WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
Student: College Expedition offers high school students nationwide an opportunity to tour a diverse range of colleges, interact with Ismaili peers, and engage with mentors who aim to guide you through the college application process. By applying to College Expedition USA, you’ll not only get a chance to submit an application that resembles real life college applications, but, upon acceptance, you will have the opportunity to discover your best fit by immersing yourself in different college environments.
Mentor: As a mentor, you'll have the rewarding opportunity to contribute to the Ismaili community and share your valuable insights with high school students. Getting involved with the College Expedition program will allow you to engage in meaningful service and extend your personal and professional network.
Mentor: As a mentor, you'll have the rewarding opportunity to contribute to the Ismaili community and share your valuable insights with high school students. Getting involved with the College Expedition program will allow you to engage in meaningful service and extend your personal and professional network.
What value can I gain from College Expedition in my college application process?
College Expedition gives you the opportunity to tour renowned universities in the U.S. By exploring college campuses with CE, you gain access to individuals directly affiliated with these schools who can help answer any questions you have. As you learn more about these schools through tours, panels, and other informational sessions, you can apply this knowledge to craft your college essays. This shows admissions officers that you have clearly demonstrated interest in the school and have gone above and beyond to learn more. We also aim to connect you with mentors and peers who will support you throughout high school, your college application and selection process, and well into the future.
During your trip, you will be dive into crucial topics such as Financial Aid, Essay Writing, and navigating the Common Application. Through this program, we hope to encourage self-discovery and introspection so that you can leave the weekend focused on your goals, interests, and purpose. These insights will have a significant influence on the colleges you choose to apply to and attend, which will extend into your life beyond education. The more you invest in the program, the more you will gain! Your active participation in all that CE has to offer will determine what you take away from the weekend.
During your trip, you will be dive into crucial topics such as Financial Aid, Essay Writing, and navigating the Common Application. Through this program, we hope to encourage self-discovery and introspection so that you can leave the weekend focused on your goals, interests, and purpose. These insights will have a significant influence on the colleges you choose to apply to and attend, which will extend into your life beyond education. The more you invest in the program, the more you will gain! Your active participation in all that CE has to offer will determine what you take away from the weekend.
What can I expect during the weekend of College Expedition as a student or mentor?
Students: As a student at College Expedition, you will step foot on multiple college campuses, meet Ismailis peers and mentors from across the country, and participate in shared meals and lively activities. You will also connect with a network of young professionals and college students who are eager to offer their guidance! You'll have opportunities to ask questions on topics like college admissions, career selection, personal development, and more! It’s important to note that while all CE programs share fundamental elements such as tours and content sessions, each Expedition may add their own unique touch to programming based on available resources.
Mentors: As a mentor, you'll play an important role in building and delivering content sessions on essential topics ranging from navigating college admissions to aiding in career selection to fostering personal development. You will also experience college tours with your mentees and develop meaningful connections with Ismaili mentees and other volunteers from across the country. You will have the opportunity to share your wealth of knowledge and experiences, helping to develop the next generation of Ismailis!
Mentors: As a mentor, you'll play an important role in building and delivering content sessions on essential topics ranging from navigating college admissions to aiding in career selection to fostering personal development. You will also experience college tours with your mentees and develop meaningful connections with Ismaili mentees and other volunteers from across the country. You will have the opportunity to share your wealth of knowledge and experiences, helping to develop the next generation of Ismailis!
Will the application deadline be extended?
Barring a highly unexpected catastrophic event, the application deadline will not be extended. Please be sure to submit your application on time. We hope to start preparing you by mirroring the policy of strict college application deadlines!
Which colleges could I tour during CE?
Here are cities and colleges we’ve previously visited or have strongly considered:
Atlanta/Raleigh-Durham, Atlanta/Nashville
Atlanta/Raleigh-Durham, Atlanta/Nashville
- Georgia Tech, Emory, University of Georgia, Vanderbilt, SCAD, Duke
- Harvard, Boston University, Boston College, MIT, Tufts, Babson, Northeastern, Brown
- UPenn, Johns Hopkins, Drexel, Georgetown, George Washington University
- UChicago, Notre Dame, UIUC, Northwestern, UMichigan
- Yale, Columbia, New York University, Rutgers
- UC Berkeley, UC Davis, San Jose State University, San Francisco University, San Francisco State University, UC Santa Clara, Stanford University,
- USC, UCLA, UC Irvine, Pomona, Harvey Mudd, LMU
- UT, A&M, UH, Baylor
What happens if I use AI on my application?
Responses need to be in your own words. You may leverage AI for inspiration, but the responses must be written with your own, original voice.
How does College Expedition view the role of families as their students apply to the program?
You are your student’s cheerleader! Guide them as they seek out valuable resources and programs, such as College Expedition, to help them find the college that is their best fit. Aid your students as they research the schools we’ll be visiting during College Expedition and have conversations with them about what they’re hoping to gain from the program. Lastly, encourage them to start their applications early!
Are only Ismailis eligible to apply for College Expedition?
Yes, College Expedition USA is open to only Ismaili students and mentors.
Can Ismaili students from other countries apply for College Expedition?
At this time, students from Canada are eligible to apply in addition to students from the U.S.
Any advice for students applying to College Expedition for the first time?
We’re so excited you’re interested in College Expedition! Be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the application - no waiting until the last minute! We’d love to get an understanding of your goals and aspirations, so be transparent and specific in your application responses. You should be able to clearly share what you’d like to learn from this experience.
Can students apply for College Expedition if they’ve already attended before?
Absolutely! If you are applying as a returning student, focus on what new insights you’d like to gain from this additional College Expedition experience and what extra value this College Expedition would provide for you in your college application process.
How much does College Expedition cost, and what does this cover?
The cost of College Expedition can be found on the application. This covers lodging, transportation, snacks, and most meals.
We want to ensure all our selected students and volunteers can participate, so please communicate with our staff if the cost of Expedition is of concern. If you have a genuine need for financial aid, please email [email protected].
We want to ensure all our selected students and volunteers can participate, so please communicate with our staff if the cost of Expedition is of concern. If you have a genuine need for financial aid, please email [email protected].
How are student and mentor applications graded?
Student and mentor applications are each scored twice based on a standardized rubric, and the average of scores is a factor used to determine decisions. Applications are graded blindly - there is no connection to your name or region. Mentors undergo an additional 20-minute interview with the Local Project Team.
