Registration Process
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/adult-level program is open to
adults and students at least 19 years of age. Students who are 18 years
old and have completed a minimum of one year of college are also
eligible to enroll at the college/adult level. Students receive intensive training in art and design that
helps them develop their skills and define their academic and
professional goals. Many students attend the college-level program to
complement full-time degree programs and to build the skills and
portfolios necessary for admission to graduate programs.
What are the admission 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 in November and continues until all seats in the courses have
been filled. Because 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?
Wait
lists are not maintained for Summer Intensive Studies courses. You can
monitor the enrollment status of courses through the live online
registration system and enroll if a seat becomes available in your
desired course.
How will I know if I've been accepted?
If
you have successfully registered, you will receive an email confirming
your registration within about ten minutes from our Registrar's Office.
COURSE INFORMATION
Where are classes held?
For the online session, classes are held synchronously and asynchronously.
For the in-person session, most
classes are held at Parsons in Greenwich Village, in the Sheila C.
Johnson Design Center and the University Center at Fifth Avenue and 13th
Street. This facility also houses the University Center Library. Digital classes are held in the University Computer Center, 55 West 13th Street, and at 6 East 16th Street.
Who teaches in Summer Intensive Studies?
Courses are taught by Parsons faculty and a select group of New York–based artists and designers.
How many students are in each class?
Each class has a maximum of 16 students.
Will I have homework?
This is a rigorous academic program. Students should expect to have two to three hours of homework a day and on weekends.
Will I receive a grade in the course?
Yes; grades are issued for all students enrolled in the Summer Intensive Studies program.
Am I allowed to be absent?
Students
are expected to attend classes regularly and arrive on time. If you
must miss a class session, you should notify your instructors in advance
and arrange to make up all missed work. Any student missing more than
two sessions may be asked to leave the program. Please note that morning
and afternoon sessions are counted separately; each day consists of two
sessions.
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. There are many art supply stores located
within walking distance of the campus.
LIFE OUTSIDE OF CLASS
What student activities are offered outside of class?
Activities
offered outside of class provide opportunities to meet other students,
become better acquainted with the university, and discover New York
City. They include industry guest lectures and events relating to
admission to degree programs and career exploration, such as Portfolio
Review Day. The Office of Student Development and Activities organizes
off-campus excursions to Mets and/or Yankees games and Broadway plays.
Students can also participate in free fitness classes in the afternoons.
All students will be given a calendar with all extracurricular
activities during Orientation on the first day of the program.
What can I do on weekends?
You
can participate in the many extracurricular activities scheduled during
the summer. Events attended in past years include baseball games and
Broadway shows. You will receive a complete calendar of extracurricular
activities at Orientation.
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 a nearby restaurant or deli. After class and before the
11:00 p.m. curfew, you will do homework (two to three hours a day), eat,
and enjoy leisure time. Students generally connect very quickly with
one another and go out in groups.
Will I be able to see New York while I am studying there?
Visits
to museums, exhibitions, and other places of interest are scheduled
during class hours to provide inspiration for your work. You can also
explore New York City on your own during your leisure time.
Will I be safe in New York?
The
New York classrooms and dormitories are in safe locations. Because New
York City is so large, it is essential that students take safety
precautions, such as walking with groups and being aware of their
surroundings. Visit the Safety and Preparedness site to learn about managing 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.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Do I need to apply for a student visa?
Yes.
After you have registered for the program, a written confirmation will
be emailed to you. This letter will contain your student identification
number, which will allow you to log in to 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 79 on the
Internet-based course is required for international students. Visit TOEFL for more information.
Whom should I speak with if I have more questions?
The staff at the International Student and Scholar Services Office is available to address your questions and concerns.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
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.
AFTER THE PROGRAM ENDS
Will the three credits I earn at Parsons by successfully completing my course transfer to my college?
Most
colleges accept the credits earned for Summer Intensive Studies
courses. We strongly recommend that you check in advance with an advisor
at your college to find out whether 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.