Apply to This Program (Past Participants)

Admission Requirements

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

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 are reminded 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 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.
   
   In order to apply online, past participants must create a new Apply Yourself account profile. They cannot submit a new application using an account profile from a prior application.
   
   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. 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.

3. 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

4. Letter of recommendation.
   Juniors and seniors must submit 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 submit 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.

5. 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

Because generating a student application record can take 1-2 weeks*, 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 online application status 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 5-10 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 2-5 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.

* Given time frames are subject to change during peak application season.