Columbia’s approach to high school accelerated programs offer a breath of fresh air. Summer immersion sessions are non-credit courses, emphasizing learning rather than testing. This can be surprising to a high-achieving student these days, who often focus on test scores and GPAs, explains Kate Merkel, Program Director, Pre-College Programs at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. “They move toward a process in appreciating what they’re learning rather than being grade-oriented. It’s a shift for them, being engaged for the joy of learning. It can be a transformative experience.”

The diverse community of past participants includes 55 percent resident population, 30-40 percent international, and the rest have come from 40 states. In addition to course study, they learn life skills like independence and responsibility—from the application process to waking themselves up for class to immersing themselves in challenging courses.

“They’re on the Columbia campus immersed in their subject area of interest,” Merkel said. “The courses are incredible. In three weeks, it’s enough time to come out grasping material but still have questions and pique their curiosity to learn more.”

The high school programs include one and three-week summer immersion opportunities, and college “edge” programs.

Applying

The admissions committee looks for academically exceptional, highly motivated students who have a passion for learning and wish to enrich their knowledge of the particular field. The process mirrors college applications, says Merkel. However, no test scores are required for non-credit classes.

What is required: an essay, transcripts and two letters of recommendation—one from a guidance counselor, principal or headmaster commenting on the student’s intellectual ability, level of maturity and motivation. The second is from an instructor in their school who teaches in a field closely related to the applicant’s interest, describing the student’s knowledge of that field and qualifications.

“Every piece is considered,” says Merkel, adding that things they look for are if students are well rounded, have extracurricular activities and have any experience in the field. “Want to go into robotics? Then math and science experience is taken into consideration for optimal placement.  We are committed to their success.”

Applications must be submitted directly by student applicants, not by parents or third parties, and essay and letters are crucial to the process.

The Programs

Summer Immersion: New York City, One Week

August 5–9, 2019

Eligible: Students in grades 9-12 or freshman year, college

Non-credit

Application Deadline: Application process open in spring.

In the week-long program, students choose one of seven courses. This provides an in-depth and interactive examination of the subject. Subjects range from Digital Filmmaking to Global Migration and Personal Identity to Intro to Finance and Investment Management—and more. Courses run approximately two hours each morning and two hours every afternoon, Monday through Friday. Lunch breaks include group activities.

Summer Immersion: New York City, Three-Week

Session 1: June 24–July 12, 2019

Session 2: July 16–August 2, 2019

Eligible: Residential program open to students who will be 16 years of age or older by the start of the program. Commuter program open to students entering grades 9 through 12 or freshman year of college in the fall.

Non-credit

Application Deadline: Final application deadline: March 30

Immersive, collaborative classes for outstanding students; they choose one option for an in-depth examination of the subject area. More than 70 courses are offered in a dozen subject areas including Architecture, Design & Urban Studies; Art; Business/economics, Creative writing & Journalism; Engineering & Computer Programming; Law & Conflict Resolution; Marketing, Media & Communications; Mathematics, Philosophy & Humanities; Physical Sciences; Politics & International Affairs; Social Sciences & Psychology.

College Edge: Academic Summer Session

Session 1 (D) May 28–Jul. 5; Session 2 (Q) Jul. 8-Aug.16 (students can take one or two sessions)

Eligible: Open to domestic high school students in grades 11 or 12

College credit

Application Deadlines:

Application Fee ($80)

Session 1 (D) Application Deadline April 1

Session 2 (Q) Application Deadline May 1

Access to same for-credit courses as Columbia students. Dozens of subjects available, from Anthropology to languages to Statistics. These courses prepare exceptional high school students for high academic levels, giving them an edge over their college peers.  “Ideal for students who want to enhance their college application or are preparing to enter the U.S. higher education system.”

College Edge: Academic Year

By Semester: Summer-Fall, Spring-Summer, Fall-Spring

Eligible: Students entering grades 11 or 12, freshman year and recent high school graduates who live within commuting distance

College credit

Fall Application Deadlines: August 1.

A rigorous 16-week course condensed to six weeks. Limited to eight units, two classes maximum, to try to ensure student success. “These are very difficult and challenging,” Merkel said. We are proactive in offering support and resources like the Writing Center and tutors. Advisors have weekly reviews, check that the instructor gives the okay, but will also tell them to withdraw until they can do the prerequisites.”

The Rewards

The question asked most often is whether doing a high school immersion program will guarantee admission into Columbia, says Merkel.  “The answer is no. But there is nothing comparable to this. You can do anything in the summer but to take three weeks of your life and explore your talents, out of your comfort zone, tells a lot about your character and is truly transformative.” •

For more information visit https://sps.columbia.edu/highschool