Columbia Summer School
Summer is not just a break. It is an opportunity. The Columbia University Pre-College Summer Programs are designed for motivated high school students who want to challenge themselves academically while experiencing life at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Set in the heart of New York City, these programs combine rigorous learning, expert instruction, cultural exposure and unforgettable campus life.
Students spend their summer exploring subjects they love, discovering new interests, building independence, and preparing for college, all while being part of Columbia’s historic academic environment.
Whether you choose to live on campus or commute from nearby, the experience is immersive, inspiring and transformative.
Understanding the Columbia Summer Experience
Columbia’s Pre-College Summer Programs are non-credit academic programs that allow students to engage deeply with university-level coursework without the pressure of grades. The focus is on intellectual growth, curiosity, confidence and exploration.
Students can choose from over 70 courses across multiple subject areas, attend enriching co-curricular activities, and participate in college preparation workshops, all while enjoying the vibrant energy of New York City.
The programs are offered in flexible formats, making them accessible to both local and international students.
Two Ways to Experience Columbia
Columbia offers two main summer formats so students can choose what suits them best:
NYC Residential Summer Program
The Residential Summer Program offers a true college-style experience. Students live on Columbia’s beautiful 36-acre Morningside Campus, just steps away from classrooms, libraries, dining halls and fitness centres.
Program Duration
- Session A (3 Weeks): June–July
- Session B (3 Weeks): July–August
Who Can Apply?
- Students 15 years or older
- Students who are 15 must turn 16 by December 31 of the year they attend
NYC Commuter Summer Program
The Commuter Summer Program is ideal for students who live in New York City or nearby areas and prefer to stay off campus while attending classes and activities.
Program Sessions
- Session AA (1 Week): June
- Session A (3 Weeks): June–July
- Session B (3 Weeks): July–August
- Session C (1 Week): August
Who Is Eligible?
- Students entering grades 9–12
- Freshman year college students
Approximately 40% of participants commute. All admitted commuter students are required to submit proof during enrolment that they will reside with family members or trusted family friends who provide direct adult supervision. They must formally confirm that they will not stay in unsupervised accommodations such as hotels, Airbnb rentals, hostels, or similar lodging.
Academic Life at Columbia
Students attend classes Monday through Friday, spending about four hours per day in class, with a two-hour midday break. Each session allows students to enrol in one academic course, encouraging deep focus and meaningful engagement.
Classes are interactive and discussion-based, emphasising independent thinking, critical analysis and creative problem-solving.
Broad Courses Offered
Columbia offers a wide range of disciplines so students can explore future majors or challenge themselves in new areas.
Art and Architecture
Business, Economics, and Entrepreneurship
Core Skills like Communicating for Effect and Leadership
Journalism
Law and Conflict Resolution
Marketing and Communications
Politics and International Affairs
Mathematics
Science and Medicine
Social Impact and Sustainability
Neuroscience
Physical Sciences
Social Sciences and Psychology
Technology
Humanities, Literature, and Philosophy
Creative Writing
Each course is designed to connect theory with real-world application, helping students understand how academic ideas shape industries, societies, and global issues.
Learning from Experts
- Courses are taught by world-class instructors who are experts in their fields. Columbia’s instructors come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, bringing global perspectives into the classroom.
- This diverse network of faculty is carefully built to create a dynamic learning environment where knowledge, skills, and professional insights are shared openly.
- Committed to academic excellence, instructors encourage students to ask questions, express ideas, and engage confidently, thus cultivating independent, critical, and creative thinking while connecting theory with practical application.
- As a result, students experience a challenging yet supportive academic journey that is relevant, engaging, and deeply inspiring.
Recognition and Academic Achievement
- Upon successful completion of the program, students receive:
- A Columbia University Certificate of Participation
- A personalised evaluation letter from their instructor
- These credentials strengthen college applications by demonstrating academic initiative, maturity, and readiness for advanced study.
Student Experience
Columbia Pre-college programs are thoughtfully designed to offer a well-rounded experience that goes far beyond the classroom. Alongside rigorous academics, students take part in structured co-curricular activities that support personal growth, college readiness and meaningful connections.
These experiences help students build confidence, explore interests, and prepare for the demands of university life in a supportive and engaging environment.
Key areas of enrichment include:
- College Preparation
Students gain practical guidance on the college application process, including essay writing, academic planning and decision-making. Through seminars, workshops and lectures, they learn proven strategies for success in college, while instructors and staff help students identify institutions that align with their goals, strengths and personalities.
- Health and Wellness
Recognising that student success depends on well-being, programs emphasise self-care through fitness classes, weekly wellness activities, and access to campus recreation facilities. Students also receive support from the Student Wellness Office and have access to on-campus health services if medical care is needed.
- Cross-Cultural Community Building
Located in one of the world’s most diverse cities, the program encourages students to engage with different cultures, identities, and perspectives. Through community groups, cultural events, and shared activities, students develop empathy, global awareness, and a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
- Clubs and Student Organisations
Students can join clubs that match their interests and values, such as multicultural groups, sustainability initiatives, film and media discussions, civic engagement, wellness, and identity-based alliances, fostering teamwork and leadership skills.
- Campus Events
Social and creative events, including talent shows, film festivals, and large student gatherings, allow students to relax, have fun, and feel connected to a larger academic community.
- Special Learning Opportunities
Beyond regular classes, students can attend master classes led by expert instructors, participate in focused writing workshops, and access limited one-on-one sessions to strengthen their academic and communication skills.
Together, these experiences create a balanced and enriching pre-college journey that supports academic excellence, personal well-being, and lifelong connections.
Discover New York City Beyond the Classroom
- New York City becomes an extended classroom for students, offering endless opportunities to explore, learn and connect with its vibrant culture.
- Through guided neighbourhood tours, students spend weekends discovering iconic areas such as SoHo, the Lower East Side, and Chelsea, each known for its history, art scenes, diverse food culture, and unique neighbourhoods.
- Students can participate in Broadway show outings, with access to ticket raffles and organised trips led by Residential Advisors, making world-class theatre more accessible.
- In addition, a range of optional weekend excursions allows students to explore famous landmarks, museums, cultural districts, and hidden gems across the city.
- These activities help students experience New York City firsthand while building friendships and gaining a deeper understanding of its global influence.
Preparing for College Success: Programs, Workshops, and Leadership Skills
- Summer programs help students prepare for future college life by giving them early exposure to academic rigour, campus culture and independent decision-making.
- Through a series of structured programs, interactive workshops like Leadership in a Diverse World, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Emotional Intelligence for Student Leaders, and expert-led events and sessions, students gain clarity, confidence, and practical tools to make informed decisions about their academic and personal goals and future.
- Summer sessions address both the technical aspects of evaluating colleges based on key factors, college applications and the broader leadership and communication skills, required to thrive in a diverse and competitive academic environment.
Preparing for College Success: Programs, Workshops, and Leadership Skills
- Summer programs help students prepare for future college life by giving them early exposure to academic rigour, campus culture and independent decision-making.
- Through a series of structured programs, interactive workshops like Leadership in a Diverse World, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Emotional Intelligence for Student Leaders, and expert-led events and sessions, students gain clarity, confidence, and practical tools to make informed decisions about their academic and personal goals and future.
- Summer sessions address both the technical aspects of evaluating colleges based on key factors, college applications and the broader leadership and communication skills, required to thrive in a diverse and competitive academic environment.
Career Skills and Exploration program
- The Career Skills and Exploration program is designed to help students gain clarity about their interests while developing skills that set them apart in competitive academic and professional environments.
- Through expert-led seminars and interactive events, students learn how to better understand their strengths, values, and goals, and how these connect to potential college majors and career paths.
- Activities such as a Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment help students identify personality traits and work styles, offering insight into fields where they may thrive.
Admission Criteria and Entry Requirements
The program seeks academically motivated students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, independent thinking and the maturity to thrive in a challenging learning environment.
While there is no fixed minimum GPA or rigid academic cutoff, the admissions committee carefully reviews each application to ensure students have the academic preparation, motivation and personal readiness to actively engage in coursework and co-curricular activities.
Students should feel confident speaking in class, contributing to online discussions, and engaging critically with course content in a rigorous academic setting.
Students apply to the overall program rather than to individual courses. Applicants are encouraged to indicate multiple course preferences, as placement in specific courses is not guaranteed.
Documents Required
All applications must submit academic transcripts and required recommendation letters.
- English Language Proficiency
Standardised English tests such as TOEFL or IELTS are not mandatory; however, students are expected to demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 90 or higher or an IELTS score of at least 6.5
- Visa Requirements
A student visa is not required for participation in the pre-college program. International students may attend using a Visitor (B) visa, as the program is short-term, recreational in nature, and does not provide academic credit toward a degree or formal certificate..
Campus Housing and Student Support
- More than half of students choose to live on Columbia’s 36-acre Morningside Campus, enjoying close access to classrooms, dining halls, libraries, fitness facilities, and health services, all while being steps away from New York City.
- Residential students stay in university residence halls with randomly assigned single or double rooms on single-gender floors or suites, with non-binary housing options available.
- Live-in Resident Advisors provide supervision and support, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging on-campus living experience.
- Students are supervised by trained Resident Advisors (RAs) who live on campus and ensure safety, guidance, and support. Health services, dining facilities, and recreational spaces are all easily accessible.
Program Fees
- NYC Residential Summer: $12,837 per session
- NYC Commuter Summer (3 Weeks): $6,380 per session
- NYC Commuter Summer (1 Week): $2,882 per session
Location
Lewisohn Hall
2970 Broadway, MC 4119
New York
For those ready to challenge themselves, explore passions and experience university life at its finest, Columbia’s summer programs provide the perfect place to begin. Book a Free Consultation with ScholarshipKart today to explore the top Summer Schools in the USA. Get expert support at every step—from course selection and applications to scholarships and visa assistance.
Start your global academic journey with confidence and let us help you secure the right programme, funding options, and a smooth transition to studying in the USA.