Future Achievers in Science and Technology (FAST)

17th Annual Future Achievers in Science and Technology (FAST) Program

The Future Achievers in Science and Technology (FAST) program is our all-expenses-paid (in other words, free for you!) overnight fly-in program for high-achieving, college-bound high school seniors who demonstrate strong potential to leave a meaningful impact within the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). During the program, students will have the opportunity to interact with current Harvey Mudd students, professors, and other high school seniors to envision a collaborative, interdisciplinary future in STEM. There will be a strong emphasis on the experiences of communities that are historically excluded from STEM, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous, or Latinx, students from low-income backgrounds, rural backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students who are first-generation to college. The 2024 program dates are September 22-24th and October 27-29th. Please note, you will only be selected for one program.

FAST participants will engage directly with our campus community through interactive and engaging sessions that explore leadership and inclusion within STEM, the Harvey Mudd College admission process, student life, academic approach, research opportunities and more.

The program is open to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who live in the United States and its territories. Interested high school seniors (or equivalent) intending to enter college in Fall 2025 are welcome to apply.

2024 FAST Application – due August 12th at 7:00 am PDT

The 2024 FAST application can be found here: https://connect.hmc.edu/register/FAST2024. Please note, you are unable to save your progress in this application, so we suggest gathering all the needed materials before you begin filling out the 2024 FAST application.

2024 FAST Application requirements:

1. Fast Application Essay (Prompt can be found in the application)
2. Unofficial transcript/report card showing all high school grades, including final junior year grades (We will accept screenshots from electronic gradebooks, scanned copies of report cards/progress reports, etc.)
3. Your resume OR a list of your extracurricular activities, honors, jobs, etc. (Learn tips from Harvey Mudd College students on how to write a resume)

2024 FAST Program Details – Sept.22–24th and Oct. 27–29th

The Future Achievers in Science and Technology (FAST) program is a two day, on-campus program. The program dates are Sept. 22-24th and Oct. 27-29th. Students that are invited to attend the FAST program will only participate in one of the two day programs and will have the opportunity to indicate which program they’d prefer to attend if admitted.

Things to know

FAST invitees will have the opportunity to:

• Attend a mixture of presentations, mock classes, lab demonstrations and makerspace activities personalized to your academic interests and led by our faculty.
• Share meaningful connections with campus leadership, staff and other community members through shared meals, advice panels and conversations.
• Gain a glimpse of student life by staying overnight in our HMC dorms with current students.
• Make lifelong friends through social events with other college-bound students who share similar passions for STEM, humanities, social sciences, the arts, leadership, inclusion and impact.
• Explore our campus and the Claremont Colleges through tours and other guided activities.
• Hear directly from our admission staff about Harvey Mudd’s distinct academic approach to liberal arts, our admissions process and the answers to your questions. 
• Complete a required virtual Admission Interview (virtual or in person to be decided).
• Receive a fee waiver for their first-year application to HMC.
• Join a long-lasting virtual community of future leaders and receive continuous program updates via our HMC FAST-Fly Discord (link will be sent directly after completing registration for FAST).

Program Impact

Camille, Class of 2021

“… for for the first time, I was able to see what it was like to be surrounded by students interested not only in STEM, but in a challenging yet collaborative environment.”

Learn more about other FAST alumni experiences in our FAST Outcomes page.

Get the word out!

Do you know someone perfect for this program? Tell them to apply!

Questions?

Check out our FAST Frequently Asked Questions page or our Applying to FAST page for additional information.

Can’t find an answer to your question? Contact the Office of Admission at admission@hmc.edu or 909.621.8011.