New York Summer Intensive Studies (Ages 16–18)

Application Requirements

The program is open to all students, regardless of skill level, who meet the age requirements, complete the application, and demonstrate interest in art and design.

Application Overview

The program application process opens on November 1, 2026, and registration opens on January 4, 2027. You must apply and be approved to register for a course. All interested students must submit an application and pay a $55 non-refundable application fee. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The summer program team will share application statuses within 7-10 business days of submission. Early applications are encouraged as capacity is limited. Students who apply early and are approved in November and December will be able to log in and register on Monday, January 4, 2027 and secure their seat.

Application Deadlines:

• April 1, 2027 for international students (apply early to allow ample time for visa processing)
• May 1, 2027 for the session

Age Requirement

This program is for students ages 16-18*. We require that students be 16 by the start date of the program. Students who will turn 16 during or after the program will not be permitted to participate in the program, without exception. We recommend students under age 16 explore our non-credit course offerings in our Parsons Summer Academy program.

^{*Students aged 18 with at least one full year of college enrollment may register for the Parsons New York Summer Intensive Studies (College & Adult) program.}

Written Personal Statement (150-200 words)

Parsons New York Summer Intensives is a credit-bearing college experience—not a summer camp—taught by Parsons faculty. All classes in the program challenge students to expand their creative making and thinking skills. Please describe a past time when you were challenged in your creative or academic abilities. What skills or resources did you use to overcome this challenge, and how can you also utilize these skills in a Parsons summer intensive? How do you hope the intensive will evolve your creative skills and work?

Language Requirement

International Students for whom English is not the primary language of instruction at their home institution must demonstrate English language proficiency, as Summer Intensive Studies classes are taught in English. A TOEFL score of 4.5 or higher on the Internet-based test, an IELTS score of 7 or higher, a PTE score of 63 or higher, a DET score of 115 or higher, or a Cambridge English score of 185 or higher in C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency is required. Visit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, DET, or Cambridge English for more information.

International Students: Visa Requirement

In order to study in the United States, enrolled students must obtain a student visa, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident ("Green Card holders"), or enter the U.S. with another visa category that permits study for college credit.

Students must enter the U.S. with the appropriate immigration status to study in the U.S. when enrolled in a college credit program. Students without visas or other immigration statuses that permit study for college credit must enter the U.S. as an F-1 student. The F-1 student visa is the most appropriate non-immigrant status for students whose primary purpose is to study, which includes study in our Summer Intensive Studies program.

Please review the International Students & Scholars Services page for how to obtain documentation to enter the U.S. as an F-1 student.

Program Requirements

Attendance and Workload

Students attend classes Monday through Friday for six hours a day, with a one-hour break for lunch. Attendance is mandatory. Students who miss more than two (2) class sessions (each day consisting of one morning and one afternoon session) will fail the course, subject to faculty and administrative review. Out-of-class work, which is assigned daily, is a substantial part of the program. Students who do not meet course expectations may be asked to leave the program.

Materials

• Digital camera (mobile device cameras are suitable)
• Supplies from class list (estimated cost: $200-$300, may vary per course)
• Some courses require access to a modern computer laptop in addition to scheduled computer lab times; please check the course description. Students will have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud for students.

Full Day On-Campus Sessions (Mondays to Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 3:50 p.m. ET) at Parsons Greenwich Village campus

June 28 - July 16, 2027*
*No classes on July 5 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday

Registration

All interested students must submit an application and pay a $55 non-refundable application fee. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The summer program team will share application statuses within 7-10 business days. Once approved, applicants will be invited to enroll in a course.

Tuition
$5,805 plus $274 university fee

Registration Deadlines:

• April 8, 2027 for international students
• May 1, 2027 for students wishing to apply for university housing (housing deadline: May 8, 2027)
• May 15, 2027 for commuter students

College Credit

Students enrolled in the pre-college and college/adult-level programs in New York earn grades and three college credits upon successful completion of the program. We strongly recommend that participants consult an academic advisor at their home institution for further details of approval, transfer, and fulfillment of graduation requirements.

Academic Transcript Request

The New School has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript ordering via the Web.

Refund Schedule

Summer 2027 Refund Schedule

The New School reserves the right to cancel courses. If a course in which you are enrolled is canceled, you will be notified and asked whether you wish to transfer to a different course or receive a full refund.

This summer program offers the option of on-campus housing. Following confirmation of your registration, an additional letter is sent by email with instructions on how to apply for housing. Access to on-campus student housing is in high demand and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you require on-campus housing, we strongly recommend applying as soon as the application process opens.

Housing Fees
To be announced for Summer 2027.

Parsons Academy offers a limited number of tuition-only scholarships for students ages 16-18 to attend Parsons New York Summer Intensive Studies. The 3-week, 3-credit pre-college program runs from June 28 through July 16, 2027, at the Parsons NYC Campus. We seek applications from motivated students who, for financial reasons, would otherwise be unable to attend. The scholarship covers program tuition only and does not include materials and supplies, transportation to New York City, or accommodations. Scholarship applicants must be ages 16 to 18 by the first day of the program, and they must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Please note, applicants to the new Singer-Songwriter Summer Intensive and the Acting & Devised Theater Summer Intensive programs are not eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must first apply (there is a $55 non-refundable application fee) and be approved to enroll in the Summer Intensive Studies program. The scholarship application opens on Sunday, November 1, 2026, and the submission deadline is Monday, February 8, 2027, at 11:59 pm ET.

How to Apply

Complete the Application Form: Parsons SIS NY Pre-College 2027 Scholarship Application Form, which includes submitting the following two components:

A. Required Essay: Write a personal essay (300 words maximum) addressing the following points:

• What interests you about art and design?
• How do you anticipate this program will help you develop your interests and meet your future goals?
• Be sure to describe your current awareness and exploration of art and design, your interest in the course you select, and comment on your plans for the immediate and distant future.

B. 3-5 Portfolio Pieces: Provide a link to a multi-page PDF or digital folder of curated portfolio pieces, including photos or brief videos/animations that represent your current work and personal expression. Portfolio pieces do not need to relate to a specific Parsons Summer Intensive Studies course; they can include drawing, painting, sculpture, fashion design, animation, performance, graphic design, and sketchbook pages. Students interested in business-related courses like Fashion Merchandising and Design Strategies are encouraged to share their interpretation of creative expression. The portfolio submission should include at least 3 and no more than 5 sample pieces.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on a review of the information provided in the scholarship application form, the submitted written essay and portfolio pieces, financial need, and access to similar programs in your school and geographic area. Parsons Academy will notify scholarship recipients by the end of March 2027. If selected as a scholarship finalist, the applicant must provide documented proof of household income as recorded in the application form to maintain eligibility for the scholarship.