Learn more about college admissions, entrance test prep, essay writing, interviewing skills, and financial aid in this 6-day program for students in underrepresented communities.

Non-credit

Residential

Commuter

The College Access Leadership Institute (CALI) is a summer program designed to help rising high school juniors and seniors navigate the college admissions process. Led by NYU Admissions counselors, CALI is a series of intensive workshops and seminars that prepare you to apply for and succeed at college.

Dive into key aspects of the college application and transition process, such as essay writing, building your college list, and applying for financial aid and scholarships. You'll complete the program empowered with the knowledge and new skills you'll need to conquer college applications with confidence.
NYU CALI is tuition-free. There are no costs associated with applying to or participating in the program.

Areas of Study

Finding Your College Fit
Academic opportunities, campus culture, and student life can vary significantly from one college or university to another. Would you rather study at a small liberal arts college, or at a large research university? Do you want to go to school somewhere far away, or stick close to home?
When considering where to apply to college, it's important to consider what experiences you want to have, and where you want to spend your college career. Through CALI workshops and assignments, you'll start to narrow down your college list to focus on the schools that are right for you.

Acing the College Essay
The essay portion of the college application is your chance to show admissions counselors who you are in your own words. For many students, essay writing can be the most stressful part of the admissions process.
CALI students workshop their essays with the guidance of NYU Admissions counselors. You'll get expert advice on how to interpret and respond to essay prompts and how to structure are compose your essay. You'll live the program with a polished draft that you can use in your applications.

Conquering Standardized Tests
Learn valuable tips and tricks to prepare for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.

Financial Education and Navigating Financial Aid
College is a big investment, and there are a lot of factors to consider when assessing the cost of your degree.
NYU's Office of Financial Education offers CALI students workshops on understanding the costs of attending college, how to apply for federal and institutional financial aid, and how to navigate financial aid packages.
CALI also offers an informational session on scholarship opportunities and how to research and apply for scholarships and grants to help you pay for college.

Single Session

Jul 16 - Jul 21

1 week

Commuter

0 USD

Program has no costs, associated with tuition or application.

Financial Aid

All students who complete the NYU CALI program receive an NYU Application Fee Waiver, which they may use should they decide to apply to NYU for college in their senior year of high school.