Parent and Guardian Resources

"Participation in Columbia’s Pre-College Program was an eye-opener for our entire family. The program offered rigorous academic courses that challenged my daughter in ways high school never had. The faculty were not only experts in their fields but also deeply invested in mentoring the students, providing a taste of the intellectual vibrancy that Columbia is known for.

Beyond academics, the program encouraged students to engage in extracurricular activities and explore New York City, fostering a sense of independence and self-discovery. This holistic approach to education, which balanced intellectual growth with personal development, was incredibly beneficial. It helped my teenager build a network of like-minded peers, some of whom remain close friends today. As a parent, seeing my child thrive in such an environment was reassuring and gratifying.

In conclusion, Columbia University’s Pre-College Program was more than just an academic opportunity; it was a critical stepping stone in our journey toward college. It allowed us to prepare emotionally for sending our child off to university, provided them with a taste of the academic rigor and independence they would soon experience, and ultimately, it strengthened our confidence in their readiness for the next stage of their education." Joungho J.

"Sending our child to the Columbia Pre-College Summer program provided a preview of our expected experience next fall. The communication from the staff exceeded our expectations—always thorough and expertly delivered. The care to detail was second-to-none. Assistant Dean Vynessa and her staff were meticulously organized and ensured a world-class experience for all participants. As parents we were fully immersed in the program experience, from the pre-session security and healthcare presentations, to the parent mixer with the staff and faculty and the after-session pickup. We enjoyed the frequent email updates—they made us feel as if we were there with our children. The whole program had clear boundaries and limitations, but allowed enough freedom for our child to grow and experience independence. We would highly recommend this program to anybody looking for gold-medal experience." Jorge C.

"I thought the Pre-College program was great. It really did seem to replicate a college experience and that is exactly what we were looking for. We rarely heard from our daughter which we thought was a good thing and she enjoyed each aspect of the program. She really enjoyed her Psychology class and noted that it was nice to be in class with people who were all interested in the topic. Her professor was great and appeared to take the time to get to know each student. We also liked that there were students from all over the world and it allowed her to get a big city experience while simulating what college will be like. All in all, it was a great program and a great experience." Anthony H. 

"I've noticed my daughter becoming more independent, especially after navigating a big city like New York on her own for the first time. Columbia University has done an excellent job balancing class time and free time, allowing students to explore the city both with adult supervision and on their own. This experience has greatly enhanced her ability to plan, choose the right transportation, find interesting food, and discover new places. Additionally, Columbia's events, classes, and speeches have helped her clarify her future goals, giving her a clearer sense of what she wants to pursue in university. Columbia’s Pre-College Program has also inspired her to study harder, participate more in community service, and set her sights on attending the university. She's been deeply impressed by the successful people she's encountered there and is determined to make Columbia her dream school." Wenju W.