Please join us at our upcoming STARS College Network events! We offer a wide variety of virtual sessions and local programs for students and parents, covering everything from starting the college search process to planning financially for a college education.
Virtual Event
STARS Virtual Panel: Mock Application Review & Case Studies
September 16th 2025, 7:00 pm CDT
Join representatives from Yale University, University of Alabama, Stanford University, and Columbia University to get a sneak peek at what your college application will look like and learn some tips and tricks on how to approach your own college application process.
Host: Columbia University in the City of New York, The University of Alabama, Stanford University, Yale UniversityVirtual Event
College Board BigFuture Live: College Planning for Rural and Small-Town Students
September 24th 2025, 7:00 pm CDT
Are you ready to take the next step towards your college dreams? Join BigFuture and the STARS College Network for an event tailored specifically for students from rural and small-town communities. We'll cover everything you need to know about college planning, including:
How to choose the right college for you
Navigating the application process
Understanding financial aid and scholarships
Tips for thriving in a new environment
Don't miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and start planning your future today!
Host: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Arizona, The University of Texas at AustinVirtual Event
STARS Virtual College Fair
October 7th 2025, 7:00 pm CDT
Join all 32 STARS Network partner colleges and universities to discover the exceptional opportunities all of our schools have to offer through a virtual college fair!
Host: Amherst College, Auburn University, Berkeley, Brown University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Case Western Reserve University, Colby College, Columbia University in the City of New York, Dartmouth College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Notre Dame, SMU, Spelman College, Stanford University, The Ohio State University, The University of Alabama, The University of Iowa, University of Arkansas, University of Denver, University of South Carolina, University of Southern California, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, Yale University, The University of Chicago, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Maryland College Park, University of ArizonaVirtual Event
STARS@MIT: Applying to College as a Small-Town or Rural Student
October 22nd 2025, 7:30 pm EDT
Learn about navigating the college admissions process and highlighting your unique strengths as a student from a small-town or rural area. There'll also be an opportunity to ask questions and speak with current STARS (Small-Town and Rural Student) Ambassadors at MIT!
Host: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologySTARS Near You
STARS in Lake Tahoe
September 25th 2025, 6:30 pm PDT
Join 10+ colleges and universities from the STARS College Network for an evening all about college! We’ll have a 45 minute information session on topics including application review, financial aid, and how to prepare for the college application process. Afterwards, you’ll have time to browse a mini-college fair of participating institutions from across the country!
Host: Brown University, Berkeley, Case Western Reserve University, Northwestern University, Notre Dame, Stanford University, University of Southern California, The University of Chicago, Vanderbilt UniversitySTARS Near You
STARS in Fargo, ND
September 29th 2025, 6:00 pm CDT
Join 20+ colleges and universities from the STARS College Network for an evening all about college! We’ll have a 45 minute information session on topics including application review, financial aid, and how to prepare for the college application process. Afterwards, you’ll have time to browse a mini-college fair of participating institutions from across the country!
Host: Amherst College, Brown University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Case Western Reserve University, Colby College, Columbia University in the City of New York, Dartmouth College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Northwestern University, The University of Alabama, The University of Chicago, The University of Iowa, University of Maryland College Park, Notre Dame, University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, Yale University, University of ArizonaSTARS Near You
STARS in Delano, CA
September 29th 2025, 6:00 pm PDT
Join us for the STARS (Small Town and Rural Students) Highway 99 College Tour! Admissions representatives from UC Berkeley, USC, and Stanford University will be making special stops in your area to connect with students, families, and counselors. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with three of the nation’s leading universities—all in one event! What to Expect:
Insider tips on the college admissions process
Guidance on completing the UC, CSU, Common App, and private school applications
Advice on how to maximize financial aid opportunities
Real talk about what it's like to be a small town or rural student on a big campus
Q&A with admissions staff
STARS Near You
STARS in Reedley, CA
September 30th 2025, 5:30 pm PDT
Join us for the STARS (Small Town and Rural Students) Highway 99 College Tour! Admissions representatives from UC Berkeley, USC, and Stanford University will be making special stops in your area to connect with students, families, and counselors. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with three of the nation’s leading universities—all in one event! What to Expect:
Insider tips on the college admissions process
Guidance on completing the UC, CSU, Common App, and private school applications
Advice on how to maximize financial aid opportunities
Real talk about what it's like to be a small town or rural student on a big campus
Q&A with admissions staff
STARS Near You
STARS in Sioux Falls, SD
September 30th 2025, 6:00 pm CDT
Join 20+ colleges and universities from the STARS College Network for an evening all about college! We’ll have a 45 minute information session on topics including application review, financial aid, and how to prepare for the college application process. Afterwards, you’ll have time to browse a mini-college fair of participating institutions from across the country!
Host: Amherst College, Brown University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Case Western Reserve University, Colby College, Columbia University in the City of New York, Dartmouth College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Northwestern University, The University of Alabama, The University of Chicago, The University of Iowa, University of Maryland College Park, Notre Dame, University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, Yale University, University of ArizonaSTARS Near You
STARS in Merced, CA
October 1st 2025, 6:00 pm PDT
Join us for the STARS (Small Town and Rural Students) Highway 99 College Tour! Admissions representatives from UC Berkeley, USC, and Stanford University will be making special stops in your area to connect with students, families, and counselors. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with three of the nation’s leading universities—all in one event! What to Expect:
Insider tips on the college admissions process
Guidance on completing the UC, CSU, Common App, and private school applications
Advice on how to maximize financial aid opportunities
Real talk about what it's like to be a small town or rural student on a big campus
Q&A with admissions staff
STARS Near You
STARS in Modesto, CA
October 2nd 2025, 6:30 pm PDT
Join us for the STARS (Small Town and Rural Students) Highway 99 College Tour! Admissions representatives from UC Berkeley, USC, and Stanford University will be making special stops in your area to connect with students, families, and counselors. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with three of the nation’s leading universities—all in one event! What to Expect:
Insider tips on the college admissions process
Guidance on completing the UC, CSU, Common App, and private school applications
Advice on how to maximize financial aid opportunities
Real talk about what it's like to be a small town or rural student on a big campus
Q&A with admissions staff
STARS Near You
STARS in Neosho, MO
October 21st 2025, 6:15 pm CDT
Join four universities from the STARS College Network for an evening all about college! We’ll have a 45-minute information session on topics like application review, financial aid, and how to prepare for the college application process. Afterwards, you’ll have time to browse a mini-college fair of participating institutions!
Host: Columbia University in the City of New York, Northwestern University, University of Arkansas, Washington University in St. LouisSTARS Near You
STARS in Warsaw, MO
October 22nd 2025, 6:15 pm CDT
Join four universities from the STARS College Network for an evening all about college! We’ll have a 45-minute information session on topics like application review, financial aid, and how to prepare for the college application process. Afterwards, you’ll have time to browse a mini-college fair of participating institutions!
Host: Columbia University in the City of New York, Northwestern University, University of Arkansas, Washington University in St. LouisSTARS Near You
STARS in Savannah, MO
October 23rd 2025, 6:15 pm CDT
Join four universities from the STARS College Network for an evening all about college! We’ll have a 45-minute information session on topics like application review, financial aid, and how to prepare for the college application process. Afterwards, you’ll have time to browse a mini-college fair of participating institutions!
Host: Columbia University in the City of New York, Northwestern University, University of Arkansas, Washington University in St. Louis