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Bridges Program Application FAQs

Applying to the Bridges Program

What is the Bridges Program?

The Bridges Program is an engaging experience that provides an inside look at Miami University to prospective first-generation students or students with demonstrated financial need, allowing them to engage with our current students, faculty, and staff.

Who can apply to the Bridges Program?

The Bridges Program is intended for high-achieving high school seniors who identify as first-generation college students (students whose parents or guardians have not earned a four-year college degree), and/or students who demonstrate financial need based on household income or other economic indicators. While all high school seniors are welcome to apply, preference is given to those who meet one or both of these criteria. 

How do I apply?

You can apply using our online application on your Applicant Status Page. You will be prompted to create an account prior to starting the application if you have not already done so. In addition to the application, you will also need to provide us with a transcript (it can be unofficial) OR a copy of your junior and senior year classes. More information regarding the application requirements can be found via the Bridges Program website.  

How do I know which Bridges Program session to apply for?

You should register for the session that suits your schedule best, but you should also be aware that transportation will be provided only to and from the cities listed for that session. If you want to participate in a session for which transportation is not provided from the city closest to where you live, you CAN do so but will have to provide your own transportation to and from Miami University. Priority consideration will be given to students who live near a city to and from which Miami provides transportation and who apply for that respective session.

How will I know you received my application?

You will receive notification via email once we have received your completed application. You are responsible for ensuring we receive all parts of your Bridges Program application. You will be able to see which parts of your application that we have and have not yet received by checking your Applicant Status Page.

Please note, if you have initiated your Common App for admission to Miami University in addition to having a Bridges application, you will have two checklists on your Applicant Status Page — one for each application. When you log in to your Applicant Status Page, you will see the status of your most recent application. To view the status of the other application, please use the dropdown menu in the upper right hand corner just above your checklist.

How will I know if I have been admitted to the Bridges Program?

Your Bridges Program application decision will be sent via email no later than Sept. 27 for students applying for Session 1, Oct. 4 for students applying for Session 2, and Oct. 11 for students applying for Sessions 3 and 4. Your decision will also be available on your Applicant Status Page. Priority consideration will be given to students who live near a city to and from which Miami provides transportation and who apply for that respective session. If you have any questions/concerns, please email us at admission@MiamiOH.edu or call 513-529-2531. Please check your email frequently as all communication regarding this program will be electronic. 

How is financial need determined?

Financial need is assessed based on household income and other economic indicators, such as eligibility for public assistance or participation in TRIO or similar support programs. No official financial documents are required at the time of application. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to apply and include any relevant context in your application.

Can I apply if I’m not a first-generation college student or don’t demonstrate financial need?

Yes. All high school seniors are able to apply, but space is limited, and preference is given to students who meet one or both of those criteria. 

Preparing for the Program

How much does it cost to participate?

The program does not have a fee associated with it. Transportation is provided from certain cities based on the session. For those out-of-state students who attend Session 4, flight travel will be reimbursed up to $300 or mileage up to $200. 

What do I do after I am admitted?

You will need to follow the directions in your email notification, which will include confirmation forms. Once we receive your confirmation forms, you will receive a "confirmation received" email message. Please check your email frequently as all communication regarding this program will be electronic. 

How do I send my confirmation materials to you?

Detailed information regarding the confirmation process will be included in your acceptance email notification.

What should I bring with me?

Since this is an overnight program, you will need to pack an overnight bag of clothing and basic toiletries. Since students stay in a hotel, bedding and towels are not necessary. More information and a packing list will be available well in advance of your program date. Please do not bring more than you can carry!

Do you offer programming for family members and other guests during the program?

We offer optional programming for family members and guests on Sunday following check-in. This consists of a Q&A session with admission staff and a tour of campus, and it is separate from student programming. Guest programming will conclude by 4 p.m. We do not offer programming for guests on Monday.

Please note that family members and guests are not able to accompany the participating student during the program. Additionally, Miami only provides transportation and lodging for the participating student. Thus, any family members and guests will need to arrange for their own lodging and facilitate their own transportation to and from campus. This includes transportation to and from the Cincinnati and Dayton airports.

Where will I stay?

Students will stay in a hotel where current students will serve as corridor ambassadors.

Will I have a roommate?

Yes, students will be assigned a roommate.

How will I know who my host is?

Ambassadors will be assigned by the Office of Admission. You will meet your ambassador on Sunday evening.

Where can my family/guests stay if they accompany me?

Family members and other guests are welcome to arrange their own accommodations. We have a number of restaurants near campus as well.

What meals are provided?

We will be providing snacks at check-in, dinner on Sunday, and breakfast and lunch on Monday for participating students. 

Transportation to the Program

How will I travel to and from campus?

Session 1: Oct. 26-27
Bus transportation will be provided from and to Akron and Columbus.

Session 2: Nov. 2-3
Bus transportation will be provided from and to Chillicothe, Cincinnati, and Toledo.

Session 3: Nov. 9-10
Bus transportation will be provided from and to Cleveland and Dayton.

Session 4: Nov. 16-17
Bus transportation will be provided from and to the Cincinnati and Dayton airports.

What time(s) will transportation be provided for the sessions?

Pick-up and drop-off locations and times will be provided in early October.

What if I don't want to fly into or depart from the Cincinnati or Dayton airport?

You are more than welcome to fly in or out of any airport you choose. Unfortunately, we are only able to provide transportation to and from the airports located in Cincinnati and Dayton. Several transportation options are available for pick-up and drop-off services (for a fee).

What if I am unable to attend the session for which transportation is being provided?

You may apply to attend another session; however, you must provide your own transportation to and from Miami University.

Fee Waiver for Applying to Miami University

How do I get my admission application fee waiver?

In order to receive the admission application fee waiver, you must successfully complete the Bridges Program. Once you do, your record is updated, and the fee for your admission application is automatically waived. When you apply to Miami University-Oxford, you will need to select the Bridges Program fee waiver option on Miami's member questions on the admission application.

How do I get the fee waiver if I'm applying to Miami as an "Early Decision" candidate?

As an Early Decision applicant, we ask that you do not submit your admission application fee until after you have received your Bridges Program decision. If you are admitted to Bridges, we will waive the fee. If you are denied admission to the Bridges Program or choose to not participate, you must contact our office so that we can provide an extension for submitting the admission application fee.

What if I already paid the Miami University–Oxford application fee in addition to completing the Bridges program?

If you have already paid the application fee, you must notify the Office of Admission at admission@MiamiOH.edu immediately after completing the program in order to receive a refund. The fee cannot be refunded after 120 days.

Can I use the fee waiver at one of Miami's regional campuses?

No. The application fee waiver is valid for enrollment at the main campus in Oxford, Ohio, only.

Bridges Program Scholarship

How do I get the scholarship, and will I receive the scholarship for all four years of college?

Students who successfully complete the Bridges Program and apply, are admitted, and enroll full time at Miami's Oxford campus for fall 2026 will be considered for a Bridges Program scholarship. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years if you maintain a 2.50 GPA at Miami University.

Am I able to combine this scholarship with other Miami scholarships?

Yes