Science Honors Program (SHP)

The Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) is a Saturday morning science and math program for high school students in grades 10 through 12, held in person on Columbia's Morningside campus. Running since 1958, it meets throughout the academic year, September through May, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Courses cover the physical, chemical, biological, behavioral and computing sciences and are taught by scientists and mathematicians who are actively doing research at Columbia. Columbia describes the program as highly selective. Starting in fall 2026, the fee for new students is $900 per year, paid as $450 each semester, while returning students pay $700 per year. Fee waivers for documented financial hardship are decided after admission.

Students apply in 9th, 10th or 11th grade to begin the following school year. Because classes are in person only, students must live within a 75-mile radius of campus, and they need to bring a personal laptop. The application includes a report of grades, an essay, a high school transcript, one recommendation from a math or science teacher, guidance counselor or principal, and a $50 application fee, with fee waivers considered case by case. Applicants then take a two-hour online entrance exam in math and science. It assumes algebra, geometry, trigonometry and probability, and no special studying is needed. For the 2026-27 year, applications were due April 15, 2026, and transcripts and recommendations by April 30, 2026. The application usually opens in early February.