How to Apply

To apply, you must have successfully completed grades 9, 10, or 11, and must submit an application. In addition, you must submit an official high school transcript and a 250-word essay.

Housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Browse Study Options

Creative Writing–Finding Your Muse in the Metropolis

Generations of writers from J. D. Salinger (The Catcher in the Rye ) to Michael Chabon (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay ) and Cassandra Clare (City of Bones ) have drawn inspiration from the hustle and bustle, the diversity, and the culture that makes New York City so unique. This summer, immerse yourself in the craft of creative writing in the heart of Greenwich Village, the haunt of some of the most provocative writers of the past, and the home of a lively contemporary writing community. Learn from the pros, as you transform your ideas and stories into compelling writing. Spend mornings developing the techniques that are fundamental to all types of fiction writing—literary fiction, dystopian fantasies, fairy tales, and mysteries—focusing on story structure, character development, description, and dialogue, along with exercises and critiques. Afternoons include lectures, visits with noted authors, literary events, and tips on publishing your work.

Digital Filmmaking–Telling the Story through Technology

Finance NYC–An Insider’s View

There is no better place to study finance than New York City, the financial capital of the world. If you are contemplating a career in this fast-paced and continually evolving field, this multidimensional course of study provides a truly unique insider’s view. Acquire an introduction to the foundations of financial analysis and investment management that are practiced on Wall Street. Explore the nature of the financial system, the types of assets that are traded, techniques for measuring and managing the risk and return of a portfolio, the key role of the Federal Reserve System, the use and abuse of financial derivatives, and current economic conditions.

From time value of money: comparing the value of cash flows at different points in time, to capital budgeting techniques, to the fundamentals of risk and return, you will be exposed to topics that provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the finance industry.

Taught by top experts in the field, this dynamic program provides the solid grounding to pursue an undergraduate academic path in a broad array of finance and business-related disciplines.

From Writer to Reader: The Art of Editing Books

Are you a lover of books? Do you like to write? Do you see yourself working as an editor someday…or in another position in a publishing company? Then, this course could be for you. During this intensive program of study, you’ll learn what an editor does, how books are produced, and you will gain insight into the world of publishing. The most successful editors also are entrepreneurs, who don’t wait for book manuscripts to come their way, rather, they cultivate writers and scour the worlds of entertainment and digital media (including blogs and Twitter) for exciting ideas. In this course, you will learn how to think like an editor and gain an understanding of how a concept becomes a commercially viable and exciting project.

Hit Songwriting: Creating, Recording, and Marketing Your Music

Are you thinking about a career in songwriting? This course is designed for both beginners and more advanced musicians, as well as for singers and lyricists. Taught by multi-Grammy Award nominee, Larry Dvoskin, who has earned gold and platinum hit records collaborating with iconic music stars, the program guides you through the internal creative process of finding your unique signature as an artist, writing songs and recording them, and using the Internet and social media to market and to promote your music.

Songwriting topics include analysis of timeless lyrics, tension and release structure in melody, and the most current and popular chord patterns and arrangements. Recording topics will explore types of recording software both digital and analog, how to record on your home computer, and how to find the right producer. This course also covers an overview of how to build relationships with managers, agents, publicists, DJs, producers, engineers, and record label executives—each of whom plays a critical role in the lasting success of a career musician.

Upon completion of the program, each student will come away with at least one finished new or reworked song and a step-by-step strategic and creative plan to record and promote it. As an added bonus, this course may feature guest appearances by one or two recording stars.