FAQs

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. Please visit sothebysinstitute.com to learn more about our full suite of program offerings.

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.

The 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 the Institute further inclusivity and cultural effectiveness. These values are recognized, supported, and embraced fully by The Institute’s leadership. Additionally, we recognize that the responsibility for maintaining a culture of diversity and inclusion lies with all of us.

All prospective students must complete an application through our online submission system. The application requirements include answering a short question and submission of a current transcript.

Admission to Sotheby's Summer Institute is highly competitive. All applications are carefully reviewed by our admissions committee who 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, academically engaged community of students. Each application is reviewed holistically and qualified students who have demonstrated a genuine interest in the program as well as hold a strong academic background will be considered for admission.

Rising 10th through 12th grade high school students as well as graduating seniors are eligible to apply. Students must be 15 years old by the first day of the program. Students who have graduated from high school who are 18 years of age may still apply for courses.

All applicants will be notified via email. Our admissions review process takes 1 week, but we can often release a decision sooner.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

There are no formal English language requirements for courses. However, if you are a non-U.S. student and English is not your first language, we recommend that you have or be able to use English (verbal and written) at a level equivalent to a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 95 before commencing your studies. It is your responsibility to ensure you will be able to participate fully in a qualification delivered and assessed in English.

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 a non-refundable initial payment of $1,500 per course. Students will have the option to pay in full or pay by monthly installments due by Spring 2025. Students who enroll after May 1 must have their full payment due two to three weeks prior to the start of the program.

For those who prefer to pay in installments, students will be automatically charged after the initial payment of $1500. 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 2025.

The initial payment ($1500) and processing fee ($245) for the Program are non-refundable.

To withdraw from the program for any reason prior to the start of the term, you must notify the School in writing via email to precollege@sia.edu. Depending on the date of your cancellation email, a portion of the tuition and fees previously paid may be refunded, as follows:

Date of receipt of written cancellation notification	Percentage of program fees paid to be refunded (less non-refundable initial payment of $1500 and processing fee of $245)
Before February 1	100%
February 2 – March 1	60%
March 2 – April 15	30%
After April 15	0%

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

Yes, Sotheby’s 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.

The Summer Institute does not award college credit for its precollege program. Therefore, 529 funds cannot be used.

New York City is one of the safest big cities in the United States. While the residence hall and academic buildings are secured spaces, students should note that our campus is not separated from the city. As always, students should stay alert and travel with caution when leaving campus and understand that their distance from campus limits the ability of our Institute staff to provide support. We encourage students and parents/guardians to discuss safety and guidelines prior to their arrival at Sotheby's Summer Institute. Parents should feel comfortable allowing their students to move unsupervised throughout New York City during their off time.

The campus is accessible from all three major airports in the New York metropolitan area: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Taxi and ride sharing services (such as Uber Teen) are available from all airports. Additional information about airport transportation and other forms of public transportation is available online through The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey website. Please remember to check policies for unaccompanied minors when making travel and transportation arrangements.   This information is provided for information purposes only.  The Institute does not endorse and is not affiliated or associated with any transportation company or agency.  

A dedicated phone line is provided all to students and families prior to move-in day which connects to program staff at the Welcome Desk, the program communication center throughout the duration of the term and attends to student and parent/guardian queries. The Institute will primarily communicate with parents through email at studentlife@sia.edu All students will be given an Emergency Phone Number on the day of their arrival. While they will have access to our team at any time, this number allows students to reach us in case of emergencies.

All classes and official program activities are chaperoned by our instructors and program staff. Security and Sotheby's Institute of Art staff are present in the residence hall 24/7 for the program's duration.

All staff who have regular interaction with students will have comprehensive background checks completed before they can begin working in the program. This includes instructional staff, residential staff and any other staff who will have more than incidental interaction with students. Additionally, all staff receive Protection of Minors training and clear policies are outlined and enforced to ensure that student safety is prioritized.

Yes. All students are required to have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of the program. In the past, international students have purchased travel insurance that covered medical emergencies during their stay in the United States.

Students will be accompanied by instructors and/or program staff during class site visits and official program activities and will travel using public transportation including the NYC subway and bus system.

During their free time, students can travel around New York City with other students by using our checkout system through the student services app Orah. Students and staff will communicate through Orah to stay informed with any relevant information that students may need while off campus. All students are expected to return to campus prior to campus curfew.

We recommend that students and parents/guardians discuss safety and guidelines prior to their arrival at Summer Institute. Parents should feel comfortable allowing their students to move unsupervised throughout New York City during their off time.

Yes, students are responsible for their own travel expenses during the program. and will need to do so prior to checking into the program. 2 ways to obtain travel passes are:  a. tap to pay on mobile phone (requires credit card upload onto their phones) (Recommended)  b. Purchase a MetroCard on site in any subway station prior to arrival Students should budget about $6 per round trip for the two-week term. Additional costs need to be accounted for should they wish to attend additional optional activities that require travel outside of the campus boundary.

Check-in day is on Sunday, the day before the first day of class, and is mandatory for both residential and day students. Please plan for arrivals accordingly. All students will participate in the required student orientation after they have checked in and should plan for an evening of activities with the residence life staff. Details on move-in and orientation programming will be provided prior to the start of the program.

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 precollege@sia.edu.

Yes. Students may complete a special leave request to check out from campus alone to meet with family and friends. Students must be back on campus by curfew and should only submit requests that fall within their designated free time.

We recommend that students keep their rooms locked when unattended. We also recommend that students not bring any valuables; Sotheby's Summer Institute does not bear any responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Students will attend classes daily for 9 weekdays from 9:30am-4:30pm. Classes are comprised of lectures, group and individual projects, guest speakers and site visits.

Our instructors are award-winning Sotheby's Institute faculty, recognized thought leaders and professional experts in the art world. Each faculty member structures their course around real-time conversations defining their professions and helps students master the unique forces at play in the art world.

Three Tier Structure Each class offers a three-tier support system comprised of a Lead Instructor and an Instructor, both supported by an academic support team.

Each course offers scheduled academic office hours after class throughout the program. Students are welcome to attend for support, tutoring, project support, or industry mentorship.

‍Yes, the Institute wants every student to succeed and strives to create a safe and inclusive environment that can support each student’s individual needs. We welcome requests for student instructional accommodation, (academic, physical, assistive technologies or other), for students with disabilities, which may be required inside and/or outside of the classroom. We strongly encourage the disclosure of this information from students and their families. It is requested that students and their families submit instructional accommodation requests, any supporting documentation, and other important information that may shape a student’s experience at the program as early as possible in the enrollment process in order to provide sufficient time to make any necessary arrangements, if appropriate, and ensure that all students have a fulfilling, enjoyable and safe experience. All instructional accommodation requests and notifications should be submitted using the Program Form so that we may review the request; contact the student and their family for additional information, as needed. The Institute values and is sensitive to individual needs and will work to accommodate reasonable requests where possible and practical.

Sotheby's Summer Institute offers a variety of carefully curated cocurricular activities for students on weeknights as well as weekends, for both residential and day students throughout their term. Some activities include artist talks at Sotheby’s auction house, a day trip to Governor’s Island and other events. Students are expected to have homework after class. In the evenings, students will also have access to residence hall study spaces that facilitate individual and group work.

Although official college visits are not included in the academic program, students will have the opportunity to engage with academic staff during class and established academic hours to discuss college-related topics like college applications and portfolios, choosing a major, and student life.

Students stay in a student-accommodation housing campus located in the center of New York City and reside in shared dormitories with laundry facilities, lounges, study spaces and cafeteria.

At Sotheby’s Summer Institute we believe in the value of communal living and the holistic benefit that having a roommate provides students in our precollege program. The roommate experience affords students the opportunity to grow and nurture life skills such as communication, tolerance, and compromise, among others. We encourage our students to embrace the roommate experience with an open mind and heart-roommates tend to lead to long, lasting friendships. Students are typically roomed according to their age or grade and self-identified gender listed in the Program Form sent after enrollment. The Summer Institute may consult with students individually as needed to find appropriate accommodation. Students will learn their room assignment upon arrival to the program. If families have any residential room accommodation requests, (i.e., single room requests, or roommate request with a peer) you will be able to notify the program staff of the request after enrollment. Note, we may not be able to accommodate all requests due to limited space availability, but we value and are sensitive to individual needs and will work to accommodate reasonable requests where possible and practical. Note: Students will not be able to request room changes upon arrival or during program duration.

Meals are provided and include vegetarian and vegan options. Students and families must indicate any other necessary dietary accommodations prior to arrival in their program form.  Families with specific dietary concerns are encouraged to contact the program office at studentlife@sia.edu as early as possible to speak with us directly about accommodations options.

Students are free to visit with their parents and other family members off campus during their free time. Parents are not permitted into the residence hall after initial move-in.

Transportation for day students to and from the program are decided by the student and their families. Day students are required however, to check themselves in each morning at the Welcome Desk on campus and out at the end of the day.

Day students should arrive on class days at least 15 minutes prior to their class start time to check in with program staff at the Welcome Desk. Day students can check out any time after afternoon class sessions conclude.

Yes. Day students are encouraged to remain on campus and attend evening and weekend activities, with access to all the same spaces and programming as residential students. The day and residential programs only differ regarding room and board. We do ask that all day students depart from the residence hall by curfew.

The purpose of the co-curricular activities is to provide a unique and holistic New York City experience to complement the academic rigor of the classroom. Co-curricular activities and events also offer the opportunity for students to bond outside of the classroom. While we encourage all day students to partake in all events, we understand that some of the evening events might pose a transportation and or time concern for some, therefore the co-curriculars, while strongly encouraged, will be optional for day students. Some signature events however, such as the Artist Speaker Series will be required.

• Clothing: light and cool casual summer clothing, jacket or sweatshirt, raincoat, swimsuit, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, a set of nicer clothes (for more formal events)
• Weather gear: sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, reusable water bottle
• Academic supplies: laptop, notebook, pen
• Camera and/or journal/diary
• Personal electronics: U.S compatible cell phone and plan, alarm clock, hair dryer, headphones, chargers, and laptop adapters (if international)
• Bedding and Linens (these are not provided by residential dorms) Fitted Twin XL-sized sheets, blanket, towel, pillow etc.
• Photo ID (e.g. government issued ID, official school ID, or copy of passport)
• Copy of health insurance card (front and back)
• Spending money (for travel, souvenirs, and incidentals)

Students will be doing a good deal of writing and keyboards are essential, hence the recommendation that they bring laptops. Tablets with an attached keyboard are also acceptable. Students who do not have a laptop may be able to borrow a Google Chromebook at the start of the program, however availability is on a first come first served basis. Each course will have its own requirements regarding materials which will be provided by Sotheby’s Summer Institute.

• Students may not bring flammable materials, including but not limited to candles, incense, matches, lighters, electronic cigarette/JUUL products, explosive devices or fireworks. Students who violate this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
• Students are not allowed to bring weapons of any kind, including but not limited to knives, pepper spray, firearms, paintball guns, laser pointers or other dangerous items. Students who violate this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
• Students are not allowed to use or possess tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or unauthorized drugs or medication. Students who violate this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
• Students may not bring USB drives on campus.
• Students are not allowed to have a car, skateboard, skates, or a bicycle on campus.
• Students may not bring pets of any kind.
• Students may not bring cooking or kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, microwave or toaster ovens or hot plates.
• We recommend that students not bring any valuables. The Institute does not bear any responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Sotheby's Summer Institute expects all students to represent themselves and the Institute in a way that is appropriate for an academic and professional environment. Students will frequently interact with art world professionals and scholars, affording them exclusive networking opportunities. As such, we require that certain body parts (genitals, buttocks, breasts, nipples, and bellybuttons) must be covered by opaque clothing at all times.

That said, we support positive, creative forms of self-expression and encourage students to be who they are.

Students must wear:
• Tops that are full-length in coverage (no crop tops)
• Bottoms consist of pants/jeans or the equivalent (skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress or shorts) and do not expose any of the aforementioned body parts
• Shoes/sandals/flip flops

Sotheby’s Summer Institute will not accept:
• Clothing or accessories with violent language or imagery
• Clothing or accessories with language depicting drugs or alcohol or any illegal activity
• Clothing or accessories with images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment
• Swimsuits
• Accessories that could be dangerous or used as a weapon

Yes, there are laundry facilities within the residence halls for a fee. Students will need to download the service app on their phones to select washers, dryers and pay per use. Students must provide their own detergent. Please note, students are responsible for washing their own bedding and towels.

Yes, students may receive packages and mail to their temporary residences. However, we caution students and families to consider the limited timeframe of stay as packages and mail are not guaranteed to arrive on time. The Institute is not responsible for late mail or packages while students live on site nor after their departure.

Most program-related expenses are included in the program tuition or supplemental fees. However, New York City provides many opportunities for shopping and students have typically wanted to acquire souvenirs of their stay. Travel expenses and any additional meals or activities students wish to take part in will require additional expenditure. We recommend that students and parents exercise prudence and that students not carry around large amounts of currency.

Sotheby’s Summer Institute does strictly enforce a program curfew for safety and security protocols. Residential students must be in their assigned room each evening by 9:30 pm Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 pm Friday and Saturday. Residential staff will conduct room checks at curfew. If a student is late for curfew, parents/guardians will be called immediately. Students are expected to be in their assigned room during curfew hours between 9:30 pm - 7:00 am Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 pm - 7:00 am Friday and Saturday. If students need staff assistance during curfew hours, they should call the emergency line. Curfew hours are also established as quiet hours to allow students to sleep and study undisturbed.    

Sotheby’s Summer Institute provides residential students with breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays, and weekend breakfast (Saturdays and Sundays). Day students will be provided with daily weekday lunch.

Yes. All students that successfully complete the term in good standing will receive a digital certificate from Sotheby's Summer Institute.

Yes. Each student who completes the course and is in good standing will receive a narrative evaluation from their instructor via their Canvas account.

As a pre-college program, Sotheby's Summer Institute gives students the opportunity to get a glimpse of the college experience while also exploring possible art and art world topics of study with the premier leader in art world education. 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), Meningitis in the Program Form after enrollment. Summer Institute students are not required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination. However, we strongly recommend that students follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 which recommend that everyone be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including booster doses. We reserve the right to require any vaccinations as recommended by the Center for Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration, The World Health Organization, New York State or City agencies, and the program’s accommodation provider, as deemed necessary for the prevention and control of any outbreak of communicable, infectious diseases.

Exemptions to certain requirements for medical reasons may be granted in limited circumstances and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Exemptions might be requested for a medical condition that contraindicates a student from: 
• receiving other vaccinations
• being able to share a room with other students (requiring a solo room if space permits)
• other relevant conditions

Exemption requests must be received at least 2 weeks prior to the start of term. The Institute will notify students by email if the exemption request has been accepted or rejected. In the case of an accepted medical exemption request, the student must follow all current Institute guidelines contained within this policy. To request a medical exemption, the student must submit a letter signed by a certified/licensed medical provider describing the student’s medical condition. The letter must certify to the following:
• The student is the patient of the medical provider
• The medical provider has reviewed the student’s medical history
• The student has a medical condition that contraindicates a student from one or more of the above listed circumstances

The letter must also provide contact information for the medical provider (name, address, telephone and email) and should be sent to the program team after enrollment.

Summer Institute does not provide ongoing mental health counselors for students, but it is prepared to handle emergencies according to The Institute’s mental health safety plans. Students and their families are encouraged to discuss and prepare for the potential challenges of attending a rigorous academic program that may be in an unfamiliar environment far from home. This preparation should include arranging for any necessary mental health support before the start of the program and indicating any ongoing care in the student health forms.