Who attends Summer Intensive Studies?
The Pre-College program is open to students between the ages of 16 and 19 who have not yet attended college. Students in this program have the opportunity to explore their interests in Art and Design as well as work on portfolios for college admissions.
The College level program is open to adults and students at least 19 years old who have completed a minimum of one year of college. Students gain intensive exposure to design education helpful in refining their academic and professional goals. Many students also participate in order to complement their full time degree programs and build the skills and portfolio necessary to gain admission to graduate programs.
What are the admissions requirements?
This is an open enrollment program available to students with a strong interest in Art and Design study. There is no application process and registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
When should I apply?
Registration begins on November 18, 2008 and will continue until all seats in the courses have been filled. The courses are filled on a first-come first-served basis therefore we recommend that you register early.
What should I do if the class I want to take is already full?
A limited wait list is maintained for each course. You should contact our office to be placed on the list or to make an alternate course selection: summer@newschool.edu
How will I know if I’ve been accepted?
You will receive a confirmation letter from our office within two weeks of completing your registration.
When will I have class?
Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm with a one-hour lunch break.
Where will my classes be held?
Parsons’ main campus consists of several buildings located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York. All of our classes are held on the main campus with the exception of Fashion courses, which are held in Midtown.
Who teaches in Summer Intensive Studies?
Courses are taught by Parsons faculty as well as by a selected number of New York and Paris based artists and designers.
How many students are in each class?
There is a maximum of 18 students per class.
Will I have homework?
This is a rigorous academic program. You should expect to have two to three hours of homework a day.
What should I bring on the first day of class?
Supply lists will be available approximately two weeks prior to the start of the program.
How do I apply for housing?
In order to apply for housing, you must complete a housing application and send it by mail or fax to The New School Housing Office. Please note that you cannot apply for housing online. Find the housing application here.
How much does it cost to live on campus?
Please see Summer 2009 housing rates here.
Am I guaranteed housing?
As long as you apply within the deadlines, housing will be available.
Am I required to live in the residence halls?
No. You can live off campus while attending the summer program.
Where are the dormitories in relation to the classrooms?
All classes, with the exception of Fashion courses, are held in the L,W,N,F,E and I buildings which are in walking distance from the dormitories(S,T,V buildings). Fashion classes take place in the midtown K building and require a 30 minute commute from the dormitories. See campus map here.
What amenities are available in the residence halls? Most dormitories are equipped with phones, internet and cable access. See details here.
Are the residence halls safe?
All residence halls have 24 hour security guards on duty. Entry is carefully regulated.
Is there staff in the residence halls?
There is always staff on duty in the residence halls.
Will I have a curfew?
Pre-College students are subject to a midnight curfew.
Is there a meal plan available?
Pre-College students in Session II are automatically enrolled in a dining plan, which entitles them to 10 meals a week. College level/adult students in Session II can apply for the plan through Dining Services: http://www.dineoncampus.com/thenewschool/. The New School Dining Services also provides cafeteria service for students during Session II. There are also many affordable restaurants in the area. A list of recommended places can be provided at the start of the program.
Am I allowed to have visitors/guests?
Yes. All guests including parents, guardians and siblings must leave a photo ID and register in the guest log when visiting. Students enrolled in Summer Intensive Studies who are 18 years of age or younger as of June 29, 2009 are subject to curfew requirements and may not have overnight guests in their rooms.
Students 19 years of age and older may request overnight guest accommodation on a very limited basis. A limited number of rooms for overnight guests are available in other buildings during the summer for a fee.
Are there any student activities outside of class?
Activities scheduled outside of class time provide an opportunity to meet other students and become acquainted with the university as well as New York City. Some events relate to admission to degree programs and career exploration including Portfolio Review Day, Discovery Day and industry guest lectures.
What will I do on weekends?
You can participate in the many extra-curricular activities on weekends scheduled during the summer. Past events include: Alumni Career Panel, Admissions Information Sessions, New York Mets baseball game and the Broadway musical Rent. A complete calendar of Summer 2009 extra-curricular activities will be available online approximately two weeks before the program start date.
What about the rest of my free time? Will I be all alone?
During class hours you will be with faculty members. During your lunch break you can go to one of the student cafeterias or to a nearby restaurant or deli. After class and before the midnight curfew you will do homework (2-3 hours), eat and have leisure time. Generally, students connect very quickly and go out in groups.
Do I get to see New York while I am studying there?
While in class and also on your own you will have the opportunity to use New York as a resource for your work. There are often visits to museums, exhibitions and places of interest during class hours.
Will I be safe in New York?
The New York classrooms and dormitories are in safe locations. It is still important that you be vigilant as this is a large metropolitan area. To learn more about safety and emergency management at The New School, please go to http://www.newschool.edu/studentservices.html and look at Campus Life.
How can I communicate with my family and friends?
Most of the university dormitories are equipped with internet access and phones. The university computer center also offers students free internet access in a state-of-the-art computer lab.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. Information regarding scholarships is available here.
Can I pay for the program after I register for my class?
No, tuition must be paid in full at the time of registration in order to reserve a space in the program.
Do I need to apply for a student visa?
Yes. After you have registered for the program, a written acknowledgement will be mailed to you. This letter will contain your student identification number which will allow you to log into http://www.newschool.edu/admin/packet/internationalstudents to access the visa application procedures and forms.
Is there a language requirement?
Yes. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 or 79 on the internet based course is required for international students. Find out more about TOEFL here.
Who can I speak to if I have more questions?
The International Student Services Office is available to address your questions and concerns iss@newschool.edu
What should I bring with me?
Travel light. Make sure you have an umbrella, sturdy walking shoes and light clothing as New York can be hot and steamy during the summer.
Can I mail supplies and other items to the university?
Unfortunately, there is no storage space for student belongings so packages for students are not accepted.
I know that I will earn 4 credits at Parsons after successfully completing my course. Will these credits transfer to my college?
Most colleges accept the earned credit for Summer Intensive Studies courses. Please check with an advisor at your college to see if the credit applies.
How can I get my grade and transcript?
At the end of the program, you will be able to access your grade through our online student information system. Transcripts must be requested from the Registrar’s Office. You will receive a student handbook with information explaining this process in detail.
