Episode 58: First Gen Fly-Ins

College Process

Aug 28

Written By HTC

In this episode, Cody sits down with three first gens to discuss the importance of visiting a college and specifically, fly-in opportunities where colleges transport students to their campus and host them for a series of tours and events.

Fly-ins are a unique visiting opportunity where colleges will transport a student to their campus, host them, and provide informative and engaging programming such as campus tours, student panels, networking and more - all free of cost! Visiting a college and determining fit and comfort level is super important, especially for First Gens. In this episode, you’ll hear from three first gens about their visiting experience, the importance of those experiences and how Fly-Ins can be an incredible resource to other First Gens.

In this episode you will hear from:

Jessenia, a recent HS Senior, who found out about Fly-In programs as a Sophomore in HS and took advantage of visiting options at colleges/universities. Before learning about various first gen visiting opportunities, she never realized the importance of visiting a college or even imagined she would ever go to college out of state.
Stephanie, a rising Junior in college, who was looking to pursue college in another area of the country. She ended up visiting her college because it came up in a search and the experience she had visiting the campus sealed the deal for her as a prospective student. She now is involved with First Gen efforts on her campus and is Communications Chair of the student-run visit program Hoos First Look.
Brandon, a college graduate, who didn't envision leaving his local area for college until he applied and received the Questbridge scholarship, which allowed him to pursue the Univ. of Virginia. He’s very passionate about increasing access to visiting experiences for prospective students, especially First Gens. He was also a part of the founding group for the Hoos First Look fly-in program.

Thanks again to today’s guests - Jessenia, Stephanie and Brandon, for sharing their stories and experiences with our audience. And thank you for tuning in to How to College for first-gens! After listening to our distinguished guests, you probably picked up on how important visiting a college was to their college exploration and eventual decision processes. Stepping foot on a campus, regardless of if you enjoyed your time or not, can be a valuable experience in determining what is the right fit for you. As First Gens, these fly-in opportunities provide the opportunity to do so when otherwise we may not. Please see links below to resources featuring First Gen Fly-Ins. And for those interested in Hoos First Look, make sure to apply today, as the deadline is right around the corner!

Below are some resources as well: