What are college fly-ins?

I've heard some people talking about college fly-ins, and I'm curious about what they are. Can anyone explain what college fly-ins are and how they might benefit me during the college application process?

College fly-ins are programs organized by various colleges and universities to provide prospective students, typically underrepresented or low-income applicants, with an opportunity to visit their campus for a few days. These fly-ins are designed to give you an immersive experience on the college campus, as you'll have the chance to attend classes, tour campus facilities, stay in a dorm with a current student, interact with professors, and engage with other admitted students. It's a valuable opportunity to experience the campus culture and academic environment firsthand.

Apart from benefiting from a hands-on college visit, participating in college fly-ins has several advantages during the college application process, such as:

1. Demonstrating Interest: Attending a fly-in shows the college that you are genuinely interested in their institution, which could potentially strengthen your application.

2. Making Informed Decisions: The experience helps you get a sense of whether the college aligns with your priorities, values, and lifestyle, enabling you to make better-informed decisions when applying or deciding where to attend.

3. Networking: Fly-ins often provide opportunities to connect with current students, faculty members, and admissions representatives, which might prove beneficial while seeking advice or recommendations during the application process.

4. Financial Assistance: Many colleges offer to cover most, if not all, of the travel expenses associated with attending the fly-in, making it more accessible for low-income or underrepresented students who might otherwise find it challenging to visit the campus.

Keep in mind that many fly-ins require you to submit an application, usually separate from the regular college application. Thus, it's essential to research the colleges you're interested in, check for any fly-in programs they offer, and take note of deadlines.