Application FAQs
Applying to the Bridges Program
The Bridges Program is an overnight visit experience for high-achieving high school seniors from historically underrepresented populations or who have a commitment to promoting a deeper understanding of and appreciation for diversity. Students representing different ethnic/racial, sexual orientation and gender identity, and socioeconomic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This program introduces students to the undergraduate experience at Miami University. We know that choosing a college is about fit and match, and we want to give students a chance to experience Miami up close and personal.
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.
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 (see Question No. 16). 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.
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.
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.
Your Bridges Program application decision will be sent via email no later than September 30 for students applying for Session I, October 7 for students applying for Session II, and October 14 for students applying for Sessions III and IV. 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 (see Question No. 16). If you have any questions/concerns, please email us at outreach@MiamiOH.edu or call 513-529-2531. Please check your email frequently as all communication regarding this program will be electronic.
Preparing for the Program
The program does not have a fee associated with it. Transportation is provided from certain cities based on the session (see Question No. 16). For those out-of-state students who attend Session 4, flight/bus travel will be reimbursed up to $200 or mileage up to $300.
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.
Since this is an overnight program, you will need to pack an overnight bag and your own bedding as you may be sleeping on the floor. 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!
You are welcome to bring family members or friends with you. However, Miami University does not provide programming for family members or friends during the Bridges Program. They are welcome to explore campus on their own or sign up to attend an information session while you participate in the Bridges Program. Additionally, Miami only provides transportation and lodging for the participating student. Thus, family members and friends who accompany you 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 and the Greyhound Bus and Megabus to and from Cincinnati.
Students will stay with a current Miami student or receive accommodations in a hotel where current students will serve as corridor hosts.
Hosts will be assigned by the Office of Admission. You will meet your host on Sunday evening.
Family members and friends are welcome to arrange their own accommodations. We have a number of restaurants near campus as well.
We will be providing a snack bag and dinner on Sunday and breakfast and lunch on Monday. You will also have access to water. If you think you'll want additional snacks/drinks, you'll need to bring spending money.
| Sunday | |
|---|---|
| Arrival | 2:30 p.m. |
| Welcome | 3:15 p.m. |
| Information Session and Campus Tour | 4 p.m. |
| Myaamia Tribe and Miami University History and Relationship | 5:30 p.m. |
| Dinner and Diversity Dialogue Session | 7 p.m. |
| Social/Campus Event | 9 p.m. |
| Monday | |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7:30 a.m. |
| Student Success Panel | 8:30 a.m. |
| Academic Modules | 9:20 a.m. |
| Miami Student Resource Fair | 11:20 a.m. |
| Lunch and Closing Speaker | 12:15 p.m. |
| Departure | 1:45 p.m. |
Transportation to the Program
Session I: October 16-17
Bus transportation will be provided from and to Chillicothe and Columbus.
Session II: October 23-24
Bus transportation will be provided from and to Cincinnati and Dayton.
Session III: November 6-7
Bus transportation will be provided from and to Akron, Cleveland, and Toledo.
Session IV: November 13-14
Bus transportation will be provided from and to the Cincinnati and Dayton airports, as well as the Cincinnati Greyhound and Megabus locations.
Pick-up and drop-off locations and times will be provided in early October.
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).
You may apply to attend another session (see question No. 3); however, you must provide your own transportation to and from Miami University.
Fee Waiver for Applying to Miami University
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.
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.
If you have already paid the application fee, you must notify the Office of Admission at outreach@MiamiOH.edu immediately after completing the program in order to receive a refund. The fee cannot be refunded after 120 days.
No. The application fee waiver is valid for enrollment at the main campus in Oxford, Ohio, only.
Bridges Program Scholarship
Students who successfully complete the Bridges Program and apply, are admitted, and enroll full time at Miami's Oxford campus for fall 2023 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.
Yes.
