Admission Requirements

The admissions committee looks for highly motivated students entering grades 11 or 12 or freshman year of college in fall 2013 who are interested in attending Culture and History: Understanding the Arab World because they have a passion for learning and want to study and travel in the Middle East.

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

International students who are proficient in English are welcome to apply. International students should be aware, however, that participation in Culture and History: Understanding the Arab World does not constitute the basis for securing a student visa.

Note: While applicants are not required to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores, students' English proficiency should be equivalent to 90 or above on the Internet-Based TOEFL or at least 6.5 on the IELTS.

Application Materials

Applications and supporting materials (application fees, unofficial transcripts, statements of purpose, and letters of recommendation) can be submitted through the online application. Official 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.

• Completed Online Application form.

• Nonrefundable application fee. For applications submitted online by February 6, no application fee is required. After Feb. 6, the application fee is $75. Applicants must include credit card information through the online application.

• Transcript of applicant's secondary school academic record. We require grades for all secondary school work completed. We strongly recommend submitting unofficial documents through the online application system at the time of application; this will expedite the admissions process. Candidates offered admission will later be required to supply official documents prior to enrollment.
  
  If you are unable to obtain an unofficial copy of your transcript, please request to have an official copy sent from your school to our office at the address listed at the bottom of this page.
  
  Transcripts must be in English or come with an official translation. International students not graded according to the U.S. grading system should provide a grading key with the transcript.

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

• 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

• 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 may be mailed in by either the recommender or the applicant. Applicants may submit their online applications in advance of the recommendations.

  Letter #1
  Applicants must submit a letter written by a guidance counselor, principal, or headmaster commenting on the student's intellectual ability, level of maturity, and motivation towards participating in the Columbia University High School Programs.

  AND

  Letter #2
  Applicants must submit a letter written by an instructor who knows the student's level of maturity and ability to study both independently and in a group setting.

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

Mailing Address

Send all supporting materials not submitted online to:

Culture and History: Understanding the Arab World
Office of Admissions
School of Continuing Education
203 Lewisohn Hall
2970 Broadway, Mail Code 4119
New York, NY 10027-6902
212-854-9889
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

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.