Summer Program for High School Students in New York City

Applications are still being accepted on a space-available basis.

A pre-college program for students entering grades 9 through 12 and freshman year of college who are interested in intensive summer study.

“Although I had already expected a great experience by studying at an elite university, the summer program exceeded all my expectations. Being with a diverse group of students from all over the world, learning under a passionate professor, and studying in New York City makes all the difference.”

Eric Chen, 2011

Now in its 25th year, Columbia University's Summer Program for High School Students offers highly motivated students the opportunity of a lifetime: a world-class educational experience set in the most exciting city in the world. The Summer Program for High School Students in New York City is renowned for its academic rigor, instructional excellence, and the unique opportunity to experience college life in the Ivy League while sampling the vibrancy of New York City.

Students elect one curricular option per session, either in our Junior-Senior Division or our Freshman-Sophomore Division. Each curricular option comprises a variety of related components that provide an in-depth examination of a particular subject.

The Summer Program for High School Students is much more than just an academic experience, however. Between classes, students have numerous extracurricular options to choose from, including organized sports on Columbia's beautiful campus and in nearby parks, excursions to local restaurants and places of interest, community outreach projects, organized discussions, and special events such as a college fair and talks on the college application process.

For students who choose to live on campus, there are also scores of optional excursions to attractions all over New York City as well as on-campus events such as a talent show, an open mike night, and an end-of-program dance. Residential students are carefully supervised by specially trained and selected resident advisers who look after their safety and general well-being. The program's code of behavioral standards is strictly enforced so as to ensure student safety.

Finally, the program is a chance for students to meet and form lasting friendships with bright, highly-motivated peers from all over the country and all over the world.  Nearly a third of our students come from outside the United States.

The Summer Program is a rich and demanding academic experience, but it is also a chance for bright, high-achieving students to enjoy the summer on Columbia's beautiful campus, make new friends, get a taste of college life, and explore New York City in a supervised setting.

“My daughter had an incredible experience in the summer program. She was surrounded by excellence and challenged intellectually. When I picked her up, I could tell she had been changed.”

Heather Pache, parent of a 2011 program participant