Every Major Art School has a Pre-College Summer Program
Participating in pre-college summer art programs can be a good way to experience what it is like to be on campus in a college art program and can help you build your portfolio. You’ll also get helpful feedback from college faculty and meet like-minded students.
There are many more than those listed here but these ought to give you a good start in your search! Good luck and if you need advice, contact us.
Otis College of Art and Design: Summer of Art, College Preparation Program
“Four-week, pre-college art & design program designed to develop your artistic and creative skills. Serious young artists seeking to strengthen and enhance their art and design skills, as well as students with limited art training, are invited to participate.”
School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Early College Program – Summer Institute
“SAIC’s Early College Program is a great way to earn college credit and explore your passion for art at one of the most historically significant accredited independent schools of art and design in the nation.”
Summer Studios at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
“Summer Studios is an intensive four-week program for the young artist who is serious about his or her work. Students from around the world come together to experience MassArt and the environment of a higher education institution in the visual arts.”
LIM College Summer Fashion Lab (fashion only)
“LIM College’s Summer Fashion Lab is a comprehensive pre-college program that offers high school and college students the opportunity to study fashion at the college level, experience New York City, and test drive a college exclusively devoted to the business of fashion.”
Syracuse University: Art and Design Pre College Programs
“For over 50 years, Syracuse University Summer College has been giving high school students the opportunity to explore their artistic, intellectual, and professional passions while experiencing college life. Our 36 different programs reflect the richness and diversity of the majors and minors at Syracuse University.”
API High School: Parsons Paris Pre-College Summer Art and Design Program
“High school students are introduced to the art and design college experience in Paris. The program is open to high school students entering their junior or senior year and recent high school graduates. Many enroll to develop a portfolio for the college admissions process.”
University of Pennsylvania Summer: Arts
“Each summer, the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design offers an unparalleled four-week intensive studio summer art program for high school students. This pre-college art program in Philadelphia prepares you for the college admissions process as you experience university life and strengthen your portfolio.”
Cranbrook Summer Art Institute
“Cranbrook Summer Art Institute provides studio-intensive fine arts programming for high school students from around the world. Our programs are designed to both bolster creativity and develop fundamental skills through individual attention and innovative instruction.”
Rocky Mountain CAD Summer: Communications/Graphic Design Pre-College
“RMCADs Summer Art Series gives high school students the chance to see what our BFA programs are all about. With week-long, non-credit classes in nine different topics, participants can sample majors, expand their artistic skills, and develop their portfolio while experiencing what college life is.”
Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program
“Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Pre-College Program, in Providence, Rhode Island, offers a comprehensive introduction to the college art school experience. Students take foundation drawing and design courses, critical studies in art, and choose from more than 20 diverse majors.”
Parsons Summer Intensive Studies Pre-College
“Parsons Summer Intensive Studies: New York is an exceptional academic art and design program enriched by the vast resources of New York City.”
UCLA Summer: Arts Institute Pre-College
“The Summer Art Institute is designed for talented and highly motivated high school students. Each two-week session carries three units of UCLA college credit, and is structured around a combination of daily, focused studio work, artist lectures, field trips, and a final exhibition.”
University of Michigan Pre-College Summer: Visual Arts
“What is it like to earn a BFA degree at a world-class university? BFA Prep gives you a glimpse. Each summer, the Stamps School offers several pre-college programs for high-school students interested in art and design.”
Boston University Visual Arts Summer Institute
“The Boston University School Visual Arts Summer Institute offers high school students (ages 15–18) an intensive four-week visual arts program designed to help students build exceptional portfolios.”
School of Visual Arts: Pre-College Program
“SVA’s Pre-College Program is intensive three-week program designed for high school students who want to enhance their creative skills, learn more about a particular field of art, develop a portfolio and/or experience the challenges and triumphs that exist at one of the most dynamic colleges.”
Pratt Institute: Pre-College Summer Program
“Each summer, students seize the opportunity to experience college-level study in the Pre-College program. Students are immersed in programs of art, design, architecture, creative writing, or critical/visual studies. Upon completion of the program, students earn four elective college credits.”
Learn more at https://www.teenlife.com/summer-program/pratt-institute-pre-college-summer-program/
Fashion Institute of Technology: High School Summer Live
Summer Live courses are taught by FIT professionals who love what they do and love to share their experiences and talents even more! Discover the industries FIT serves while you experience FIT’s campus and community culture. Create competitive portfolio pieces, explore our majors, sample college life, and develop lasting friendships with classmates who share your passions.