The Complete Guide to Columbia University’s Summer Programs for High School Students

Columbia University Summer Programs for High School Students is an excellent opportunity for motivated high school students to explore their academic passions and gain valuable college experience. In this complete guide, we will provide all the information you need to know about this prestigious program.

What is the Columbia University Summer Program?

The Columbia University Summer Program is an intensive academic program designed specifically for high school students. It offers a wide range of courses in various subjects, allowing you to delve into areas of interest and challenge yourself intellectually. 

The Columbia University Summer Program also goes beyond traditional classroom learning by offering extracurricular activities and workshops such as networking events, guest lectures, and cultural outings! However, this is only provided for the residential students. 

Where and when is the program conducted?

You can attend the program either as a residential, commuter or virtual student. The dates for each session are based on this choice:

Session A: June 24 - July 12, 2023 (Residential + Commuter)

Session B: July 16 - August 2, 2024 (Residential + Commuter)

Session C: August 5 - August 9, 2024 (Commuter + Virtual)

Session A Virtual: July 1 - July 12, 2024

Session B Virtual: July 15 - July 26, 2024

Based on the session you choose, you will have a different application deadline. However, all applications are within the timeframe of April 1, 2024 to April 4, 2024. Do note that if you need financial aid, the deadline for submitting the application becomes March 4, 2024. 

What are the courses I can enroll in? 

There are over 70 courses from which you can choose from (you can find the database here), but here are some interesting courses: 

• Introduction to Engineering - In this course, you will be exposed to the range of disciplines offered in engineering from Mechanical to Biomedical Engineering. You will also review the professional ethics for engineering.

• Geometric Topology: Through this course, you will learn how theories on the shape of the physical universe relate to models for topological spaces. Apart from the lecture itself, you will also engage in pen and paper computations, experiments, and interactive online games!

• Data Science and Machine Learning 1: Through this course you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of data science, its real-world applications and the potential career opportunities if you pursue data science. Alongside the course instruction itself, you will gain hands-on experience by exercises that use Python, and you will also learn how to present your data ethically and effectively. 

• Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, AI, and Beyond: If you are interested in finance, technology and blockchain, then this might be a course to look forward to. You will first start this course with an introduction to Fintech, and how AI reduces the need for human workers. You will also discuss Bitcoin and the organizational impacts caused by blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Do note that while this course discusses technology, it views it from a business, social, political and cultural lens, and does not involve any coding. 

What is the cost of Columbia University's Summer Programs?

The cost of each program depends on the length and type of instruction:

New York City Residential Summer (3 Weeks): $12,154 per session

New York City Commuter Summer (3 Weeks): $6,300 per session

New York City Commuter Summer (1 Week): $2,825 per session

Online Summer (2 Weeks): $3,960 per session

Online Summer (1 Week): $2,810 per session

Do note that you can apply for both the residential and commuter programs even if you don’t reside in New York. The only difference is that you will have to arrange your own residence and transport if you choose to commute! 

Apart from these costs, you will have to pay an $80 registration fee. For students who are participating in the NYC Commuter Summer 3-Week program, you will be able to apply for a limited number of need-based scholarships and they will cover 50% of the cost of the program!

If you choose to enroll in the summer program, you will have to pay a non-refundable deposit (the amounts vary based on the length/type of instruction) to secure your spot. 

Should I apply? 

Pros: 

1. The program is a good networking opportunity

In this program, you will not only interact with like-minded peers but also with instructors and current faculty at Columbia. This is a great opportunity to network and you can use these connections for future research opportunities and later even letters of recommendation! 

2. They offer unique courses that are not covered in school 

Courses such as Geometric Topology or even Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies are unique courses which normally wouldn’t have been covered in your school. You can use this experience to signal your curiosity and passion for the subject, and you can even use the material learnt as potential research areas.

3. It is an excellent opportunity to explore college-level classwork

The curriculum for all courses was developed by Columbia faculty, and they emulate actual college classrooms with a focus on discussions and hands-on applications of a subject! Opting for this program is an excellent opportunity to explore and understand the rigors of college-level coursework.

Cons: 

1. The program offers limited scholarships 

While this program does offer need-based scholarships, these are only limited to the commuter program, and it is mainly for students from New York City. Moreover, it will only cover 50% of the total costs incurred which is still a financial burden. 

2. Residential or commuter programs might be too time-invasive 

Opting for the residential or commuter programs might hinder you from participating in other opportunities as they are highly time-intensive. 

3. It might be more beneficial to opt for a more selective research program 

While summer schools are excellent opportunities to explore your desired subject, other programs that allow you to produce any output (such as a research project or a coding project) might be more beneficial. 

Our Review

This program is a solid option for anyone who is looking to explore college-level coursework and explore the real world applications of subjects. In particular, some aspects we really liked were how the course focused on the practical applications of a subject, and the unique course offerings. 

We’d highly recommend this program for anyone in the New York area as you can opt for commuting and even benefit from the scholarships offered! 

However, if you’re looking for any summer program, we’d suggest you also look at alternatives and those with residential programs that provide scholarships. We think that the lack of scholarships for residential students might be a huge financial hurdle, and other universities also offer a similar experience. 

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

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