At the University, the Fall semester doesn’t just bring changing leaves and the buzz of returning students; it also welcomes nearly one hundred high school seniors from underrepresented and under-resourced communities to campus.
Most of these students come to experience college life through WesExplore, the University’s fly-in program for underserved students. The program aims both to demystify the college application process and to provide students with an in-person opportunity to explore the University’s offerings. This year, it will occur from Sunday, Oct. 12 to Tuesday, Oct. 14.
WesExplore helps remove potential financial and logistical barriers by covering all travel, lodging, meals, and activities, allowing participants to focus entirely on the experience. The program’s stated goal is to attract students who attend Title I schools, come from limited-income backgrounds, or have never visited a college campus.
Until last year, the University welcomed visitors twice across the semester, hosting nearly 50 students at a time. But this year, the program held only one session, hosting 99 students in a single, expanded visit.
“Nearly 500 students applied for the 100 seats in the program,” Associate Dean of Admission Leykia Nulan said in a text message to The Argus.
This marked a record number of applications for the program, reflecting the growing national reach of the initiative and its reputation for providing meaningful access to higher education.
During their visit, participants engage with current students and peers, explore classrooms and campus resources, and learn about admissions and financial aid. They live much like University students themselves, staying in residence halls, attending classes, and taking part in campus tours, workshops, and conversations. Meals in the lively dining halls and evenings with student performances and activities give participants a chance to connect in memorable ways. Through these interactions with faculty, staff, and peers, students are able to gain a clearer understanding of what it means to be part of the campus community.
The experience often leaves a lasting impression. Many participants describe the program as their first time truly picturing themselves in a college setting. By removing financial and logistical barriers, WesExplore turns what could be an intimidating leap into a welcoming first step toward higher education.
The program’s success depends not only on planning and resources but on the students who make the University’s campus come alive. Each year, the Office of Admission seeks current student hosts to welcome visitors, open their dorms, and share their experiences. These hosts play a vital role in shaping the weekend by offering warmth, insight, and genuine connection that transforms a short visit into something unforgettable. Hosts are simply expected to offer the prospective students a place to sleep, but are encouraged to introduce the students to their favorite campus locations or allow students to shadow them as they complete their daily routines.
As WesExplore continues to grow, it stands as a crucial opportunity for students from underrepresented communities to make an informed decision about attending the University without barriers. For the students who arrive each fall, the weekend is more than just a visit. It’s an introduction to a future defined by learning, belonging, and the confidence that they, too, have a place in higher education.
“It is really exciting that we have been able to double our numbers this year,” WesExplore Host Coordinator Senica Slaton ’26 said. “We are still looking for more hosts, but I know that the Wesleyan community will come through for this important event. Especially in times like these, it’s important for us as a community to support events that encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to still apply for institutions like Wesleyan.”
This year, the Office of Admission is once again seeking student hosts for the program. Students interested may contact wesexplore@wesleyan.edu.
Raiza Goel can be reached at rgoel@wesleyan.edu.
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