Columbia University Continuing Education

Summer Program for High School Students

Admission and Application

Instructions below

Application Deadline (Sessions I and II): Friday, May 4, 2001

Here are the courses for which we are still accepting late applications

Session II

Approaches to Reading and Writing
College Preparatory Program
Computer Graphics with C++/Java
Explorations in Genetic and Molecular Biology
Legal Reasoning, Research, and Writing
Trial Advocacy
Writing: Master Classes

Admission and Application Instructions

Admission to the High School Programs is selective. Each year, 800–850 students are accepted out of approximately 1,300 applications. Typically 750–775 students attend the program.
The admissions committee looks for highly motivated students who are interested in attending the High School Programs because they have a passion for learning and because they wish to enrich their knowledge of a particular field.
Class size is limited to ensure participation in discussions and access to equipment; students are encouraged to apply early.
Students who have taken the program during a previous summer and who wish to attend in Summer 2001 must submit a completed application and a recent grade transcript. They need not resubmit the personal statement or recommendation letters.
Late applications are considered on a space-available basis and only after all other applications have been reviewed. Highly qualified students may be accepted into the program on an early-decision basis once their applications are complete.
Please follow the application procedures outlined below.

A Note On Prerequisites

Students must present evidence of prerequisites as identified in the individual program descriptions, either in their transcripts, personal statements, or accompanying documents.

Personal Interviews

Applicants may be required to interview with a member of the admissions committee or a Columbia University faculty adviser to determine admission to a particular program.

PSAT and SAT Scores

Test scores are not required as part of the application.
If these scores are available, the admissions committee will review them, particular in the case of students applyng to study science or math.
Prospective students should know that one piece of the application packet does not outweigh another; rather, the whole student is considered.

Application Materials

To ensure timely review and notification, applicants should submit the items listed below all together in one packet. Students applying to Academic English and the American Expereince may include a coy of the official TOEFL score, in a sealed envelope, in their application apckets, or arrange to have ETS send the score directly to Columbia University (school code: 2594).
While the Admissions Office will accept piecemeal submissions of application materials, applicants should be aware that such submissions will substantially lengthen the time required for reviewing and making decisions on their applications.

The following items should be submitted in one application packet:

Completed application form
Students applying to take courses in both Session I and Session II must indicate this clearly on their applications.
Official transcript showing applicant's academic record submitted in an envelope sealed by the appropriate school official
Personal statement (250–500 words) describing academic preparation, personal interests, and motivation for participating in an intensive academic program
3–5 page writing sample consisting of one or more pieces of poetry, fiction, or nonfiction (creative writing applicants only)
Two letters of recommendation on behalf of each applicant are required.
- The letters must be submitted on official school letterhead and sealed by the writer of the letter.
- Applicants should use the recommendation forms included in this Web site.
- Sealed recommendation letters should be included in the packet of application materials.
Letter #1:

All applicants must have a letter submitted from a guidance counselor, principal, or headmaster commenting on the student's intellectual ability, level of maturity, and motivation for participating in the Columbia University High School Programs.

Download Form

Letter #2:

Junior-Senior Division: Juniors and seniors must also have a letter submitted from an instructor who teaches in a field closely related to their chosen curricular option. The letter must describe the student's knowledge of that field and assess the student's qualification to engage in concentrated study.

Freshman-Sophomore Division: Freshmen and sophomores must also have a letter from a teacher familiar with the student's work. The letter must describe the student's academic talents and potential to benefit from experience at Columbia.

Download Form
Signed Behavioral Standards Consent Form

Download Form
Audition Tape (Music Performance Applicants Only)
Official TOEFL score (Academic English Applicants Only): TOEFL scores may be sent to us directly from the ETS (school code: 2594).
$35 Application Fee (a check or money order made out to Columbia University).