Columbia Undergraduate Admissions and the Small-Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network are pleased to offer the STARS Fly-In at Columbia. The STARS Fly-In is Columbia's selective three-day, two-night program designed for current high school seniors who are interested in Columbia and come from a rural area or small town. This fully funded experience includes hotel and travel arrangements for students and one parent/guardian to learn more about Columbia, explore New York City and participate in college admissions workshops.
About the STARS Fly-In at Columbia
Columbia is proud to offer an all-expenses-paid, selective program designed for high school seniors from rural areas and small towns to learn more about Columbia, higher education opportunities and the college experience in NYC. Participants will have the opportunity to meet current rural and small-town students at Columbia, explore New York City, experience elements of Columbia's century-old Core Curriculum and learn more about the college application process.
Program Details
- The STARS Fly-In will take place over three days and two nights from Saturday, October 19, to Monday, October 21, 2024 on Columbia's Morningside Heights campus in New York City.
- 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.
- Students will learn more about our century-old Core Curriculum and experience one of its transformative discussions for themselves.
- 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.
- Students will explore New York City and learn about the cultural, professional, research and intellectual opportunities at our doorstep.
- Students will participate in comprehensive college admissions and financial aid workshops conducted by Columbia Undergraduate Admissions and Columbia Financial Aid & Educational Financing staff.
How to Apply
Admission to the STARS Fly-In at Columbia is highly selective. The application is due Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Please note that all students who apply will receive a fee waiver for the general Columbia Undergraduate Admissions application process, regardless of whether they are selected for the program.
The STARS Fly-In is designed for high-achieving high school seniors who have:
- Exemplary academic records
- Genuine appreciation for the vibrant Columbia community, bringing 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.
Updated Wednesday, August 7, 2024.