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 various diverse identities 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. 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 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.
Preparing for the Program
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.
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 will be sleeping in a residence hall room. 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!
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.
Students will stay in a Miami University residence hall or receive accommodations in a hotel where current students will serve as corridor ambassadors.
Ambassadors will be assigned by the Office of Admission. You will meet your ambassador on Sunday evening.
Family members and other guests are welcome to arrange their own accommodations. We have a number of restaurants near campus as well.
We will be providing snacks at check-in, dinner on Sunday, and breakfast and lunch on Monday for participating students.
Transportation to the Program
Session 1: Oct. 20-21
Bus transportation will be provided from and to Akron and Columbus.
Session 2: Nov. 3-4
Bus transportation will be provided from and to Chillicothe, Cincinnati, and Toledo.
Session 3: Nov. 10-11
Bus transportation will be provided from and to Cleveland and Dayton.
Session 4: Nov. 17-18
Bus transportation will be provided from and to the Cincinnati and Dayton airports.
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; 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 admission@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 2025 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.
