Columbia University Pre-College Programs

New York, United States

About Columbia University Pre-College Programs

Columbia University Pre-College Programs, within the School of Professional Studies, offers high school students academic enrichment on campus in New York City and online during summer and the academic year. Its catalog includes over 100 courses across a broad range of subjects, with residential, commuter, and online options. Summer enrichment and Academic Year Weekend courses are noncredit, while College Edge offers undergraduate credit courses alongside Columbia college students. College preparation events, student activities, and journalism offerings complement the academic options.

Teaching style

Academic enrichment classes emphasize experiential, collaborative learning through discussions, debates, simulations, case studies, readings, presentations, and individual and group projects. Instructors guide students to think independently, critically, and creatively, with field trips and guest speakers used when possible. Noncredit students receive written evaluations focused on effort, participation, and progress rather than grades. Online courses meet synchronously in Eastern Time; College Edge follows undergraduate coursework and grading.

Reputation & Succeed take

The provider's positioning centers on its Columbia University affiliation, selective academic enrichment admissions, and instruction by scholars and practitioners with expertise in their fields. Its materials emphasize academic rigor, collaborative learning, and access to university resources.

Our take

A strong fit for motivated high school students who want challenging subject exploration, collaborative learning, and a taste of university life. The range of campus, online, summer, and academic-year options helps students match the experience to their schedule and housing needs. Choose College Edge if undergraduate credit is the goal; the enrichment options provide participation certification and instructor feedback. Participation should be chosen for its educational value, since the provider states that it does not influence Columbia College admissions.

The provider combines a broad academic enrichment catalog with several participation formats and a separate undergraduate credit pathway. Residential and commuter options use Columbia's New York City campus, while online enrichment uses live scheduled classes. Unlike its noncredit enrichment courses, College Edge places students in undergraduate classes and awards Columbia undergraduate credit. These are distinctions within the provider's offerings; the supplied evidence does not establish comparative rankings against other providers.

Who this provider suits

Who should choose them

Academically motivated high school students who enjoy active discussion, independent thinking, and collaborative projects. The enrichment options suit students exploring subjects and preparing for college without requiring college credit. Eligible students seeking graded undergraduate courses should consider College Edge. Campus options suit those seeking university resources and student life, while online options suit students who can attend live classes in Eastern Time.

Who it may not suit

Students seeking a guaranteed advantage in Columbia College admissions should reconsider their goal. Those wanting self-paced online study, a light academic workload, or classes that can be completed with translation assistance may find the enrichment model unsuitable. Students who need college credit should avoid choosing a noncredit enrichment option. Families relying on provider financial aid for residential summer, Academic Year Weekend, or College Edge should consider the stated funding limitations before applying.

Contact

hsp@columbia.edu

212-854-9889

Visit Website

Frequently asked questions

Options include residential, commuter, and online summer enrichment; Academic Year Weekend courses; College Edge undergraduate credit courses; and CSPA journalism offerings.

No. NYC Summer, Online Summer, and Academic Year Weekend enrichment courses do not carry college credit. Successful participants receive a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an instructor evaluation. College Edge courses earn Columbia undergraduate credit and have final grades recorded on a transcript.

The provider states that its Pre-College Programs are distinct from Columbia College and that participation does not influence Columbia College's ongoing or future application and admissions processes.

No. Online courses are synchronous, and students must attend at the meeting times listed for their course. Times are given in Eastern Time.

Need-based scholarships are available for eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents located in the United States or its five major territories taking a single NYC Commuter Summer or Online Summer course. Awards cover 25%–100% of course cost and exclude specified fees. Aid is not available for multiple sessions, NYC Residential Summer, Academic Year Weekend, or College Edge. Applicants must request aid before submitting their general application.

The provider requires protection-of-minors training and immediate reporting of suspected abuse. Enrichment instructors undergo background checks. Residential students have live-in Resident Advisors, controlled dormitory entry, and curfews. Students and parents or guardians must review applicable policies and sign the community agreement.

The University provides disability services and accommodations. Accepted students seeking assistance should contact Disability Services well in advance of arrival.

Call 212-854-9889 or email hsp@columbia.edu for general summer pre-college inquiries. Academic Year Weekend inquiries use hsp-ayi@columbia.edu, and College Edge inquiries use CollegeEdge@sps.columbia.edu.

Programs by Columbia University Pre-College Programs

Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, AI, and Beyond

Program

Applications open

Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, AI, and Beyond

Organized by Columbia University Pre-College Programs

Artificial IntelligenceBusiness & Economics+3 more

Dates

June to August 2027, 2 sessions

Location

Multiple locations

Duration

3 weeks

Columbia University Pre-College Programs

About Columbia University Pre-College Programs

Teaching style

Reputation & Succeed take

Who this provider suits

Contact

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of programs does the provider offer?

Do all courses earn college credit?

Will participation help me gain admission to Columbia College?

Are online classes self-paced?

Is financial aid available?

What safeguards are described for students?

Are disability accommodations available?

How can prospective students contact the provider?

Programs by Columbia University Pre-College Programs

Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, AI, and Beyond

Character Design for Animation and Gaming

Climate School in the Green Mountains

College Edge

Contemporary Architecture in New York City

Creating Original Theater: Playwriting, Directing, and Acting

CSPA Fall Conference

CSPA Spring Convention

CSPA Student Journalism Quick Courses

CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop

Drawing Intensive: Developing a Portfolio

Entrepreneurial Innovation and Human Behavior

Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Early Design

NYC Commuter Summer

NYC Residential Summer

Online Summer

Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)

Competitions by Columbia University Pre-College Programs

CSPA Gold Circle Awards

CSPA Crown Awards