Apply to This Program

Past participants in the Summer Program for High School Students in New York must submit all of the application materials, but are not required to pay the application fee.

Application Deadlines

Admission Requirements

The admissions committee looks for highly motivated students entering grades 11 or 12 in fall 2010 who are interested in attending Culture and History: Understanding the Arab World because they have a passion for learning and because they wish to study and travel in the Middle East.

Class size is limited to ensure participation in discussions and manageable groupings for activities outside the classroom; students are encouraged to apply early.

International students who are proficient in English are welcome to apply. International students should be aware, however, that participation in Culture and History: Understanding the Arab World does not constitute the basis for securing a student visa.

Application Materials

New applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Online applications can be processed more quickly and efficiently. In addition, applicants who apply online receive their admissions decisions electronically. Applicants can submit supporting materials through the online application, including application fees, statements of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes.

All materials submitted by mail should clearly bear the program name, applicant's name, applicant's date of birth and, if available, Columbia University ID number.

Applications are not considered complete until all required materials have been received. Only complete applications are reviewed.

• Completed Online Application form.
  
  Applicants who are unable to apply online should e-mail hsp-application@columbia.edu to request a PDF of the application. Applicants should print, complete, and mail the paper application, together with all supporting documents, to the address at the bottom of this page.

• Nonrefundable application fee. Do not send cash. Checks must be in U.S. currency drawn on a U.S. bank.
  For applications submitted online by February 12, no application fee is required. After Feb. 12, the fee for online applications is $75. Applicants must include credit card information through the online application.
  For paper applications, the fee is $150. There is no Priority Application fee waiver for paper applications. Applicants may pay in the form of a check or money order made out to Columbia University.  If you would like to pay by credit card you must apply online.

• Official transcript of applicant's academic record, submitted in an envelope sealed by the appropriate school official.

• Personal statement (250-500 words) describing academic preparation, personal interests, and motivation for participating in an intensive academic program.

• Signed Behavioral Standards Consent Form. Please note: behavioral standards are strictly enforced. Failure to abide by the Signed Behavioral Standards Consent Form will result in expulsion from the program.
  Download form

• Two letters of recommendation.

• Recommendations may be submitted through the online application. If recommenders are unable to submit their letters online, applicants should download recommendation forms (below) to print and give to recommenders. Recommenders should write letters on official school letterhead, enclose letters in an envelope along with the recommendation form, and sign across the seal. Sealed recommendation letters should be delivered to the applicant to be included in the packet of application materials.
  Download form

  • Letter #1
    All applicants must have a letter written by a guidance counselor, principal, or headmaster commenting on the student's intellectual ability, level of maturity, and motivation for participating in the Columbia University High School Programs.

  • Letter #2
    Applicants must also have a letter written by an instructor who knows the student's level of maturity and ability to study both independently and in a group setting.

Standardized test scores are not required as part of the application, although they may be submitted if available.

Mailing Address

Send all supporting materials not submitted online to:

Culture and History: Understanding the Arab World
Office of Admissions
School of Continuing Education
203 Lewisohn
2970 Broadway, Mail Code 4119
New York , NY 10027-6902
212-854-9666
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Checking Application Status

Upon completion of your application file, it will take approximately three to five weeks* for a decision to be made. Because it can take one to two weeks* to process your application materials, please allow a sufficient amount of time after submitting your application before contacting the Admissions Office with questions or concerns about your application status. We encourage you, however, to check your application status online as often as you like.

To check the status of your application, you will need your applicant ID number. This number starts with “C00” and will be emailed to you five to ten business days after receipt of your application. It is important that you provide the Admissions Office with a working e-mail address. Also, keep in mind that there may be a delay of two to five business days* in the posting of information to the online tracking system, so please check periodically before contacting the Admissions Office. Because we are processing hundreds of applications and supporting documents, posting may take longer than usual. However, if you still have a question or wish to amend any information concerning your application, send an e-mail to hsp-apply@columbia.edu. You must include your first and last name and date of birth in your message.

Application materials received are not posted to the online tracking system until after an application form has been submitted.

*Time frames provided are subject to change during peak application season.