It's never too early in your high school career to begin considering college as an option. Opportunity at Iowa provides programs and services that help students not just with the nuts-and-bolts of college—costs, requirements, applications, etc.—but also with planning for the experience of college.

We understand at a basic level that choosing college—choosing to attend, selecting an institution—is often about the ability to see yourself on campus and in the classroom, happy and succesful. We've found that for the students we work with, the best way for them to see themselves at the University of Iowa is to come visit. The University offers campus tours through the OI office, as well as a number of camps and extended-stay opportunities.

If you are a high school student, and you're interested in learning more about the University of Iowa, please contact us at opportunity@iowa.edu or call (319) 335-3555.

About Opportunity at Iowa

The charge of Opportunity at Iowa is to first recruit, and then support students from under-represented minority groups through a successful experience at The University of Iowa. For more information, see our About OI page.

Campus Visits

If you're interested in college and you're considering The University of Iowa, the best way to find out that the Iowa is right for you is to come visit.

Opportunity at Iowa Campus Visits

Applying to The University of Iowa

If you're considering applying to the University, take a look at our extensive Admissions Web site. There you'll find everything from hard facts to videos to our online application system.

University of Iowa Undergraduate Admissions

If you have questions about Admissions, you can contact the Admissions office through the Ask Us section of their Web site. You can also contact OI staff through our main numbers.

Programs for High School Students

If you're looking for an opportunity beyond what's available in high school, Opportunity at Iowa and The Univeristy of Iowa offer a wide range of programs for high school students of all ages. These programs offer an excellent educational opportunity, as well as the chance to get a feel for the college and UI experience.

Iowa Junior Science and Humanities Symposium - The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium is a research symposium where students get an opportunity to hear their peers present research.  In addition, students and teachers tour cutting-edge research facilities and attend faculty presentations on a variety of topics.

Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics Enhancement Program - SECME is a national strategic alliance to renew and strengthen the professional capacity of K-12 educators, motivate and mentor students, and empower parents so that all students can learn and achieve at higher levels.

Iowa First Nations Summer Program - The Iowa First Nations Summer Program is a three-week residential life science program at the University of Iowa that focuses on the environment, the health sciences, and the relationship between science and Native American cultures.

Secondary Student Training Program - In this program, students conduct scientific research under the guidance of a faculty mentor.  Students spend approximately 40 hours per week researching a field of interest to them, culminating in a formal abstract summarizing their 6 weeks of research.

The Life Science Summer Program - This program provides students hands-on laboratory training and classroom instruction covering a wide range of topics in the area of developmental biology.

National Summer Institute in Forensics - A nationally recognized forensics program, this summer institute cutting edge training by some of the most talented teachers and coaches of forensics in the nation.

All-State Music Camp - The All-State Music Camp (ASMC) offers students musical training and experience beyond that available in their home schools, including group instruction, master classes, and classroom instruction in most phases of vocal and instrumental music.

High School Journalism Workshops - Six different workshops held on the Univeristy of Iowa campus, each one focused on a different aspect of journalism and taught by University of Iowa Faculty and local professionals.

Iowa Young Writers' Studio - Join us this summer when young writers from across the country come together to share their work, practice craft, and improve their writing. Find out just how much you can improve your own writing with two weeks of intensive focus.

Becoming an OI Scholar

Opportunity at Iowa scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students from under-represented minorities who have a demonstrated track record of academic success. These scholarships not only provide needed financial assistance, but also pull students into a supportive community of faculty, students and staff.

Information on the OI Scholars Program

Information for Parents

Considering college for your child is a daunting prospect for any parent, even those who've gone to college or have already sent older kids to college. It may seem like just yesterday that they were falling asleep in their oatmeal. But the time between now and high school graduation will probably go by just as quickly.

Support from parents can prove a critical factor in a student's collegiate success. Opportunity at Iowa and The University of Iowa offer several resources to help parents with the planning and transition for college:

UI Admissions College Prep Guide
Parents Section in the University Admissions Site
UI Parents Association
The University page for Parents and Visitors

If you have question about OI or The University of Iowa, please contact us at opportunity@iowa.edu or call us at (319) 335-3555.