How Diversity Fly-In Programs Helped me Narrow Down my College Search

I started out my junior year of high school having a vague idea of what colleges I thought were the best fit for me. Was I interested in big research universities or small liberal arts colleges? Was I interested in colleges far from home or in state colleges, which would also have a relatively cheaper cost of attendance than out of state schools? The list of questions was profound. As the year went by, I learned more information from a fellow first generation college student about her experience applying and attending diversity programs, or “fly-in” programs. 

These programs—typically held in the fall for high school seniors—give first generation, low income students a chance to fly into a college or university at no cost. The college pays for airfare, lodging, food, etc. Be mindful that any miscellaneous expenses such as souvenirs must be paid out of pocket. 

You have standards and that’s why this type of programming exists. It allows you to explore a school’s academic, social, and physical environment before you submit an application to their school. 

Not only does your application show demonstrated interest, but admittance will give you direct contact with admissions officers so that they know your face when reading your application to that school. You can also meet students from across the U.S. who come from similar backgrounds as you, which is both reassuring and motivating. 

I attended fly in programs in fall of 2021 so everything was in a virtual format to accommodate the pandemic. Although the crux of the program is to be flown out to the school, I still learned a lot about the schools whose programs I attended: Pomona College, Middlebury College, and Williams College. 

I learned about the dynamics of the Claremont college system and how Pomona is integrated into it. I learned about Middlebury’s many language schools around the world. And I learned about Williams’ winter study program to keep students engaged during their breaks. 

Diversity fly in programs applications are typically released in the early summer months and although deadlines vary from college to college, they mostly occur in the late summer months or in the early fall.

If you have any questions about fly in programs, please email ccri@cornell.edu and you will get a response from someone about their experience and additional answers to your questions.