The Summer Bus Tour was ranked #1 in both student satisfaction and college readiness gains by participants! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Eligibility

UT GEAR UP students are nominated by their Coordinators on campus to apply for the UTGU Summer Bus Tour. Nominations are based on behavior, grades, previous participation in GEAR UP related events and recommendations from teachers. Students and their guardian will be notified in person or phone call/email if they are eligible for this opportunity. 

The following grants/school districts are eligible for this experience in Summer 2027:

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the program, students must complete and submit an application. Students will be selected based on a holistic review of their grades, activities/extra-curricular involvement, essays, recommendations, interest in a post-secondary education, as well as available space. Students will be notified about their application status and will receive further communication about the program if selected.

A complete application will include:

• Student Information Form

This link will be shared by your coordinators

• Essay (300-500 words)

In a separate document, please respond to one of the essay prompts below.

Apply Texas Essay Prompt A:   Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

or

GEAR UP Essay: Please tell us about your favorite GEAR UP event or activity.  How and why was it important to helping you become college and career ready?  What do you expect to learn from the 2027 UT GEAR UP Summer Bus Tour?

• Transcript

Please provide a copy of your most recent high school transcript.

• Letter of Recommendation

Please provide one letter of recommendation from a current teacher, school counselor, work supervisor, or mentor (cannot be a family member or relative) outlining your strengths as a student and community member/leader, as well as your potential as a summer program participant.

What does a typical day look like?

Sample Summer Bus Tour Agenda - Boston/New York 2026

6:00AM -- Breakfast at Hotel + Checkout

8:25AM -- Depart for Campus

9:35AM -- VISIT: Yale University, New Haven CT

12:30PM -- Depart for NYC (Lunch on bus)

3:00PM -- VISIT: Columbia University, New York NY

5:30PM -- Depart for dinner

6:00PM -- Havana Central Times Square

8:00PM -- NYC Double Decker Bus - Night Tour

10:30PM -- Hotel Check In