How to Get Into Columbia University's ACComPLISHED Community Health Program

If you’re interested in health, medicine, community education, and making a real impact beyond the classroom, the Columbia University Department of Neurology's ACComPLISHED program is one to explore. Standing for Adolescents Caring for COMmunity by Promoting Literacy on Insurance, Stroke, Health Education, Emergencies, and Dementia, ACComPLISHED's free, three-month hybrid health training experience runs from June through August and equips participants with clinical knowledge, patient communication skills, and hands-on practice delivering health education back into their communities. As a graduate of Columbia University myself (hi, it's My Ivy Education CEO Krystle DiCristofalo here!), I can personally attest to how fantastic their programs for high school students are, especially ACComPLISHED. Especially if you're a STEM-minded student interested in community health, this is one you won't want to miss.

ACComPLISHED is designed for high school students who want to build confidence in public health, learn directly from physicians and health professionals, and create a capstone project that educates others on critical health topics—from disease prevention to emergency response. Plus, despite the fact that it's run through Columbia University of the City of New York, students don't actually have to be from New York to participate. The program is mostly virtual, and in-person attendance days are optional, making it accessible to students nationwide.

Here’s how you can set yourself up for success if you’re thinking about applying. While ACComPLISHED doesn't publicize a specific acceptance rate, acceptance is competitive, making putting your best foot forward a necessity if you want to get in.

Understand What the Columbia ACComPLISHED Program Is About

Before you start writing your application, take time to digest the incredible opportunities that ACComPLISHED offers:

• Weekly virtual sessions where you’ll explore topics like disease awareness, prevention methods, nutrition, mental health, stroke, and dementia.

• A mentored capstone community health intervention where you’ll apply what you learn.

• Opportunities to teach community members as a health education liaison.

• A final presentation at a symposium with faculty and peers.

  
  

This helps you shape your application so it reflects purpose instead of just interest.

Reflect on Your Motivation

Admissions wants to understand why you care about health and community education. Instead of saying “I’m interested in health,” think about:

• What experiences made you curious about health issues?

• Have you supported someone dealing with illness or taught others something important?

• Why are community health and literacy important to you?

  
  

When you can connect specific life experiences or interests to your motivation, it makes your application much stronger.

Now, many students interpret this as "If I haven't been through a devastating medical event or had a relative go through one, I'm cooked!" That is not the case at all. Don't worry—you don't have to have faced a near-death experience to get into ACComPLISHED. What you do need is for your interest to be rooted in a genuine motivation, ideally one that's close to home. (Read: not just "Doctors make so much money!")

Highlight Relevant Experiences and Skills

You don’t need previous clinical experience to apply—the program welcomes students from all backgrounds. However, you do want to show that you’ve thought about health in some way. That can include:

• Science or health classes you’ve taken

• Service or volunteer work in your community

• Leadership roles in clubs or teams

• Communication experience (like tutoring or peer counseling)

• Shadowing a doctor or hospital

  
  

These experiences help paint a picture of you as someone who’s ready to engage deeply with the program.

Craft Thoughtful Application Responses

The ACComPLISHED application includes short essays and personal statements. Use those to:

• Show your passion and explain it clearly

• Write about how you want to use what you learn to benefit others

• Connect your background to real community health goals

  
  

This isn’t about showing off accolades — it’s about helping reviewers see you as a future health leader.

Emphasize Balance and Commitment

ACComPLISHED asks for significant commitment over the summer, with virtual sessions, in-person events, and community projects.  Use your application to show that you can balance responsibilities and stay engaged over time — that you’re not just interested in health for a short moment, but ready to invest effort consistently.

Prepare for Community Impact

Part of the program is teaching others what you’ve learned — not just absorbing information yourself.  Reflect in your application on how you might:

• Communicate health topics to family, friends, or your neighborhood

• Help improve understanding of prevention, emergencies, or wellness

• Make a real difference through your capstone project

  
  

Talking about concrete ways you can contribute back to your community shows maturity and initiative.

Final Thoughts

The ACComPLISHED program at Columbia University isn’t just a learning experience — it’s a chance to grow your leadership, serve others, and explore what health education in practice really looks like.

By grounding your application in genuine motivation, past experience, clear communication, and a focus on community impact, you can present a strong case for acceptance.

If you want help brainstorming essay responses, planning your project ideas, or organizing your timeline, I can walk you through all of that and more, using my insider knowledge as a Columbia graduate. Just click the button bellow to get in touch and schedule a time to talk.