Summer at the Big Apple: My Experience at Columbia Summer High School Program

After a wonderful experience at Stanford Summer College last year, I decided to apply to another summer program. I was thrilled when I got accepted into the Columbia Summer High School Program — a rigorous three-week academic program designed specifically for high school students.

Out of the many courses available, I chose **Genetics and Molecular Biology** to further explore my passion for biology and chemistry. At first, the course sounded quite challenging, but it turned out to be both enjoyable and inspiring.

The Best Part: Hands-On Lab Work

My favorite part was the lab section. I had the opportunity to use advanced equipment typically found only in college and research labs. Working closely with a professor made me feel truly professional. Although writing lab reports sometimes took hours, I improved significantly in my reasoning and gained valuable knowledge.

The course pushed me to think at a higher level and encouraged me to strive for excellence — something I’ll carry with me into my future studies.

Making Global Friends

Beyond the classroom, one of the highlights was meeting so many amazing people. More than half of my classmates were international students, so I made friends from all over the world — India, UAE, France, Netherlands, England, China, and many more.

Studying alongside such driven students while learning about different cultures was an incredibly enriching experience. This program not only strengthened my interest in the natural sciences but also gave me a much clearer vision of my future.

Grateful for Stevenson’s Foundation

Having such a positive experience in New York made me appreciate how much Stevenson School has helped prepare me along the way. From hands-on science experiments at the beach to making peanut brittle in beakers during Christmas, the science department at Stevenson has given me so many memorable and valuable experiences.

After three years of biology and chemistry, I’m excited to dive into physics this year. As a senior, I’m committed to working hard — both as a student and as an athlete — while making the most of my final year at Stevenson.

Looking Ahead

If you’re a high school student considering a summer program in New York City, or if you’re getting ready for your own college journey, having comfortable and convenient housing makes all the difference.

Our fully-furnished private student apartments at West End Avenue and West 94th Street are located in excellent neighborhoods close to major universities, making them a great choice for students who want privacy, comfort, and easy access to campus life.

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Last updated: March 2026