Hi guys, I’m interested in attending the Columbia High School Programme this year and I read a lot of mixed reviews so I would like past participants to chip in and answer some of my questions. First of all, I come from Europe (so excuse my horrible English) but my dream is to go to the Ivies. I’m a really good students but not really a nerd, everybody that I meet honestly thinks that I party all the time and don’t give as hips about school. Before you start, I know that this won’t give me any college credit but New York is my favourite city and I think a summer in the city would be so fun. What is the crowd like, are all of the kids hardcore nerd or are there some interesting people who care about school but still know how to have fun? So kids get drunk and smoke or are most people there to just explore the campus and the subject that they like? These are my main questions but feel free to add as much information as you would like.
I know I am replying a little late. Well I did HSP three years back and it was a good time. People are interesting and I ended up befriending my best friend at Columbia and we still hang out even though we go to schools in different countries. However, you are gonna regret that Columbia does not give credits. I would recommend NYU programs that give credits and the NYC experience (especially NYU is right downtown Manhattan)