Columbia Summer 2024: Tapping into Creativity
With college acceptance rates hitting record lows, and the constantly changing dynamics of college applications, high school students are wondering what is going to make them stand out. Colleges are looking for creativity, passion, and academic rigor. Summer programs are one of the best ways to demonstrate those three capabilities. This blog post will cover the Columbia University Summer Programs for 2024!
Why apply to a summer program?
Summer programs are life-changing for any student who attends. High school students study new topics, work alongside equally motivated students, and develop an edge for their school courses back home. Summer programs expose kids to new environments and dynamics, bringing them newfound confidence as they grow as people. Summer programs are core memories for high schoolers: as they learn more, they grow more.
How to stand out in the application
Columbia Summer Program admissions officers are looking for students who demonstrate increased academic capability and motivation, with the potential to contribute to the diverse group of students on campus. To showcase academic prowess and connection, consider applying to the AI Scholars Program here, at Inspirit AI. At the AI Scholars Program, high school students can study under Stanford and MIT alumni, and enter the booming world of artificial intelligence.
Overview of the Columbia Summer Program
Prepping high school students with knowledge and confidence, Columbia invites students from across the world to tap into Morningside Heights. Apply to the Columbia Summer Program to learn under experts, learn new skills and insights, and plant the seeds in a lifelong network. Depending on the program, students can earn college credit or a Certification of Participation and teacher evaluation.
Residential Program
Students 16 and older are invited to stay on Columbia’s gorgeous Morningside Campus— a few feet away from class, libraries, and amenities in the heart of New York City.
Students have the choice between 70 courses and 12 subject areas. They spend around 4 hours in class with a 2-hour midday break. Expert instructors will challenge these kids to think creatively and critically.
Residential students can attend a ton of activities and events, including:
Lectures from Columbia faculty
College prep workshops
Community-building activities
Health & wellness programs
Over half of the program participants live on campus. These kids come from all over the world, representing 70 countries and 45 states!
Exploring New York City at the Columbia Summer Program means:
Neighborhood Tours
Broadway Shows
& Special Excursions!
On this 36-acre campus, students have New York City right in their hands. Over these three weeks at Columbia, they’ll learn to grow as people and academics.
NYC Commuter Summer
About 40% of the program participants commute!
Rising 9-12 graders and freshmen in college are eligible to commute to Columbia to take advantage of the endless campus resources, special events, and activities.
Students have the choice between 70 courses and 12 subject areas. They spend around 4 hours in class with a 2-hour midday break. Expert instructors will challenge these kids to think creatively and critically.
Students earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation and evaluations written by their instructors upon completion. Students can use these documents to distinguish themselves in the college application process.
Online Summer
Students can choose between 40 courses in Columbia Summer Program’s 2-week or 1-week program. Monday through Friday, students will join their virtual classes to enhance their academic abilities. Through class discussions, debates, simulations, and projects, students will grow as learners.
In the 1-week program, classes run for 4 hours with a 2-hour break. The 2-week program runs for 3 hours a day.
Students earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation and evaluations written by their instructors upon completion. Students can use these documents to distinguish themselves in the college application process.
College Edge: Summer
Hi, upperclassmen! In the College Edge program, 11th and 12th graders can tap into the college experience by earning college credit alongside Columbia students.
World-renowned professors impart insight, knowledge, and experience to students, as high schoolers learn more about themselves, their values, and their strengths. Here, students can prepare for college and career, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers from across the globe.
Columbia Writing Academy: Summer
This is the most selective program at the Columbia Summer Program. The admissions committee is looking for highly motivated students with “intellectual capacity”, original ideas, and contribution to wonderful learners. To stand out on the application, consider registering for the Inspirit AI Scholars Program: a virtual program created to introduce high schoolers to the field of artificial intelligence, taught by Stanford and MIT alumni.
Columbia Writing Academy was designed by Dr. Nancy Sommer to help students adjust their focus to the most critical part of the college application: the admissions essay. In this 2-week course, students develop their style for a unique and impressive college essay.
This course is made for students adamant about perfecting their statement, diving intensely into every step of the college writing essay. Through 1:1 tutorials, small-group workshops, and around 8 hours of work a week, students can craft a beautiful college essay.
Summer Journalism Workshop
Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to the Columbia Summer Program: Summer Journalism Workshop. The Columbia Scholastic Press Association hosts a 1-week, in-person workshop at Columbia. Financial assistance is available too!
Conclusion
The Columbia Summer Program for 2024 offers an array of transformative experiences for high school students, fostering creativity, academic prowess, and global connections. Whether choosing the residential, commuter, or online options, each program provides a unique avenue for personal and intellectual growth. From exploring the heart of New York City to perfecting college application essays, students can tailor their summer experience to align with their aspirations. The testimonials of alumni corroborate the program's impact, emphasizing the value of rigorous academics, diverse perspectives, and a supportive community.
By participating, students not only distinguish themselves in the competitive landscape of college admissions but also cultivate skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Columbia University's commitment to excellence shines through in these programs, making Summer 2024 an unparalleled opportunity for students to thrive, learn, and shape their futures.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
