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Advanced Academic Preparation

ALP teacher interacts with students in class

Available in Summer

This rigorous eight-week intensive course is designed for students who plan to enter an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a university in the United States. It explores multiple aspects of one central theme and aims to prepare students for university-level academic study by:

  • Focusing on academic writing skills, including: Academic essay format, Source-based writing assignments, Summarizing skills, Vocabulary building, Issues related to plagiarism and academic honesty (paraphrasing, citing sources, and using quotations appropriately)
  • Introducing research skills
  • Improving discussion skills, including fluency and advanced-level vocabulary, thus preparing students for participation in seminar discussions
  • Teaching presentation skills, including pronunciation, vocal projection, and appropriate body language
  • Building listening and note-taking skills by drawing on a variety of resources including: recorded lectures and talks, documentaries
  • Teaching skills for coping with extensive reading

AAP students can also take advantage of our activities program, with events, workshops and social occasions to help build community and help you enjoy New York City.

I took the Advanced Academic Preparation class, which was very interactive, and students were encouraged to think and contribute to classroom discussion all the time. There were many types of activities which were really challenging. As a result, we not only learned grammar, but also learned fundamental skills like active listening, how to read between the lines, and how to express our ideas and knowledge in effective ways. I really appreciated how the teachers always gave us a lot of constructive feedback. It was apparent that they were really paying attention to each student based on the specific advice they provided to each of us.”

Ornwara Tritrakarn - Thailand

Dates and Prices 

Click on the box for full details.

Tuition and fees are subject to Board of Trustee approval and may change.

For a full explanation of fees, see below.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 85 (iBT) with minimum of 21 in both writing and speaking, 6.5 IELTS with a minimum of 6.0 in both writing and speaking, or 169 Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum of 162 in both writing and speaking.

On the first day of the course, students will complete a diagnostic writing exam. Those scoring below ALP level 7 will be switched to Summer B+C Intensive, offered at the same dates.

Successful applicants will be placed into AAP classes based on their ALP level and standardized test score (TOEFL/IELTS etc).

Current ALP students must have reached ALP level 7.

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ALP Levels, Placement & Testing

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Commission on English Language Accreditation

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Columbia University American Language Program Intensive English Programs are accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period August 2019 through August 2029 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, 1001 N. Fairfax St., Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, https://cea-accredit.org/.