You put in countless hours of exhausting work to achieve a SAT score of 1600. You also completed 500 hours of community service. You performed exceptionally well in all of your extracurricular courses. Finding the personal statement’s hook, which has been eluding you, is all that remains.
You’ve been working hard for years, and now you’re finally at the stage where it seems like your whole life has been building up to: submitting your college applications. But first, you question whether there is anything else you can do to make your application stronger. The following week, you learn about the highly competitive Columbia Summer Programs, and you start to wonder if this might be the final piece.
As we have extensively discussed on AdmissionSight, the American college admissions process is seriously flawed. Even with excellent SAT scores, a stellar GPA, and a long list of noteworthy extracurricular activities, there is no guarantee that you will be accepted into the school of your choice. Although we emphasize the value of writing a strong personal statement, which is undoubtedly the most obvious way to set yourself apart from your peers, the reality is that a delicate balance must be achieved in order to be taken seriously as an applicant to Harvard, Stanford, or MIT.
Furthermore, with each passing year, the criteria for what constitutes a strong applicant shifts a little bit more. In the past, getting into any Ivy League school was a given if you had a strong GPA and SAT score. Today, however, those in charge of college admissions are more interested in other aspects of your application than just your test scores, such as how you spent your free time between high school classes, choir practice, volunteering, and SAT prep.
What is the cost of the program?
The Program Costs section of our website contains information on program costs.
Do you offer financial aid?
We are not offering financial aid at this time. We advise students to speak with their school’s guidance counselor for information on how to look for financial aid and scholarship opportunities from outside sources and organizations in order to learn about outside financial assistance opportunities.
Is the program offered to dependents of Columbia University employees at a reduced cost?
Yes, dependents of eligible, full-time, active Columbia University officers (Columbia University, Barnard College, Teachers College professional staff, CUIMC, and Jewish Theological Seminary) are eligible to receive a 50% reduction to the cost of tuition
Applicants will be able to indicate their dependent status when completing their online application. When a student accepts an admissions offer and signs up for classes, the cost-reduction credit will be applied immediately to their account.
For additional information, please email [email protected]
Will participating in this program help me get into Columbia College?
Pre-College Programs at Columbia University are different from Columbia College, the university’s undergraduate institution. Before applying to one of the pre-college programs, students should be aware that their involvement will not have a greater impact on any current or future application and admissions processes at Columbia College than any other similar extracurricular activity.
Where are classes held?
Classes are held online using Zoom.
To successfully participate in your course, you will need:
a device that can run the most recent browsers, plug-ins, and software, as well as instruments for keeping the system free of malware and spyware
An Ethernet-based, high-speed Internet connection that can stream and support interactive audio and video. Poor Wi-Fi may result in problems like latency, choppy audio, and connection loss.
You’ll need to use a webcam to participate in class every day. If your computer lacks a built-in camera, you can buy a webcam that connects via USB and attach it to the top of your computer.
Although many laptops have built-in speakers and microphones, we strongly suggest using a USB-based headset with a microphone, like the Logitech H390 USB Computer Headset. Please wear headphones or earbuds during class if you plan to use a laptop with a built-in microphone to prevent echo or feedback. Echo from speaker listening could disturb the entire class.
Make certain you have administrative rights before installing Zoom and other software on your computer.
Students should pick a quiet, well-lit learning area suitable for speaking with instructors and other students on camera.
Is there a dress code?
The Academic Year Immersion Program has no set attire. We advise students to dress as though they were going to a physical class.
How much do books and course materials cost?
Students should budget approximately $50 for books and course materials. Some classes may require additional materials.
The individual course pages contain comprehensive information about the materials that are specific to that course.
Are there information sessions available to learn more about the program?
Yes. Visit the Events page for more details about upcoming information sessions.
What are you looking for in an applicant?
Admission to the Academic Year Immersion program is selective. The admissions committee looks for academic standouts who are eager to contribute original ideas and a spirit of intellectual curiosity to a group of intensely motivated learners.
The application materials should demonstrate that the student has the necessary academic background and level of ability, motivation, and maturity required for the program even though there are no established minimum requirements, such as a specific GPA. To be eligible to enroll in prerequisite courses, students must provide proof of completion of any specific prerequisites listed in the individual program descriptions.
May I still be in the program if I am already a senior in high school?
Yes, you still qualify for participation in the program.
For the academic recommendation letter, may I submit a letter from a school administrator such as my principal, headmaster, or guidance counselor?
No substitutions are accepted for the letter of recommendation. Considering a teacher’s perspective is beneficial when making admissions decisions.
What if my PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores are low?
These scores are not required as part of the application.
I have previously enrolled in a high school program at Columbia. Must I submit a new application?
All applicants for the Academic Year Immersion program must submit an application, but later applications may reuse some of the materials from earlier applications. Please see the Admissions page for application details.
When will I be notified of an admissions decision?
Only complete applications with all necessary materials will be reviewed. After an application is submitted, it typically takes one to two weeks for the admissions decision to be communicated. We advise you to frequently check the status of your application online to make sure all required materials are received. If your recommendation is still not included in your checklist, you can notify your recommender again.
Should I expect additional mailings after receiving my admissions letter?
Following the completion of your enrollment form and your commitment to the program, you will receive informational emails. Please check your email frequently as these communications will contain crucial information about the following steps. We will not send mailings via postal mail.
I am homeschooled, who is eligible to submit recommendation letters on my behalf?
The academic recommendation can come from the students primary instructor. The instructor’s email address must coincide with the email address listed in the parent information section of the application if they are a parent or legal guardian.
How many classes can I take?
Although students are allowed to enroll in up to four courses, we advise taking no more than 1-3 courses per term.
When do classes meet?
Courses meet on either Saturday or Sunday for two hours at a time. Classes are available in either morning (10 a. m. to 12 p. m. , EST), afternoon (1 p. m. to 3 p. m. , EST), or evening (8 p. m. to 10 p. m. EST) sessions.
How demanding are the classes?
Classes are essentially taught at the same level as courses at Columbia College. They are geared toward bright, accomplished high school students who are fluent in English, desire a challenge, and can think for themselves.
That being said, students are not expected to fully understand all of the concepts they are exposed to; rather, their effort and progress are what are evaluated, not whether or not they fully comprehend the subject matter.
What is the program’s approach to teaching and learning?
Classes are experiential and collaborative. While instructors of the course provide in-depth instruction, students also gain knowledge by becoming personally involved in the material through exercises like in-class debates, simulations, case studies, meetings with visitors, assigned readings, and individual and group projects. Active participation in class is expected from participants, and it might be necessary for them to prepare in-class presentations.
Students are encouraged to think independently, logically, critically, and creatively. Instructors guide them in learning how to do so. The capacity to think clearly about complex material is even more significant than the specific knowledge students acquire in these classes. We think that this ability will be crucial for them in their future as global citizens and leaders, as well as in their academic careers.
What is the attendance policy?
It is crucial that students attend every class meeting because learning in our courses depends a lot on what occurs in class and because the sessions are so brief. Even if their absences were excused, a student who skips several class periods might not be given a Certification of Participation. Unexcused absences can lead to dismissal from the program. Attendance is carefully monitored. Students are required to email [email protected] and notify their instructor if they are absent. edu.
How much homework is assigned?
The amount of homework varies from one class to another. An average of one to two hours of homework per week is what students should anticipate. Courses require asynchronous work between meetings.
How much do books and course materials cost?
Students should budget approximately $50 for books and course materials. Some classes may require additional materials. Please see the course listings for details.
Who teaches the classes?
Experts in their fields who are passionate about education, have a track record of being effective instructors, have undergone background checks, and have completed University Protection of Minors training are used to teach classes.
Please be aware that not all instructors listed for a course teach all sections of that course, that students cannot request specific instructors or sections, and that we occasionally need to make staffing changes due to availability issues. Instructor biographies can be found at the bottom of each course page.
Are the classes for academic credit?
Courses do not earn college credit. Participants receive a Columbia University Certificate of Participation and a personal evaluation letter from the instructor after successfully completing the course.
With the help of our College Edge program, students looking to earn college credit can enroll in actual undergraduate courses with college students.
How are students evaluated?
Grades are not assigned. Instead, after successfully completing the program, students are given official Certifications of Participation from Columbia University as well as written instructor evaluations. Students’ participation in class and submitted work show that instructors provide honest and constructive feedback on their performance. Students are assessed based on their effort, their growth throughout the course, and their potential for future success in college and the relevant field of work.
a device that can run the most recent browsers, plug-ins, and software, as well as instruments for keeping the system free of malware and spyware
An Ethernet-based, high-speed Internet connection that can stream and support interactive audio and video. Poor Wi-Fi may result in problems like latency, choppy audio, and connection loss.
You’ll need to use a webcam to participate in class every day. If your computer lacks a built-in camera, you can buy a webcam that connects via USB and attach it to the top of your computer.
Although many laptops have built-in speakers and microphones, we strongly suggest using a USB-based headset with a microphone, like the Logitech H390 USB Computer Headset. Please wear headphones or earbuds during class if you plan to use a laptop with a built-in microphone to prevent echo or feedback. Echo from speaker listening could disturb the entire class.
Make certain you have administrative rights before installing Zoom and other software on your computer.
Students should pick a quiet, well-lit learning area suitable for speaking with instructors and other students on camera.
What do I do if I have technical difficulties?
We advise all students to make sure they have a secure internet connection and that their webcam, headset, and microphone are all functioning properly before the program begins and before each class. If you encounter a technical problem while in class, you can contact your course facilitator, who will assist in troubleshooting the problem.
Are there accommodations for students with disabilities?
The University provides a full range of services and accommodations to assist students with disabilities. Upon acceptance into the program, students seeking assistance should contact the Disability Services Office. Only students who identify their disabilities well in advance can be assured of accommodation upon the start of the program.
Is there a scheduled time I must log in for the class?
Students must arrive for class at the designated times. In order to make sure their technology is functional, we advise students to log into their class 10 minutes before the start of the lesson.
What activities are available outside of the classroom for students?
The Online Immersion Program offers extracurricular activities and College Life events. Co-curricular events are those meant to expand students intellectual experiences. Lectures on the college application process and special lectures on hot topics are examples of such activities.
Activities for College Life are designed and hosted by current college students. Students are introduced to topics like college life and healthy community engagement through student life events that include seminars.
How is the program accommodating students who live in different time zones?
We have chosen class times that permit participation from students all over the world. Please be aware that all courses are taught synchronously, which necessitates that students show up for class during the designated meeting times listed on each course description page. Please see the course listings for details. All times listed are in NYC time (EST).
We advise students to consider whether the meeting times of a particular course are practical for their time zone when choosing a curriculum option. We advise students to look into curricular options that might meet at a more convenient time if the designated meeting times of a particular course do not adequately match their needs.
Best Summer Programs for High Schoolers (Free & Paid) + Scholarships for Them || Cecile S
FAQ
Is the Columbia Summer Program hard to get into?
Admission to Columbia’s summer programs for high school students is extremely competitive, as you might expect. Despite the fact that there are no specific GPA requirements, all application materials should demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary academic preparation and aptitude for the academic focus for which they are applying.
Are Ivy League summer programs worth it?
Although it is technically possible to enroll in the Ivies without doing so, we strongly advise it. It will undoubtedly make your application stand out from the competition. Additionally, by giving admissions officers more to think about, it lessens the pressure on other aspects of your application.
How long is Columbia Summer Program?
Does Columbia have a summer program?
A four-week intensive course called “Summer at Columbia” is available to high school students interested in studying the arts, media, and communications.