Program Description

Barnard’s Summer in New York City

Pre-College Program
New York, New York


		Program Description Program Overview Visit Web Site Get Free Info See Photos

For More Information, Contact
Director of Pre-College Programs
Barnard College
Columbia University
3009 Broadway
New York, New York 10027-6598
212-854-8866
Fax: 212-854-8867
http://www.barnard.edu/pcp
E-mail: pcp@barnard.edu

Type of Program: College-level academic enrichment and leadership development
Participants: Coeducational, students who have completed grade 10 or 11
Enrollment: 170
Program Dates: Four-week Liberal Arts Program: June 28–July 25; one-week Liberal Arts Intensive: June 28–July 3; Young Women’s Leadership Institute: July 12–18 (program dates are tentative; students should visit the program’s Web site for current information)
Head of Program: Director of Pre-College Programs

Location

The 4-acre Barnard College campus on Morningside Heights in Manhattan is adjacent to the Columbia University campus. Barnard’s Summer in New York City makes full use of New York City’s exceptional educational, cultural, and recreational resources.

Background and Philosophy

The Barnard Pre-College Program was established in 1985 as a program for high school students with substantial academic commitment and interest as well as the ability to handle college-level work. As a selective liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University, Barnard offers an unusual educational opportunity for coeducational life on a university campus, enriched by the unparalleled offerings of New York City. The city often becomes an extension of the classroom. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Broadway are used extensively, for example. Each week, students have the opportunity to shadow professionals at some of the city’s major businesses and organizations. Evening and weekend programs provide students with additional exposure to New York City’s cultural, historical, and international attractions.

Program Offerings

Course offerings are varied, and class size is limited to 18 so that students can receive individual attention, engage in lively discussion, and work on independent projects.
The city plays an important role in the design of courses. Resources such as the Bronx Zoo, the Museum of Television and Radio, Ellis Island, the Hayden Planetarium, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and the Museum of Modern Art are used extensively. Guest lecturers, artists, and performers are invited to participate. Students are graded on a pass/fail basis and receive reports from each of their professors, who evaluate their participation, performance, and academic promise. Official course credit is not granted.
The Young Women’s Leadership Institute combines academic learning, skill-building workshops, and student-run sessions to train young women leaders in an intensive weeklong program.

Enrollment

Approximately 170 young men and women attend each summer, coming from more than thirty states and several other countries. More than 80 percent are residential, but students whose families live within the New York metropolitan area may choose to commute.

Daily Schedule

Students in the four-week program attend morning and afternoon classes four days per week, while students in the one-week program take a morning course in writing or theater and complete intensive assignments each afternoon. Young Women’s Leadership Institute students learn from college staff members, alumnae, and professional facilitators in a series of workshops, discussions, and seminars. On Wednesdays, students in the four-week program participate in the Life After College career-exploration series. Organized evening and weekend programs include supervised trips to famous New York City attractions as well as to lesser-known venues. Coffeehouses featuring local entertainers, talent shows, dances, parties, sports activities, and workshops on current issues are available on campus. Students may also volunteer for community service programs.
Students are expected to observe sign-out procedures and curfews and to comply with regulations designed to protect the health and safety of all participants. The social policy is sent to each admitted applicant and is available on request.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

The Life After College series gives students a taste of both the occupational and the neighborhood diversity that make New York such an exciting place. Each week, small escorted groups visit leading institutions and businesses, meet with professionals, take “inside” tours, and learn about career opportunities. Elective workshops on applying to college, interviewing strategies, and study skills are also offered.

Facilities

Residential students live in an air-conditioned residence hall and eat in the student cafeteria. Classes meet in air-conditioned classrooms, and students have access to all the modern campus facilities, including Wollman Library, the Academic Computer Center, and the campus gym.

Staff

Courses are taught by Barnard faculty members, visiting faculty members, and graduate students who have adapted their undergraduate courses for the program. Students are supervised by the professional staff, including 14 specially selected and trained undergraduate assistants and 3 graduate assistants. The entire staff offers support and guidance to all.

Medical Care

The Columbia University Health Service provides medical care, low-cost prescriptions, and routine lab tests. St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Hospital, three blocks from the campus, is available for emergency medical care. All students must provide themselves with health insurance coverage, including benefits for emergency care and hospitalization.

Religious Life

Barnard College has no religious affiliation. Religious services for all denominations are available close to the campus. The meal plan accommodates religious dietary restrictions.

Costs

The 2008 comprehensive charge for the four-week program was $4530 for residential students, including tuition, fees, room and board, and some evening and weekend programs. For commuting students, the charge was $3000 for tuition, weekday lunches, and fees. The one-week Liberal Arts Intensive fee was $1650 for residential students and $1060 for commuting students. The Young Women’s Leadership Institute is a residential program only, and the fee was $1550. Transportation, books, course supplies, weekend dinners, optional trips, personal laundry, and incidentals are not included.

Financial Aid

A limited number of partial financial grants are available.

Transportation

Barnard is accessible from all area airports and train and bus stations as well as by car. Buses and subways make campus stops.

Application Timetable

Admission is selective and based upon receipt of the completed application, including the $40 application fee. For those living outside the United States, the application fee is $65. Applicants must be completing grade 10 or 11 and must demonstrate academic strength. High motivation, emotional stability, and social maturity are expected. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis beginning March 1. The application deadline is May 1. Course enrollment and housing are limited, so early application is advised.