Enroll in an intensive pre-college course, designed to challenge and engage high-achieving students in a supportive environment. Students can choose from over 70 courses in a dozen subject areas. The NYC Commuter Summer program allows students to study alongside a cohort of like-minded students from all over the world, experience college life while discovering one of the world's great cities, and attend college success events to prepare for the academic rigors of university life. Participants will earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an instructor evaluation. Students can reside on campus or commute.
Outside of class, students participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities, including college preparedness programming, community outreach and awareness activities, and special lectures. Discover the student experience beyond class.
Location(s)
- Columbia University, New York, New York
Schedule
- Session AA (1 week): June 22- June 26, 2026
- Session A (3 weeks): June 29- July 17, 2026
- Session B (3 weeks): July 21- August 7, 2026
- Session C (1 week): August 3- August 7, 2026
Cost/Compensation
- 1 Week: $2,882 per session
- 3 Weeks: $6,380 per session
Eligibility Requirements
- The program is open to domestic or international students currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12 or who are beginning freshman year of college in the fall.
- Though there are no set minimum requirements such as a particular GPA, the application materials should establish that the student has the necessary academic background and level of ability, motivation, and maturity necessary to be an active participant in the courses and co-curricular activities.
Deadline
- Early Registration Deadline: February 2, 2026
- General Application Deadline: March 2, 2026
Application or Entry Requirements
- Completed online application
- Transcript
- Two recommendations
- Essay of 400 words or less responding to one of the following essay prompts:
- Option 1.Tell us about a topic or social issue for which your opinion has changed. How has your change in perspective influenced your actions?
- Option 2. Select one of Columbia's Pre-College Program values that most resonates with you and describe how you have pursued this value in your own life. Our values: Innovation, Critical Thinking, Social & Environmental Responsibility, Leadership, Global Awareness, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- Writing sample (creative writing program applicants only)
Notifications of Decisions
- Decisions are made three to five weeks after an application is received.
- Decisions are made three to five weeks after an application is received.
Financial Aid Details
Financial aid is available in the form of need-based scholarships for permanent residents located in the United States of America or its five major territories. It is offered for a single summer course in a 3-week, 2-week, or 1-week session, and available for students in either the NYC Commuter Summer or Online Summer programs only. Students participating in multiple sessions may not apply for aid.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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Columbia University, located in New York City, is a major private Ivy League research university and one of the most selective in the world. Founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of King George II of England, it is the oldest higher learning institution in New York, the fifth oldest in the U.S., and counts Alexander Hamilton among its first students. It is also home to the third-largest private research library in the U.S. Columbia is made up of twenty schools, with four undergraduate schools and sixteen graduate schools. Its undergraduate schools are Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Barnard College, and the School of General Studies. Among its graduate schools, the Business School, Law School, College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, and Journalism School are some of the highest ranked of their kind in the country. The University administers the prestigious Pulitzer Prize literary and music awards presented annually.
