission. The paper can be on any topic you choose, but should showcase your best writing, thinking, and analytical ability.

If you do not have an essay or paper that meets these criteria, you may instead answer one of the prompts below with a 500-word essay. Which essay would you like to submit?