STARS@MIT: Small-Town and Rural Students Fly-In 2025
A fully funded, three-day program for U.S. high school juniors from rural and small-town communities. STARS@MIT will take place in October 2025 and is designed for U.S. high school juniors from small-town and rural communities who are curious about college life at MIT.
The STARS (Small-Town and Rural Students) program is part of the STARS College Network, a coalition of top colleges and universities working together to support students from rural and small-town backgrounds as they explore higher education opportunities.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a place like MIT could be for someone like you—STARS@MIT is here to help you find out.
Program Overview
The STARS Fly-In will begin in the afternoon on October 16th, and conclude in the afternoon on October 18th.During your three days on campus, you’ll:
- Stay in a residence hall with a current MIT student
- Explore labs, classrooms, and makerspaces
- Take a deep dive into student life at MIT
- Tour Cambridge and Boston with fellow rural/small-town students (yes, we’ll even teach you how to ride the T!)
- Attend workshops on admissions specifically geared to help rural and small-town students navigate the college admissions process
- Reflect on your identity, community, and future goals
Along the way, you’ll connect with current undergraduates from rural and small-town backgrounds and experience firsthand what makes MIT such a dynamic and inclusive place to learn.
Travel, accommodations, and meals
MIT covers the cost of round-trip transportation, housing, and meals for all selected participants. Once students are admitted to the program and confirm their attendance, MIT will coordinate and book all travel through our travel partners. Please do not make your own travel arrangements. Students are hosted overnight in an MIT residence hall by a current undergraduate student. We will ask about your preferences before assigning a host. All meals will be provided throughout the program.
Who should apply?
We encourage applications from U.S. high school juniors who:
- Live in a rural or small-town community
- Are intellectually curious, community-minded, and excited to learn
- Have a strong interest in STEM, especially at the intersection with the humanities
- May attend schools with limited access to AP/IB courses, advanced coursework, or college counseling
What you'll need for the application
Applications for the Fall 2025 STARS@MIT Fly-In will open in June. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern Time and decisions will be released in late August/early September. There is no application fee. A complete application includes:
- Basic personal and academic information
- An unofficial high school transcript
- One recommendation from a teacher or counselor
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Responses to short-answer questions, including:
- The STARS College Network believes it is essential to recognize and cherish the unique aspects of rural and small-town communities across America. Describe a significant aspect of your community, background, or identity that you believe is essential to understanding your personal journey. Please share your story here in 350 words or less.
- What is something you appreciate about your rural or small-town community? How has that shaped your educational journey thus far?
- What major are you interested in? Why does this major/department at MIT interest you most? How does this major/department contribute to your interest in STEM (the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)?
- What are you hoping to learn or experience during this program? How will you bring back what you learn to your community?
How to apply in three easy steps
- Create your account in our application system
- Complete the STARS@MIT application once it opens in June. You can save your progress and return as needed.
- Submit your application by July 31, 2025. We'll notify all applicants in late August or early September.