Discovering UVM (DUVM) is our overnight visit program centered on expanding college access. Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, DUVM is an immersive experience for attendees who may have personal barriers to pursuing higher education to engage with UVM’s vibrant academic environment and explore the many ways students find belonging on campus.
Fall 2025 Program Dates
We are offering two sessions of Discovering UVM for Fall 2025:
- Sunday, October 26 through Tuesday, October 28
- Sunday, November 2 through Tuesday, November 4
Who Should Apply?
All students who live in the United States and are entering their final year of high school (class of 2026) are welcome to apply. Applicants will be selected based on a review of their full application and demonstration of how DUVM will positively impact their path to higher education.
How to Apply
The application to Discovering UVM 2025 is open (please visit the application for more details regarding application deadlines and materials).
All students are required to submit an unofficial transcript with complete grades from 9th through 11th, responses to the two short answer prompts in the application, and a completed parental consent form in order to be considered for Discovering UVM.
Test scores are not required or considered in our review for the program.
Highlights of Discovering UVM
- Meet other high school seniors from all over the United States
- Connect with current students (and alumni of Discovering UVM!)
- Take classes with UVM’s dynamic faculty and learn about cutting-edge research opportunities
- Participate in academic sessions with advisors and campus resource fairs
- Closed-door, peer-to-peer “real talk” student panel
- A group discussion with Admissions staff regarding tips for the process
- Visit Ben & Jerry’s, go shopping on Church Street (in the heart of downtown Burlington), and take sunset photos by the gorgeous Lake Champlain Waterfront
- Take tours of our beautiful campus, residential halls, and athletic facilities
- Eat meals in UVM’s dining halls and attend a campus event!
- A fee waiver to apply to the University of Vermont
Students who attend Discovering UVM, are admitted to, and enroll at UVM for full time study who are eligible to file a FAFSA and to receive Federal aid will have their full demonstrated financial need, as determined by the University, met for up to 4 years through a combination of University, Federal, and State grants, scholarships, need-based loans and/or Work Study. Aid is dependent on good academic standing and full-time enrollment.
Questions?
For questions about Discovering UVM, please call the Admissions Office at (802)656-3370 or email Brian (BG) Gomez at brian.gomez.1@uvm.edu
Discovering UVM FAQs
When will I hear back about my application decision?
We review applications as they are submitted. However, DUVM is competitive with hundreds of applications each year, so we take great care in assessment, so decisions are not immediate.
Does being selected for Discovering UVM mean that I am guaranteed admission to UVM?
No. We will review your transcript as part of your application for DUVM, but your application for full-time study is a separate process. However, if you are admitted to Discovering UVM, you will be competitive for admission for full-time study.
Where will student attendees stay?
We lodge all student attendees at the Doubletree Hotel in South Burlington located directly next to UVM’s campus. Admissions staff will be onsite to chaperone students during the Discovering UVM program.
What costs are associated with Discovering UVM?
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions covers all programming, lodging, and meal expenses for student attendees of Discovering UVM. Students/families are responsible for transportation-related expenses. For students for whom travel to UVM poses a financial hardship, we offer an opportunity to apply for travel grant reimbursements of up to $500.00. To learn more, please visit the Discovering UVM application.
Can a parent or guardian attend Discovering UVM?
Discovering UVM is a peer-to-peer program and is only open to the students selected to attend.
Can I use my Discovering UVM short answer response for my UVM application optional short answer response?
Yes! Simply copy your Discovering UVM short answer into the space for the UVM application short answer for the Why UVM? question. Feel free to add any information if you stay within the word limit.
Student Perspectives on Discovering UVM
“Discovering UVM was truly a space where students from all backgrounds could thrive. The campus’s blend of natural beauty and progressive culture felt like an invitation to find my voice in a supportive environment. As someone who cares deeply about community and sustainability, after my experience I left with a version of myself that's ready to embrace challenges, step outside of my comfort zone, and work toward a better future. Hopefully at UVM!”
Alisa L. | Discovering UVM 2024
“My experience in the Discovering UVM program was revolutionary. I left with a fresh perspective, solid friendships, and a genuine sense of belonging. The university's inclusive and inviting environment allowed me to connect with the institution on a personal level that I had not previously experienced. This trip increased my excitement and confidence in pursuing my academic goals, knowing I could be fully supported at UVM.”
Megan S. | Discovering UVM 2024
“The group was more diverse than I expected it to be. Throughout this program, I was better able to understand the importance of having people of all differences communicate with one another. My favorite parts were the outside events we did throughout the day. I got an opportunity to not only view campus life but city life. Every activity was so interactive! I never thought I’d get so attached to the people I met throughout the program, and I am so happy I was able to participate and see UVM for myself.”
Emily M. | Discovering UVM 2023
“The group was full of the most fun and friendliest people I’d met in a long time. It felt like a melting pot of different teenagers who came together because of their interest in higher education. I loved the real-talk section of the program, and the various activities we did were entertaining and engaging. We got to ask questions that personalized our experiences. My time in the program gave me so much joy and a newfound love and interest in UVM. Thank you!”
Temiloluwa O. | Discovering UVM 2023
“I attended Discovering UVM and to say it was eye-opening would be a complete understatement. I saw a raw authenticity from students at this school like I have never seen before. For the first time, UVM gave me a space where I was myself, and I cannot begin to imagine how learning and growing in an environment such as this will benefit me moving forward.”
Grace W. | Discovering UVM 2022