Columbia - Fly-In Opportunity

On behalf of Columbia Undergraduate Admissions and the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network, we are pleased to inform you about the STARS Fly-In at Columbia. As a counselor and advisor, we invite you to share this opportunity with one or two of your outstanding seniors from small towns or rural areas. Your students may apply for this selective program via our online application, and the deadline is Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

The STARS Fly-In was created to encourage high-achieving high school seniors from rural and small town backgrounds to explore an undergraduate education in New York City at Columbia. This year, the STARS Fly-In will take place from Saturday, October 19, to Monday, October 21, 2024.

Program highlights include:

• 100% funding: Columbia will fund and arrange hotel and travel accommodations, including air, rail and ground transportation, for the student and one parent/guardian. All meals and snacks during the program will be provided for the student as well.

• A world-class education: Students will learn more about our century-old Core Curriculum and experience one if its transformative discussions for themselves.

• Inside look at life as a Columbian: Students will experience campus life and meet current students, including members of our Rural Recruitment Committee who also come from rural areas and small towns.

• The NYC advantage: Students will explore New York City and learn about the cultural, professional, research and intellectual opportunities at our doorstep.

• Understanding the admissions process: Students will participate in comprehensive college admissions and financial aid workshops conducted by Columbia Undergraduate Admissions and Columbia Financial Aid & Educational Financing staff.

The STARS Fly-In is designed for high-achieving high school seniors who have:

• Exemplary academic records

• Genuine appreciation for the vibrant Columbia community, which brings together students with varied lived experiences 

• Primarily grown up in rural areas or small towns that are underserved in higher education, especially those students who have not previously visited New York City.

Due to the selectivity and limited size of the program, a school-issued transcript is required to apply. Unofficial copies, such as those provided by a counselor or printed from an online grades portal, are sufficient to apply.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Please direct your students to our website to learn more if they are interested in applying. Students selected for the program will be notified in late September.