Columbia University's SHAPE Program - Should You Apply?
If you are a high school student passionate about technology, engineering, or scientific research, Columbia University's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of engineering disciplines. Programs like SHAPE not only immerse students in cutting-edge research but also bolster college applications, improve problem-solving skills, and provide a valuable glimpse into life at a prestigious university. Whether you're eyeing a future in computer science, electrical engineering, or another STEM-related field, SHAPE might be the perfect way to get a head start.
What is the SHAPE Program All About?
The SHAPE Program is an immersive pre-college summer program designed for high school students interested in engineering and applied sciences. Hosted at Columbia University, one of the top Ivy League institutions in the world, the program offers a rigorous and comprehensive academic environment where students engage in project-based learning, hands-on experiments, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The goal is to introduce students to engineering concepts and real-world applications, preparing them for higher education and careers in STEM.
What is SHAPE’s Program Structure?
The SHAPE Program is structured as a 3-week intensive summer program with two sessions available:
Session 1: July 8 - July 26, 2024
Session 2: July 29 - August 16, 2024
It combines college-level, project-based courses that offer hands-on learning experiences. The program focuses on providing students with a comprehensive overview of engineering principles through lectures, laboratory work, and collaborative projects.
What is the program’s Cohort Size?
The SHAPE Program is designed for a selective group of high school students, including rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates. The small cohort size ensures personalized attention, allowing students to engage deeply with the material and have meaningful interactions with instructors and peers.
What are the Tracks and Subjects Offered?
The SHAPE Program at Columbia University provides a diverse array of specialized courses. Students can select from a variety of engineering tracks, each designed to provide in-depth exposure to different fields within engineering. Here’s a breakdown of the courses offered:
Robotics and Autonomous Driving: A course focused on the principles of robotics and self-driving technology, exploring the mechanics and software that enable machines to navigate autonomously.
Moving Forward: Walking Robots: This track dives into the design and development of robots that mimic human walking, providing insights into motion planning and control systems.
Biomedical Engineering: Where Biology, Medicine & Design Meet: A multidisciplinary course that merges biological sciences, medicine, and engineering to solve healthcare challenges through innovative design.
Competitive Programming: Beyond the Basics: An advanced look into problem-solving techniques and strategies in programming competitions, perfect for students looking to sharpen their coding skills.
Sustainable Engineering: Designing a Better Planet: Focused on mitigating climate change, this course emphasizes sustainable design and engineering practices to create environmentally friendly solutions.
Product Studio: From Idea to Prototype: A hands-on experience in product development, guiding students from the conceptual stage to creating functional prototypes.
Electrical Engineering: Harnessing the Energy of the Sun: This track explores renewable energy technologies with a focus on solar power, including energy conversion and storage techniques.
Civil Engineering: Human Impact and the Built Environment: Analyzes the relationship between human activities and infrastructure development, emphasizing sustainable urban planning and construction.
Chemical Engineering: Material and Energy Balance: A foundational course in chemical engineering principles focusing on the conservation of mass and energy in chemical processes.
How (Not) to Bet: Demystifying Probability: A deep dive into probability theory, exploring real-world applications in decision-making and risk analysis.
Math in Action: Operations Research for Social Good: Uses mathematical models and optimization techniques to solve problems in areas like logistics, healthcare, and resource allocation.
Data Science: Decoding the Secrets of Data: A comprehensive course that teaches data analysis, machine learning techniques, and how to interpret large datasets to uncover insights.
These tracks are designed to give students a robust understanding of various engineering fields, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue higher education or careers in STEM disciplines. For more details, check out here.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Session 1: July 8 - July 26, 2024
Session 2: July 29 - August 16, 2024
Application Status: The final application deadline was on March 26, 2024.
It is essential for prospective applicants to plan ahead for future sessions and monitor the program’s website for the latest updates regarding application openings and deadlines.
Application Process
The SHAPE Program’s application process is competitive and requires several documents:
Student and Parent/Guardian Information: Basic personal information is collected from both the student and a parent or guardian.
Preferences for SHAPE Session and Course: Students must indicate their preferred SHAPE session dates and select the specific courses they wish to enroll in.
Essays: Applicants are required to respond to three essay questions, allowing them to showcase their motivation, passion for STEM, and suitability for the program.
Uploaded Documents:
A copy of the most recent high school transcript must be submitted by the applicant to demonstrate academic performance.
A letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher should be submitted to provide insight into the applicant's abilities and potential.
A resume detailing the student's extracurricular activities, achievements, and relevant experiences should be uploaded by the applicant.
Eligibility
The SHAPE Program is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who have a genuine interest in pursuing studies in STEM. The program is non-residential, so it is ideal for students who can commute to Columbia University in New York City.
Costs
The total cost for the SHAPE Program is $5,500, which includes:
Tuition Fee: $5,150
SHAPE Lab Fee: $135
Course Materials Fee: $115
Student Activity Fee: $100
Though expensive, scholarships are available to selected students based on merit and need. Accepted applicants, excluding those who receive scholarships, are required to submit a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 when they accept the offer of admission to the SHAPE Program.
Pros and Cons of the SHAPE Program
Pros
Exposure to College-Level Engineering Concepts: The project-based curriculum provides students with practical skills and a deeper understanding of engineering principles.
Networking Opportunities: Participants can connect with peers who share similar interests and academic goals, as well as professionals in the field.
Boost for College Applications: Completing a program at a prestigious institution like Columbia University can significantly enhance a student’s application, particularly for those pursuing STEM degrees.
Learning from Expert Faculty: Access to Columbia's diverse faculty offers students high-quality education and mentorship.
Cons
Commuter Program: The program is non-residential, meaning students must find their own accommodation if they don’t live in New York City.
Limited Application Window: Missing the deadline means waiting until the next year, so prospective students must be proactive.
High Costs: As with most specialized summer programs, the tuition fees could be a barrier for some students, though financial aid is available.
Intensive Pace: The fast-paced 3-week program could be challenging for students who are not used to rigorous academic workloads.
Our Review
Columbia University's SHAPE Program stands out as a top-tier pre-college experience for students eager to explore STEM fields. With its hands-on, project-based approach and instruction from Columbia’s esteemed faculty, the program provides a well-rounded introduction to what a future in STEM could look like. Although the cost and commuter nature might limit some applicants, the prestige and practical benefits make it an excellent choice for those serious about pursuing careers in engineering or technology. If you are ready to embrace a challenging yet rewarding experience, then SHAPE might just be the stepping stone you need for your educational and career journey in the sciences.
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