Help me make it to MIT Campus Preview Weekend

Hi, my name is Carlos Solano. I'm a 17-year-old student from Costa Rica who went through college applications last year. Ever since I had a student exchange experience (in China, no less!) I've yearned the idea of studying abroad, which motivated me to research colleges in other countries.

This is how I found the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT's vibrant environment full of innovation and discovery instantly resonated with me. I knew this would be a place where I'd be able to take my passion for mathematics beyond any limit. And even though MIT's one of the most selective universities in perhaps the entire world, it didn't stop me from giving it a shot.

Imagine my shock when I caught a glimpse of this:

Naturally, some things like financial aid need to be considered, but if everything goes well, I will be able to attend MIT as part of the Class of 2023. Not in my wildest dreams had I thought such a thing!

Every year, MIT hosts a 3-day event for prospective freshmen called Campus Preview Weekend (CPW), where admitted students are introduced to everything the Institute has to offer. Hundreds of action-packed activities are organized for students to become familiar with the MIT experience, campus and community (and with each other!).

As the letter reads, this year's CPW event will take place on April 11-14. I'd really love if I have the chance of attending; however, my main obstacle right now is transportation from Costa Rica to Boston. Airplane tickets would usually not be too big of a problem for my family, but MIT requires admitted students to register for CPW no later than this Saturday, March 23rd. In order to confirm registration, transportation details (ie. flight numbers and times of arrival and departure) must be provided, meaning tickets must be acquired within that time frame.

Unfortunately, my family and I are unable to gather the money by our own in this short time. For this reason, I am running this fundraiser with hope that the generosity of some could bring me one step closer to my dream. From researching online, a cheap round-trip flight from SJO to BOS has a cost of approximately $700, which I have set as the goal. However, any contribution, big or small, would be incredibly helpful and appreciated, and would better my chance of being able to attend the event in April.

If I attend CPW, I believe it will help me get a first-hand feel on what calling MIT home is like. Even though I am convinced it is one of the - if not the - best science/technology universities in the world, CPW will strengthen and verify my conviction that it is the best place for me.

Thank you in advance for your time, and for any contribution you wish to make! If you have any question, feel free to contact me.