Everything You Need To Know About The New York Times Summer Academy For High School Students
by
Indigo Research Team
&
Published:
March 21, 2024
Last Updated:
November 15, 2024
Summer academies are intense, subject-specific summer camps for high school students. You learn from college professors, industry professionals, and sometimes even celebrities in your field. You can think of them as a taste of college-level learning but packed with activities, guest speakers, and field trips to keep things interesting.
In the NYTimes Summer Academy, this translates to incredible opportunities. You will spend your summer in the heart of New York City, surrounded by aspiring journalists and media enthusiasts just like you. You'll be challenged and inspired by world-class instructors, get hands-on experience with cutting-edge media tools, and even delve into The New York Times's inner workings.
This article will cover everything you need to know about applying for and succeeding in the NYTimes summer program.
There's no denying that the idea of attending an "academy" or "school" during your summer break might not sound like the most exciting prospect. However, the New York Times NYC Summer Academy is far from your typical classroom experience. This multidisciplinary NYTimes summer program is designed to push you out of your comfort zone and ignite your passions through diverse exploration beyond the four walls of a traditional school setting.
Imagine spending your summer as an intern at the New York Times, gaining hands-on experience and guidance from journalists, other professionals from The New York Times, and experts from various industries.
Alumni praise the program for helping them develop valuable journalism skills, such as building relationships and conducting interviews. They also appreciate the unique opportunity to explore New York City while aspiring to become great journalists themselves.
What sets the NYC Summer Academy apart is its dynamic, open-minded vibe and flexible approach. Students have described it as "the best summer of their life," especially if the program aligns with their passions, like finance and economics. Imagine visiting Goldman Sachs, interacting with recruiters and analysts, and making invaluable connections that could shape your future career path.
The New York Times summer program courses tackle a wide range of topics, from journalism, media, and technology to arts, culture, sports, fashion, and business, ensuring there's something to pique every high school student's interest. Through the academy's practical approach, you'll discover your true passions and develop confidence in areas like conducting interviews on the vibrant streets of New York City.
If you are looking for a prestigious New York Times internship, consider the NYT Camp in 2024. The academy will offer two-week programs throughout June and July, and you can enroll in multiple terms if you wish. The 2024 program is open to high school students in grades 10-12 and graduating seniors (based on the grade you'll enter in Fall 2024). Like most high school New York Times internships, the program requires you to be at least 15 years old by the first day of your term.
NYT Summer Academy is held in the bustling cities of New York and Washington, D.C. Specifically, the program takes place at the iconic New York Times Building located in Midtown Manhattan, which is only one block away from the world-famous Times Square. Additionally, the program is hosted at distinguished universities throughout the city.
To be considered for the prestigious NYT Summer Academy, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
The NYT Summer program accepts applications from high school students who are rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors. Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 18 as of the first day of their chosen program term.
All prospective students new to the Summer class at NYT Academy must complete an online application process that includes:
In addition to the online application, you'll need to submit the following supplementary documents:
You must provide your most recent unofficial transcript or report card (in English) showing your grades and your school's grading system.
You will need a reference from a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, or school official.
Though not mandatory, submitting a sample of your work, such as a research paper, creative writing, artwork, or other projects, can strengthen your application.
The NYT Summer Academy offers a diverse array of courses spanning various disciplines, including (but not limited to):
Class sizes are kept small to ensure individual attention, and course availability is subject to change due to limited capacity.
Attending the New York Times Academy comes with a cost, but options are available to make it more accessible. For the 2-week program, the tuition fee for day students who commute to classes is $5,560.
If you prefer the residential option, which allows you to live in dorm-like facilities in the heart of New York City, the tuition is $6,845. Note that additional fees may apply on top of the tuition costs.
However, like a similar New York Times internship, the academy understands that not all students may have the financial means to afford the program. That's why they offer limited financial assistance based on a combination of merit and need.
If you require financial aid, you will need to submit a completed program application first, followed by a separate financial aid application. Decisions on financial aid are made after you've been accepted into the program.
Additionally, you can apply to the Diverse Voices Scholarship Fund, which offers full-tuition scholarships to students from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The NYTimes summer program committee carefully reviews all applications, and all supplemental documents must be submitted for consideration.
Securing a coveted spot in the NYT summer program can be competitive, but you can increase your chances of getting accepted with the right approach. Here are five essential tips to help your application stand out:
While a solid academic record is certainly beneficial, the admissions committee is also looking for curious, critical thinkers who will make the most of this opportunity. Consider highlighting any independent research projects, publications, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your dedication and intellectual curiosity.
The New York Times Summer Academy acceptance rate can vary depending on the course you apply for, ranging from approximately 35% to 50%. Highly competitive courses, such as Creative Writing, may have lower acceptance rates, so making your application truly stand out is essential.
Your teacher or counselor's recommendation letters can provide valuable insights into your academic abilities, work ethic, and personal qualities. Choose recommenders who can speak to your strengths and potential to succeed in the program.
Before submitting your application, be sure to carefully proofread all components, including your essay, short answers, and any supplemental materials. A well-presented and error-free application will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to the process.
The New York Times Summer Academy is a prestigious program, so it's no wonder the application process is highly competitive. Writing an essay to apply for the NYT summer program is optional, but it is your opportunity to set your application apart and showcase your genuine interest in the program.
Having an academic paper published as a high school student may seem like an imposing goal. However, it's definitely achievable with proper guidance and mentorship. That's where Indigo Research comes in to assist you.
At Indigo Research, you have the opportunity to participate in a one-on-one mentorship program, particularly for high school students. In this program, you will be mentored by top professors and Ph.D. teaching fellows. Your mentors will support you in developing an independent research project and publishing your findings in relevant top journals. You can reference your published article in your New York Times summer journalism program or other summer internship programs to make your essay stand out.
Stand out from the crowd by showcasing your academic achievements and intellectual curiosity through published research. Chat with Indigo Research today to explore our mentorship programs and take your application to the next level.
