FAQs

Yes, we offer need-based scholarships that cover the total cost of the program including housing for the residential option. Merit scholarships are not available. For more information on how to apply, please visit our tuition and fees page. Income and expense documentation are required to determine scholarship eligibility. 

No, students must provide their own transportation to and from Columbia.

Please be certain that you are able to attend before accepting the scholarship. We strive to give as many full, need-based scholarships as possible. If you accept a spot, and do not use it, we will not have the chance to offer it to another candidate. We take this process seriously and ask that our applicants do the same.

The deposit will act as the first payment toward tuition. The remaining tuition balance will be due at a later date indicated in the admissions letter. The deposit is non-refundable.

All students paying tuition are required to pay their bill within the deadlines provided by program staff. Please refer to our Financial Responsibility Policy for more details. The University’s Office of Financial Services tracks all student accounts and payments.

Students may only take one course during each session, but may apply to attend both 3-week sessions allowing them to attend more than one course. Students should indicate their preference for both sessions on the application. If taking courses during both sessions, students will pay for both 3-week sessions.

Yes, students may choose any available elective, regardless of which course they are taking. Students will be enrolled in this elective for the full three weeks. We encourage students to interact and collaborate on projects during electives time.

This year we will offer 18 classes and the average class size is 25 students. Therefore, we plan to admit 450 students. Note, SHAPE receives many more applications than we can accept so applying early is encouraged.

The fee covers lunch every day.

We ask students to take program attendance seriously. However, if you are unable to attend during one or more days of the program, please let us know as soon as possible. Keep in mind that we cannot prorate or discount tuition or offer special materials for covering what you miss, and you will likely be working on a team.

If you accept your offer, and start SHAPE but change your mind about attending, you have 2 full days to leave without penalty. If you withdraw after 5:00pm on the second day of the program, you are responsible for the full tuition. If you have a concern during the first 2 days, please come talk to us - we are here to help and support our students! Personal emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis. We know that things happen, and we will be sensitive to specific circumstances as they arise. 

Yes, Columbia students will be assisting with the entire program. 

Not necessarily. Although we recommend that applicants, whenever possible, spend some time on campus before applying, applicants who have attended a program on the Columbia campus are not given automatic preference in the admissions process.

Students will be living in Wallach Hall, which is conveniently located on campus, near the South Lawn. All rooms are furnished and have air conditioning. Bedding will also be provided.

Residential students will have access to Columbia Dining for three meals a day. Visit the link about Columbia Dining and accomodations that can be made about dietary restrictions.

Students will participate in a variety of group activities in the evenings and weekends to explore what New York City has to offer. These activities will include a trip to a Broadway show as well as other cultural and educational sites.

Students will be moving in the afternoon on July 6, 2025 and moving out in the morning of July 26, 2025.

All residential students need to be 16 and older on the first day of the program.

The residential program will be managed by a Residential Director and RAs with experience leading residential life and familiar with Columbia's protocols. There will be a curfew at 10PM every night. Policies regarding medical treatment, and emergency protocols will be made available in January.