Apply to This Program (New Applicants)

Admission Requirements

Students must present evidence of the completion of any prerequisites identified in the individual program descriptions, either in their transcripts, personal statements, or accompanying documents. Prerequisites are listed within each curricular option or course description.

Admission to the High School Programs is selective. The admissions committee looks for highly motivated students who are interested in attending the Summer High School Program because they have a passion for learning and because they wish to enrich their knowledge of a particular field.

Class size is limited to ensure participation in discussions and access to equipment; students are encouraged to apply early.

Personal Interviews

Applicants may be required to interview with a member of the admissions committee to determine admission to the program.

International Students

International students who are proficient in English are welcome to apply to the program. In years past, students from Turkey, Greece, France, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Hong Kong, Taiwan and many other countries have participated in the program, gaining exposure to the U.S. educational system and enriching the program as a whole.

International students should be aware, however, that participation in the Summer Program for High School Students does not constitute the basis for securing a student visa.

Application Materials

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, letters of recommendation, and creative writing samples. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Official transcript of applicant’s academic record, submitted in an envelope sealed by the appropriate school official. If the transcript does not include the most recently completed term, the applicant or school should also submit a copy of the most recent report card.

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

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

6. 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

   1. 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.

   2. Letter #2
      Juniors and seniors must have a letter written by an instructor who teaches in a field closely related to the applicant’s chosen curricular option. The letter must describe the student’s knowledge of that field and assess the student’s qualification to engage in concentrated study.
      Freshmen and sophomores must have a letter written by a teacher familiar with the student’s work. The letter must describe the student’s academic talents and potential to benefit from experience at Columbia.

7. Writing sample (creative writing applicants only).
   
   Introduction to Creative Writing and Creative Writing: Introductory Workshop: 3-5 pages of any kind of writing demonstrating a command of grammar and punctuation.
   
   Creative Writing: Advanced Workshop: Two samples, 3-7 pages total (longer submissions are acceptable), consisting of poems, short stories, and/or scripts.
   
   Master Class in Prose Writing: Two samples, 5-10 pages total, consisting of fiction and/or literary nonfiction and an independent project proposal (see course description for details).
   
   Master Class in Poetry Writing: 5-10 pages of poetry and an independent project proposal (see course description for details).

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

Submitting the Application

Mailing Address
Send all supporting materials not submitted online to:

Summer Program for High School Students
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.