Columbia University Pre-College Programs have expanded academic study options and now host high school students across four different modalities: the Residential; Commuter; Online; and College Edge, which offers high-achieving high school students the opportunity to take Columbia courses for credit. Each modality is designed to challenge and engage students in a supportive environment, in person or online.
Through the Residential and Commuter modalities, students experience an Ivy League education on Columbia’s campus during three-week sessions. The commuter option is open to students who live in the New York City area and offers an additional one-week session in August. Through the Online Experience, students take up to two courses over a two-week or one-week session, with the flexibility of joining from anywhere in the world. The College Edge program continues to offer commuting high school students the opportunity to take Columbia courses for college credit.
Residential Experience
The pre-college residential offering is open to students who wish to live on Columbia’s iconic New York City campus. Our global residential community is diverse with over 60% of international students hailing from 70 countries and 45 U.S. states. Classes take place on Columbia's Morningside Campus and meet twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Every evening, residential students may choose from attending programming on campus, going on special outings in the city, or taking time to rest and study in the residence halls and network with peers.
Students engage in pre-professional workshops and courses that delve into topics of science, innovation, medicine, law, policy, and many others. Social events include a welcome barbecue, a student involvement fair highlighting summer activities, clubs and events, a talent show, a silent disco, and a film festival. The program is a way for students to preview the undergraduate Ivy League experience, while exploring one of the most culturally rich cities in the world.
The residential option is only available to students who will be 16 years of age by the beginning of the program. Younger students are welcome to apply for the commuter option or our engaging online program.
Commuter Experience
New York City-area residents, or students whose families are residing in the area while they are attending the program, may enroll in the commuter modality. Commuter students take part in intensive classes every morning and afternoon alongside residential students. In addition to the two three-week session options, commuter students also have the option of attending an additional one-week offering in August for those eager for the pre-college experience but who cannot commit to a longer program. Beyond meeting daily for class, students choose from a wide variety of daily activities during the midday break and in the early evening, including lectures by Columbia instructors, college prep workshops, and health and wellness programming. There are also opportunities to have fun engaging with peers by joining a club or attending a community building event. Commuter students who opt into the meal plan are welcome to eat lunch and dinner on campus Monday through Friday. Students completing Grades 8 through 12 are eligible to attend.
Online Experience
The Pre-College Programs also offer an online modality, bringing an Ivy League education into the homes of high-achieving and motivated students. Through Columbia's online, interactive learning platform, students across the globe can engage with one another through rigorous curricular instruction, inclusive student life activities, and informative college success events. The online experience is built for personalized feedback and lively classroom interaction, allowing students to make deep connections with classmates and instructors.
Launched during the pandemic, the online modality will continue to be available for students who enjoy the flexibility of studying from home or who are engaged in other activities which prevent in-person attendance. Students attend class for three hours per day over a two-week or one-week session. They also have the option of engaging in seminars, workshops, and lectures to prepare for the college application process and the academic rigors of university life. Other highlights include an art competition and symposium highlighting the students' work throughout the term.
College Edge
College Edge offers high school students in 11th and 12th Grade the opportunity to take Columbia courses for credit. College Edge students typically enroll in lower-level undergraduate courses (1000–2999) and must obtain special permission from their advisor to register for upper-level courses (3000 and above). All courses must be taken for credit as auditing is not permitted, and students should consult their intended undergraduate institution regarding the transfer of college credits earned through the program.
Students will also have the opportunity to enhance their educational experience by participating in clubs, social activities, and events including college and career readiness workshops. College Edge students have access to a robust set of resources only available to active students with a Columbia University ID, such as the libraries, fitness center, health services, writing center, academic advising center, and more. There is no residential option for College Edge students—students must commute to campus each day.
Learn more about Columbia University’ Pre-College Programs here, and attend an upcoming info session to hear from instructors, past students, and academic advisors here.