Connecticut College hosts two Fly-in Programs during the year: Explore brings high school seniors interested in Conn to campus in the fall, and Spring Connections brings admitted students to campus in spring. Both events are an opportunity for students who are BIPOC, first-generation college students, or have a commitment to social justice and diversity to see our campus, meet our community and participate in one of our signature admission events: a Fall Open House (Explore) or a Camel Day (Spring Connections).
Explore, Nov. 10-12, 2024
Application Deadline: Sept. 15
Application decisions will be released the last week of September.
Spring Connections, April 20-22, 2025
Application Deadline: TBD
Application decisions will be released TBD.
FAQs
Why does Conn host these programs?
Connecticut College is committed to ensuring all qualified students have access to our world-class education. We've found that bringing students who are BIPOC, first-generation college students, or have commitment to social justice and diversity to campus for overnight stays allows them to experience what we offer as they are deciding where to attend college, and so we open applications to extraordinary students across the country for these special events.
What happens during the programs?
If selected to attend a Fly-in Program, students will travel to our campus and spend two days participating in a series of informational (and fun) sessions hosted by the Office of Admission. They'll have opportunities to meet with members of our community: current students, faculty, staff and deans, including those from our Division of Institutional Equity and Inclusion and affinity groups; take tours of our hometown of New London and student spaces on campus; and join one of our admission open houses for prospective students (Explore) or admitted student days (Spring Connections).
Travel information
The Office of Admission will book travel to campus free of expense to any student who needs the support. Travel will be via train, plane or private coach. Students traveling by train or plane will be picked up at the station or airport by representatives from Connecticut College and brought to campus. All travel information will be provided to students in advance via email. Students and families may also book their own travel if desired.
- Train stations: Students traveling by train will arrive at the New London Union Station, which is only five minutes from campus.
- Airports: Students will fly into either T.F. Green Airport outside Providence, Rhode Island (PVD), or JFK Airport in New York City (JFK), depending on the availability of flights.
- Bus: Students coming from NYC or Boston may come to campus on a coach provided by Connecticut College, depending on the number of students coming from either city. Our usual vendor is Joshua’s Worldwide.
When will travel itineraries be provided?
Students should expect to receive their personal itinerary 1-2 weeks after they have been accepted to the program and submitted a confirmation form. All students will travel on the Sunday of the program. West Coast travelers should expect to leave early in the morning.
Where do students stay?
Students will stay at the SpringHill Suites By Marriott Mystic Waterford. Professional staff and student workers from the Office of Admission also stay overnight to chaperone the visiting students. Students will travel to and from campus together in a College-provided van or coach.
Allergies and accommodations
Students will be able to indicate they have allergies or need accommodations on the final response form. Those students will then receive a follow-up email to discuss/confirm any accommodations needed.
Admission decision
Selection for a Fly-in Program does not affect your admission to Connecticut College should you choose to apply. In many cases, the reason students are not selected for a program is simply limited space. We encourage students who are not selected for a Fly-in Program to participate in our other events!
Note: Any conduct issues that arise during a Fly-in Program will be noted in your application to Conn and could impact admission to the College.