Registration Process
Course Information
Housing
Life Outside of Class
Paying For Your Program
International Students
Before You Arrive
After the Program is Over
Who attends Summer Intensive Studies?
The Pre-College program is open to students between the ages of 16 and 18 who have not yet attended college. Students in this program explore and develop their skills in art and design as they create portfolio pieces for college admission.
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 receive intensive training in art and design, which helps them develop their skills and better focus their academic and professional goals. Many students also attend the college-level program as a complement to their full time degree programs, and to build the skills and portfolios necessary for 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 27, 2012, and will continue until all seats in the courses have been filled. Because the courses are filled on a first-come first-served basis, we recommend that you register early.
What should I do if the class I want to take is already full?
Courses that are full are listed online as 'Closed For Registration'. We maintain a limited wait-list for each course. You may complete the wait list request form here.
How will I know if I've been accepted?
You will receive a confirmation letter from Parsons SPACE (Summer, Pre-College Academy, Continuing Education) within two weeks of completing your registration.
When do I attend class?
Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break.
Where are classes held?
Most classes are held at Parsons in Greenwich Village, Fifth Avenue and 13th Street. Digital classes are held in the University Computer Center, 55 West 13th Street. Fashion design classes meet at the Parsons Fashion Design Center, Seventh Avenue and 40th Street, a short subway ride away. The Village campus also houses the Gimbel Design Library.
Who teaches in Summer Intensive Studies?
Courses are taught by Parsons faculty and a select number of New York- and Paris-based artists and designers.
How many students are in each class?
Each class has a maximum of 18 students.
Will I have homework?
This is a rigorous academic program. Students should expect to have two to three hours of homework a day.
What should I bring on the first day of class?
Approximately two weeks before the program begins, instructors will email supply lists to their students. Students should bring the supplies to the first class. Do not purchase any supplies on the list that are unfamiliar to you. Wait until the first day of class and speak with your teacher before making the purchase.
How do I apply for housing?
In order to apply for housing, you must complete the housing registration online. Visit Parsons Summer Housing to learn more about summer housing.
How much does it cost to live on campus?
Please see Summer housing rates.
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 within walking distance of the dormitories (S, T, V buildings). Fashion classes take place in the midtown K building, requiring a 30-minute commute from the dormitories. View our campus map for more details.
What amenities are available in the residence halls?
Most dormitories are equipped with phones, internet, and cable access. Visit Student Housing for more details.
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.
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 July 1, 2013, are subject to curfews and may not have overnight guests in their rooms. Students 19 years of age and older may request overnight guest accommodations which are available on a very limited basis. A small number of rooms are available for a fee in other buildings for overnight guests during the summer.
Is there a meal plan?
The summer dining dollars meal plan will be available for all students attending classes during Summer Intensive Studies Session II (but not available during SIS Session I). All pre-college students staying in university housing, automatically enrolled in the dining dollars program, are given a starting balance of $500. Off campus commuters are welcome to enroll in the program if they choose. All meals purchased in the dining dollars program are exempt from New York state and city sales tax.
Two Dining Locations will be open at 55 West 13th Street
Library
Café —1st floor
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Offerings
include:
Starbucks coffee, Tazo Tea, Edy's
Ice Cream, sushi, house-baked pastries, a large selection of grab-and-go snacks
and meals
Café 55 — 4th floor
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Offerings
will include:
hot entrees, a full deli service,
made -to-order salads, sushi, house-baked pastries, a large selection of grab-and-go snacks and meals
What are the student activities outside of class?
Activities scheduled outside of class provide opportunities to meet other students, become acquainted with the university, and discover 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 scheduled during the summer. Past events include attending baseball games and Broadway shows. At orientation, you will receive a complete calendar of extracurricular activities for summer 2013.
What about the rest of my free time? Will I be all alone?
During class hours you will be with faculty members and classmates. At lunch break, you can go to one of the student meeting areas, the dining locations, or to a nearby restaurant or deli. After class and before the midnight curfew, you will do homework (2-3 hours a day), eat, and enjoy leisure time. Generally, students connect very quickly with each other and go out in groups.
Do I get to see New York while I am studying there?
There are often visits to museums, exhibitions and other places of interest during class hours which will provide inspiration for your work. You may also explore New York City on your own during leisure time.
Will I be safe in New York?
The New York classrooms and dormitories are in safe locations. Because New York City is such a large metropolitan area, it is essential that each student take safety precautions, such as always walking with groups, and being aware of their surroundings. Visit the Safety and Preparedness site to learn more about management of emergencies at The New School.
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. Visit Summer Scholarships for more information.
May I pay for the program after I register for my class?
No. You must pay tuition 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 confirmation will be mailed to you. This letter will contain your student identification number which will allow you to log into the International Students page 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. Visit TOEFL for more information.
Who should I speak to if I have more questions?
The staff at the International Student Services Office is available to address your questions and concerns.
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, since there is no storage space for student belongings, we cannot accept packages.
I know that I will earn four credits at Parsons after successfully completing my course. Will these credits transfer to my college?
Most colleges accept the earned credits for Summer Intensive Studies courses. We highly recommend that you check in advance with an advisor at your college to determine if the credits apply.
How can I get my grade and transcript?
At the end of the program, you can 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.
