Summer Programs For High School StudentsNew York City

“The Columbia Summer Program was an excellent way for me to experience what college life is like while still being in high school. I loved being on the Columbia campus, and having the chance to explore the exciting Upper West Side of New York City was one of the best parts of the program.”

Kevin Heom, 2012

Now in its 27th year, Columbia University's Summer Program for High School Students offers highly-motivated students the unique opportunity to experience college life in the Ivy League while sampling the vibrancy of New York City. Open to students entering grades 9 through 12 and freshman year of college, the program combines academic rigor and instructional excellence with lively extracurricular offerings and careful supervision and support.

Students elect one curricular option per session, either in the Junior-Senior Division or the Freshman-Sophomore Division. Each curricular option includes a variety of related components that provide an in-depth examination of a particular subject.

Between classes, students have numerous extracurricular options to choose from, including organized sports on Columbia's beautiful campus and in nearby parks, excursions to local restaurants and places of interest, community outreach projects, organized discussions, and special events such as talks on the college application process and a college fair.

For students who choose to live on campus, there are scores of optional excursions to attractions all over New York City, as well as on-campus events such as talent shows, open mike nights, and dances. Residential students are carefully supervised by specially trained and selected resident advisers who look after students' safety and general well-being. The program's code of behavioral standards is strictly enforced to ensure student safety.

The program is a chance for students to meet and form lasting friendships with bright, highly-motivated peers from all over the country and all over the world.  Nearly a third of our students come from outside the United States.

The Summer Program is a rich and demanding academic experience, but it is also an opportunity for bright, high-achieving students to enjoy the summer on Columbia's beautiful campus, make new friends, get a taste of college life, and explore New York City in a supervised setting.

“The Columbia University Summer Program has given my ablest, most ambitious students a splendid opportunity to briefly immerse themselves in a truly demanding academic environment. However, more than simply providing a taste for the intellectual rigors of university, the Columbia Summer Program enabled my students to grow as compassionate, empathetic people and therefore genuinely hone their global citizenship.”

Dr. Alexander McGregor, United World College of South East Asia