Visiting the campuses of prospective colleges is a critical part of the application process. But some visits are easier to make than others. What can you do if you are unable to travel to a school that’s further away? Check to see if the college has opportunities for fly-in programs.

What is a fly-in program? It is a program hosted by a college or university that provides prospective high school students to visit the campus. These programs are usually free, and serve as a great opportunity for visiting students to learn more about the school’s academic programs and experience campus life.

Do all fly-in programs require an application? Many, if not all of these programs require the completion of an application and submission of a recommendation letter.

Is it true that students who are accepted to fly in colleges are more likely to be accepted for admission?  For some schools, being accepted into a fly-in program suggests that the school is very interested in you as an applicant. However, a student should continue to express interest in that particular school by maintaining contact with the college’s admissions office and taking additional tours of the college, if possible.

Do the majority of campuses offer a fly-in program? How can students find out more about these programs? There are a number of colleges and universities that offer specific academic program and/or diversity fly-in programs for prospective students. To learn more about potential fly-in programs and their academic deadlines, please check out the following link: http://getmetocollege.org/hs/tag/fly-in-programs.

Here are four potential options to get started:Bowdoin College will be hosting their “Explore Bowdoin” program twice this fall. The first  session is Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 21 and the second is from Thursday, October 23 through Sunday, October 26. This program is an all-expense paid visit for talented low-income and/or multicultural students to not only experience dorm life with current students, but personally interview for acceptance into Bowdoin College. The application deadlines are Monday, August 25 or Monday, September 22. To apply or learn more about this opportunity please visit: http://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/explore/.