Some Colleges Will Fly You In to Visit for Free. Yes, Really!
It might sound too good to be true, but we promise, it’s real.
We all know that a crucial part of the college application process is figuring out what schools you’d actually like to apply to in the first place. While a website can tell you a lot about a school’s stats and offerings, actually visiting the campus can totally change your perception and turn it from an uninteresting prospect to a dream school—or vice versa.
But hopping on a cross-country flight just for a quick visit isn’t exactly realistic for many families. Travel expenses add up, and once you throw a few schools into the mix, it can seem pretty much impossible.
That’s where fly-ins come in!
What Are Fly-Ins?
Fly-ins are short-visit programs that allow students to get a taste of what a college has to offer, usually over the span of a couple of days. For most fly-ins, travel expenses, lodging, and meals are all often covered at no cost to the student. These programs are generally designed to serve first-gen students, students from underrepresented backgrounds, or students who might not otherwise be able to visit.
Fly-ins give students the opportunity to really get a feel for the atmosphere of a school, as well as interact with students and faculty. There’s lots to learn even by just observing. Do the students there look happy or stressed? Does the campus feel comfortable? Is it easy to find your way around? These things are important when you think about committing the next few years of your life to a place!
Why Do Fly-Ins Matter?
The cost of travel is a big barrier for a lot of students, but fly-ins shrink that barrier. When a student attends a fly-in, they get so much more than just a tour of the campus. Seeing student life in action, checking out housing, talking to admissions, and experiencing the school as a whole can be a huge advantage in seeing if it’s the right fit for you. If a school happens to track demonstrated interest in their application process, attending their fly-in can be a point in your favor, too. Plus, it all gives you a little more material to work with when it comes to writing your application essays.
Of course, there are still many ways to get to know a campus even if you’re not accepted into a school’s fly-in program. However, fly-ins are amazing opportunities that students should still try to take advantage of, especially if the cost of travel might prohibit a college visit otherwise.
What Schools Offer Fly-Ins?
Quite a few, actually! You can check out this handy link to see a running list (as well as deadlines) for 2026. We all know things can change, so be sure to confirm details on the college’s official website! Make sure to research the schools on your school list, too, to see if they offer any sort of comparable or virtual program.
What Should I Do to Get Fly-In Ready?
As you might imagine, a deal this sweet means that fly-in programs are highly competitive. But don’t lose hope! Care and attention to detail can make or break an application. Take a breath, take your time, and make sure you’re ready when the deadline rolls around.
Fly-in applications are all a little bit different. You might be asked to provide:
· Transcripts for grades 9–11
· Your senior year course schedule
· Letters of recommendation
· An activities list or resume
· SAT or ACT scores (this is often optional, but sometimes not)
· Short-answer essays (hint: if you’ve done any writing about your academic interests and why they matter to you, you’ll be ahead of the game for many of these!)
Many applications are due during the summer, but keep an eye out for programs with due-dates in the spring and fall. Shoot your shot for as many as you can—you never know where you’ll land, and what you stand to learn!