Experience with Columbia's Pre-college Program?

To anyone who's participated in Columbia's Pre-college summer program: How was your experience? Would you say it helped you gain a clearer understanding of what college life at Columbia is like?

Absolutely, many students who engage in pre-college programs, like the one at Columbia, find they gain a clearer understanding of life on campus and the dynamic environment. Not only can you get a taste of the academics— potentially taking classes in a potential major or area of interest, but also the social aspect. You may have the opportunity to meet peers from across the world and assimilate into the campus community, grasping what Columbia's culture feels like.

At the same time, remember that these experiences might not represent the full spectrum of actual college life as the structure of these programs can be quite different from the normal semester. They are commonly more condensed and the student demographic can differ from that of the regular undergraduate student population.One caveat is that while these programs can offer a robust and enriching experience, they are not typically viewed as a significant point of distinction in the admissions process for highly competitive colleges. This is because these programs often come with a substantial financial cost and colleges do not want to favor wealthier students who are more likely to afford such activities.But certainly, if you're looking to gain insights into Columbia's academic rigor and campus environment, this program will serve that purpose. In sum, these programs are excellent for exploring interests and gaining a taste of college life, rather than as a strategy to boost your odds of college acceptance.