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 Summer Immersion 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 1: Late June to mid July
- Session 2: Mid July to early August
- Session 3: Mid August
Cost/Compensation
- Three-week residential tuition: $12,449
- Three-week commuter tuition: $6,300
- One-week commuter tuition: $2,825
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.
- The residential option is open to students who will be 16 years of age or older by the start of the program. Younger students are welcome to apply for the commuter option or one of the online experiences.
Deadline
- Early registration: Early February
- General deadline: Early April
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.
Financial Aid Details
For summer 2023, a limited number of need-based scholarships are available to residents of New York City who participate as commuters in the Summer Immersion (3-Week) Program. Additional information, including eligibility requirements, can be found on the 3-Week Commuter cost page.
Individual applications for financial aid are not accepted for students participating in a residential program. Students should speak with their school's guidance counselor for information on how to search for financial aid and scholarship opportunities from outside sources and organizations.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
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.
