Gaining the IOWA EDGE
Iowa Edge is a fun and engaging four-day program designed to help new Hawkeyes transition to the University of Iowa before the academic year begins. Through interactive workshops, campus connections, community-building activities, and opportunities to meet fellow students, participants gain the knowledge, confidence, and support network needed for a successful start at Iowa.
This free program is open to all new and transfer students. Participants will have a full schedule each day and are expected to actively engage in all program activities. Iowa Edge is designed to enhance—not replace—the On Iowa! experience, so students will still participate in all the exciting traditions, events, and required On Iowa! programming.
Thanks to generous donor support, Iowa Edge will welcome up to 150 students in the upcoming cohort. Students living on campus will receive assistance coordinating their move-in through University Housing & Dining, while students living off campus should plan to arrive in Iowa City before the program begins.
How to Apply
- APPLY NOW! Priority deadline is June 30, 2026.
- The program will admit up to 150 students.
Submit Application
Applications are currently closed.
Go to MyUI, select Admissions Profile, locate and fill out the Iowa Edge Application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply
To apply for the Iowa Edge, please follow these steps:
- Go to MyUI
- Select Admissions Profile
- Locate and fill out the Iowa Edge Application
- For questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Pathways to Excellence Office at ui-pathways@uiowa.edu
Applications typically become available in March
What date/time should I arrive on campus if I am selected for the Iowa Edge Program?
Students will check in for the Iowa Edge program, and Iowa Edge staff will request move-in times for participants from University Housing & Dining for the morning of the first day of move-in. For students living off-campus, please make sure to be in Iowa City by the start of the program.
Will our meal plan be active during the program, or do we have to pay for our meals?
During the Iowa Edge program, most meals are provided by the program, but students may also need to depend on their meal plans for some meals. For students without meal plans, meal tickets to dining halls will be provided.
Is there an itinerary of activities?
Families and students will be provided with itineraries for the program during check-in on Sunday. Until we release the official itineraries, you can expect there to be arrangements for participants to interact with faculty and professors, tours of many important buildings and resource offices, leadership training and classroom experiences, and sessions on financial literacy, study skills, and career paths.
I might miss a day of the Iowa Edge Program date. Can I still apply for the program?
Since the Iowa Edge program is limited in the number of students who can participate fully, we can only accept students who can commit to completing the program in its entirety.
I am participating in the Honors Primetime program, Hawkeye Marching Band, or another program with conflicting times with the Iowa Edge Program. Can I still participate in Iowa Edge and my other program simultaneously?
Honors Primetime has options for students to choose from. If you would like to participate in Iowa Edge and Honors Primetime, select Option 2 as described on the Honors Primetime website.
Unfortunately, due to significant time overlaps, students can’t participate in the Iowa Edge program if they participate in Hawkeye Marching Band or any other conflicting program.
Who are the Peer Leaders and what do they do?
Peer Leaders are trained to provide a person-centered, community-centered orientation to university life the week before classes begin for students who face challenging issues of transition. Iowa Edge peer leaders directly address and positively impact these students’ rates of persistence, retention, and graduation.
