Applying to Pre-College Programs

Learn everything you need to know about applying to and enrolling in the following Columbia University Pre-College Programs:

• NYC Residential Summer
• NYC Commuter Summer
• Online Summer
• Academic Year Weekend

Apply for Academic Year Programs

Eligibility

Summer

Domestic and international students who will be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall and students currently enrolled in grade 12 are invited to apply. Please note: the NYC Residential Summer program is open to students who will be 16 years of age or older by the start of the program.

Academic Year

Domestic and international students in grades 9-12 while the program is running.

The admissions committee looks for academically exceptional students who are eager to contribute original ideas and a spirit of intellectual curiosity to a community of highly motivated learners. 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.

NOTE: Documentation of immunization for MMR and Meningitis is a requirement for course registration for students studying on campus.

Application Process

Students apply to the overall program and not for admission into a specific course. Students are encouraged to select multiple courses of interest and are not guaranteed access to the courses of interest indicated on their application. Course registration takes place after a student confirms their intent to participate by paying the enrollment deposit and is subject to course availability. 

Courses frequently fill up before the application deadline, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications are processed on a rolling basis and will only be reviewed if all application materials have been submitted.

• Step 1. Select your program option.

• Step 2. Gather your unofficial academic transcript and notify your recommender.

• Step 3. Identify your top 3 courses of interest. Students apply to the overall program and not for admission into a specific course.

• Step 4. Create your account, submit your application, and review your application checklist to ensure all materials are submitted.

• Step 5. Receive your admissions decision in your application portal and review program costs.

• Step 6. Confirm enrollment decision, pay non-refundable enrollment deposit, and submit enrollment forms, including immunization for students studying on campus.

• Step 7. Register yourself for your class(es). Please ensure you have back-up courses selected in case your initial choices are full.

International Students

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

  Our classes are academically rigorous and may require students to feel comfortable using technical and specialized vocabulary depending on the course. One of the core foundations of our program is class participation through active discussions, both in an online chat format and when called upon to speak in class. Students should be able to engage in classroom fast-paced discussions and read all materials and assignments without any translation assistance.

• Visa Requirement: International students should be aware that participation in the Pre-College Programs does not constitute the basis for securing a student visa. Past participants have had success in obtaining Visitor (B) visas to participate in our program, because the program comprises a short recreational course of study and is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for more information on their policy on short periods of recreational study.

• Online Programs: Please note, courses being offered online are synchronous and take place in Eastern Time. Students must be able to attend their course(s) during their listed meeting time.

Checking Application Status

Please allow sufficient time after submitting your application before contacting the Office of Admissions about your application status. We encourage you to check your application status in the online application portal as often as you like. You will be notified via email when a decision letter is ready to be viewed in your application portal.

After submitting your completed application, you will receive an email notifying you that the decision is ready to be viewed within the application system. Once your application materials are complete, you should expect to receive a decision notification in 3–5 weeks for summer programs and 1–2 weeks for academic year programs.

You may return to check the completeness and status of your application by clicking below.

Academic Year Programs Application