Frequently Asked Questions

Evolving from a small connoisseurship program begun by Sotheby’s auction house in 1969, today Sotheby’s Institute of Art is the premier, global leader in art business education and object-based learning. Our faculty represents the highest quality of art scholarship and best of the art world professionals, helping students master the unique forces at play at the intersection of art and commerce. We have campuses in New York, London, and online, and we offer a range of different programs from master’s degrees to online, semester, and summer courses.

The Sotheby’s Summer Institute – Pre-College Program is an academically rigorous residential and day student program in New York City for high schoolers (rising 10th – 12th graders and graduating seniors) who are intellectually curious and passionate about art. Each dynamic and immersive two-week course is taught by leading scholars and art world professionals and takes students behind the scenes of world class museums, galleries, auction houses, artists’ studios, and more.

Summer Institute is committed to fostering a culture that embraces the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. We believe that diversity — in all its forms — is a driver for new ideas, creativity, and academic excellence. Moreover, we are dedicated to creating a climate of dignity and respect as well as recruiting and retaining a diverse group of leaders, administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

Promoting a nurturing, inclusive environment means actively opposing intolerance, bigotry, bias, and discrimination. The policies and educational objectives of Summer Institute further inclusivity and cultural effectiveness. These values are recognized and supported fully by Summer Institute leadership. Additionally, we recognize that the responsibility for maintaining a culture of diversity and inclusion lies with all of us.

All students must complete an application through our online system. The application requirements include a short answer question and submission of current transcripts and school reports.

Admission to Sotheby’s Institute of Art NYC Summer Institute is competitive. All applications are carefully reviewed by our admissions committee. Admissions officers seek talented student leaders with diverse interests, ambitions, and writing styles. The committee strives to select critical thinkers who will contribute to a well-rounded, and academically engaging community of students. Each application is reviewed holistically and qualified students who have demonstrated a genuine interest in Summer Institute as well as a strong academic background will be considered for admission to the program. Our goal is to accept as many qualified students as possible and to ensure we are accepting the right students into the right program for them while space remains.

Yes. However, we recommend that students start the application process and submit their application as early as possible to guarantee it is submitted promptly. Applications will not be considered complete nor reviewed until all information has been submitted.

All applicants will be notified via email within one to two weeks, but we can often release a decision sooner.

Admission to Summer Institute is not binding. If accepted, students will have two weeks to decide if they are enrolling by submitting a non-refundable initial payment of $1500. If a student does not enroll by the enrollment deadline, their space will be forfeited.

All admitted students must complete an Enrollment Form and submit a nonrefundable initial payment of $1500 per course to guarantee their place in Summer Institute. Students and parents will be sent an acceptance email containing a link to complete the form and select the course(s) they would like to attend. At the end of the form, the system will prompt you to submit your first payment and enroll.

No, once an application has been submitted, you are not allowed to change it. Please contact the admissions office at precollege@sia.edu if you have any questions.

Transcripts do not have to be official. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

No, we do not request nor require test scores when considering admission to Summer Institute.

Click here to return to the login page where you’ll be prompted for your username and password.

Yes, Summer Institute is committed to making its programs accessible to students from all backgrounds. We believe financial circumstances should not be a barrier to world-class, pre-collegiate education. Our Scholarship Program aims to improve the availability, access, and equity of learning opportunities by providing scholarships based on financial need.

The Admissions Committee reviews all complete applications holistically. Students who wish to be considered for scholarships must submit a completed program application followed by a scholarship application.

A student’s need for financial assistance has no bearing on admission to the program. Students accepted to the program, but not offered financial aid, may still enroll.

Students who prefer to pay in installments can set up an automated payment plan at the time they enroll in their courses. Automated payment plans will charge a non-refundable initial payment of $1500 per term, followed by equal monthly installments through Spring 2026.

Accepted payment methods may include:

• Credit Cards & Debit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
• Local Bank Transfer
• Bank Payment: Checking Account or Saving Account

To enroll and reserve your spot in the program, admitted students will be required to pay an initial payment of $1,500 per course. Students will have the option to pay in full or pay by monthly installments due by Spring 2026. Students who enroll after May 1 must have their full payment due two to three weeks prior to the start of the program.

The first initial payment of $1500 for Summer Institute is non-refundable. To withdraw from the program for any reason before the start of the term, the student must notify Summer Institute in writing via email, and, depending on the date of withdrawal, a portion of the tuition and fees previously paid may be refunded. No refunds will be given for early departures from a program, once it is underway, whether voluntary or otherwise.

*The first initial payment of $1500 and all processing fees are not eligible for refund.

The application fee is $50 and may be paid online via credit card. This fee is non-refundable.

No. Summer Institute does not award college credit for its precollege program. Therefore, 529 funds cannot be used.

Unfortunately, we do not provide student visas, nor do we provide information on how to obtain visas for travel to the United States. We encourage international students to contact their country of origin’s embassy/government office for that information. Letters of verification can be provided upon request.

Admissions policy will be to only admit students who a) are from English-speaking countries or attend an English-speaking school, b) have English proficiency scores, or c) are verified to speak English to a satisfactory degree based on admissions consultation.

Admissions will reach out to the student directly to schedule the consultation if the student selects the option for a consultation on their application.

All payments must be made directly in the portal using their parent and/or guardian’s contact information used in the program application.

NYC is one of the safest big cities in the U.S. While residence halls and classrooms are secure, our campus is part of the city. Students should stay alert, travel in pairs or groups, and review safety expectations with their families before arrival.

The Summer Institute campus is accessible from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. Taxis, ride-shares (e.g., Uber Teen), and public transit are available. Check airline and transit policies for unaccompanied minors.

Families receive a Welcome Desk phone line before move-in. An emergency number is given at check-in. Staff can also be reached at studentlife@sia.edu.

Classes and activities are chaperoned. Residential staff and security are on duty 24/7.

Yes. All staff with regular student interaction complete background checks and Protection of Minors training.

Yes, for the entire program. International students often purchase travel insurance with medical coverage.

Official activities use public transit with staff. During free time, students may explore the city with peers using our checkout system. Families should discuss guidelines in advance.

Yes. Students cover their own transit. Tap-to-pay via phone (recommended) or MetroCard (OMNY Pass starting 1/1/2026) are both options. Budget ~$6 per round trip.

Mandatory check-in (residential and day students) is Sunday, the day before classes begin, followed by orientation and evening activities.

No. Move-In/Out days and times are the start and end of the program term. We will not have housing or staff available outside of the specified term dates and times.

If you are staying for 2 or more consecutive terms and you require advice for accommodation in between terms, please contact us at studentlife@sia.edu.

Yes, with a Special Leave Request. Students must return by curfew. 

Evenings and weekends include community events, curated excursions, and optional NYC outings. Past activities range from Broadway shows and museum visits to student-led social nights.

Not formally. Some classes may visit campuses; optional excursions may also be offered.

Students reside in air-conditioned, traditional-style residence halls at a university campus in New York City’s Lincoln Center neighborhood. Each room is equipped with a private en-suite bathroom, ensuring a comfortable and private living environment for all students.

We believe the roommate experience is an important part of communal living, helping students build life skills like communication, tolerance, and compromise – often leading to lasting friendships.

Students are typically roomed according to age/grade and the self-identified gender listed in their Program Form. Assignments are finalized before arrival and shared at check-in, not before.

Note: While we do our best to be sensitive to individual needs, students will not be able to request room changes upon arrival or during program duration

Meals are included with vegetarian/vegan options. Dietary accommodations can be requested in advance via the Program Form (link provided to enrolled students).

• What does the meal plan include?
• Residential students: breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays; breakfast on weekends.
• Day students: weekday lunch.
• Meals are provided by Aramark, our campus dining partner. (Learn about Aramark here)

Students may meet family off campus during free time. Parents are not permitted in residence halls. 

No. Day students check in each morning at the Welcome Desk and check out at the end of the day.

They should arrive at least 15 minutes before their first class to check in. After classes, they may check out at the Welcome Desk. 

Yes. They are welcome at evening and weekend activities and have access to the same spaces as residential students, but must depart by curfew.

Yes. They travel with their class or Living & Learning Community for all academic and co-curricular activities. Day students cannot arrive or leave directly from an off-site location. 

No. They are optional but strongly encouraged, as they help students connect with peers and enjoy the full program experience. 

Yes. Laundry machines are available in the residence hall. Students must bring their own detergent (liquid or powder only, no pods). 

No. Campus mail services are limited and packages are often turned away. Instead, use a nearby Amazon locker or similar service. For urgent needs, contact the Dean of Students at studentlife@sia.edu. 

Most costs are covered in tuition, but students may want money for souvenirs, snacks, or optional activities. We recommend modest amounts and advise against carrying large sums of cash. 

Yes. Residential students must be in their rooms by 9:30 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 10:00 p.m. Friday–Saturday. Staff conduct nightly room checks, and parents will be notified immediately if a student misses curfew. 

• Clothing: light summer clothes, jacket/sweatshirt, raincoat, swimsuit, sandals, walking shoes, one nicer outfit
• Weather gear: sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, reusable water bottle
• Academic supplies: laptop, notebook, pen
• Tech: A laptop is strongly recommended for coursework but tablets with keyboards are acceptable. There are limited Chromebooks for borrowing (first-come, first-served).
• U.S.-compatible phone/plan, alarm clock, hair dryer, headphones, chargers, adapters (if international)
• Other: towel, photo ID, copy of insurance card, spending money
• Toiletries: Body wash/soap, shampoo/conditioner, face/skincare items, haircare items, toothpaste and toothbrush.

• Flammables: candles, incense, lighters, fireworks
• Weapons: knives, pepper spray, firearms, laser pointers, etc.
• Tobacco, alcohol, or unauthorized drugs
• Pets
• Vehicles, skateboards, skates, bicycles
• Kitchen appliances: fridge, microwave, hot plates, toaster ovens
• USB drives
• Valuables (program not responsible for lost/stolen items)
• Students who violate this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal
• Bedding is provided, so students need not bring sheets, pillows, or blankets.

Students must wear:

• Full-length tops (no crop tops)
• Pants/jeans, skirts, leggings, dresses, or shorts that provide full coverage
• Shoes/sandals/flip flops

Students cannot wear:

• Crop tops or swimsuits
• Clothing with violent, drug, alcohol, or inappropriate imagery/language
• Items that create a hostile/intimidating environment
• Dangerous accessories or anything that could be used as a weapon

Sotheby’s Institute of Art expects all students to dress in a way that is appropriate for an academic environment. Students will frequently be interact with professionals and in professional environments and should dress as such. Basic Principle: Certain body parts (genitals, buttocks, breasts, and nipples) must be covered at all times by opaque clothing.

Yes. All students who complete the term in good standing will receive a digital certificate from Summer Institute. 

Yes, a narrative evaluation will be provided 4–6 weeks post-program. 

As a pre-college program, Summer Institute allows students to get a glimpse of the college experience while also exploring possible topics of study. Typically, college admissions officers look favorably on students who continue to enhance their academic portfolio during the summer months. Students will also benefit from receiving a narrative evaluation from their instructor which can be included as part of their college applications. 

• All students must provide health information, including proof of immunization for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Meningitis, through the Program Form after enrollment.
• COVID-19 vaccination is not required, but we strongly recommend that students follow CDC guidance, which advises keeping up to date with vaccines and boosters.
• Summer Institute reserves the right to require additional vaccinations if recommended by the CDC, FDA, WHO, New York State or City agencies, or the housing provider, if necessary to prevent or control communicable disease outbreaks.

• Medical exemptions may be granted in limited cases and are reviewed individually. These may include: 
  • Contraindication to specific vaccinations 
  • Inability to share a room  
  • Other relevant medical conditions 

• Exemption requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start of the term. Students will be notified by email if the request is accepted or denied. 
• Requests require a signed letter from a licensed medical provider that certifies: 
  • The student is their patient 
  • The provider has reviewed the student’s medical history 
  • The student has a medical condition preventing compliance with one or more requirements above 

• Letters must be sent to the designated program email (shared after enrollment). For general questions, contact studentlife@sia.edu. 

• Summer Institute does not provide ongoing counseling. Staff are trained to handle emergencies in line with our mental health safety plans. 
• Families should prepare students for the challenges of a rigorous academic program in a new environment. This includes arranging any ongoing mental health support before arrival and noting relevant care needs in the Program Form.