FAST FAQs

About the Application Process

Is there a fee to attend FAST?

FAST is free to all students! If you are invited to our program we will pay for your flight, lodging and meals while you stay with us. No cost to you at all!

Who should apply to FAST?

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

Can undocumented students apply to FAST?

Undocumented students are welcome to apply to FAST although ultimately they would apply for first-year admission to HMC and need-based financial aid as international students. Our funding for international student financial aid is limited.

How do I apply?

See the Applying to FAST page to learn about the application process.

May I ask for a deadline extension? Could I submit some of the required materials after the deadline?

Given the level of interest in the FAST program, we are unable to grant extensions. Similarly, we are unable to accept materials submitted after the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Will there be an additional round of applications for the second program?

Most years we are able to re-open our application after the August deadline for students that remain interested in the second program. This, however, is not guaranteed. We will not make this decision until after the August deadline. We encourage interested students to apply now, as we cannot be certain there will be a second application round.

About FAST Decisions

How many students are invited to FAST?

Each FAST program will have around 50 students.

When will I be notified about my FAST application?

Students will receive an email notification with a decision within 10 business days following the application deadline. All FAST correspondence is done via email, so make sure you enter a valid email address in the online application form.

What if I’m not invited to the program?

Given the small size of the program, we are unable to accommodate every interested student. Unfortunately we end up turning down most of the very talented students that apply to FAST every year. Please know that a negative decision from us is a result of our space and budget constraints, and not due to lack of confidence in you as a potential first-year applicant. FAST application results have no effect on your first-year HMC application.

If you are not invited to join FAST, you should absolutely still consider applying to HMC for first-year admission, and if time permits, virtually engage with us.