Pre-College Program

Jump start your future with us!

Session 1: July 8-July 20, 2018
Session 2: July 22-August 3, 2018

Sharpen your artistic skills. Experiment with new media. Build your portfolio. And focus on your art at Cleveland Institute of Art's Pre-College Program. During this two- or four-week residential program, you'll use the tools and processes available only to our students and experience the life of an art student at a premier college of art and design. 

Alongside other students entering grades 10–12, you will: 

• Earn college credits*
• Experience college life
• Explore new media, while building your portfolio
• Study with professional artists and designers
• Learn about careers in art and design
• Meet with a CIA admissions counselor

Tuition

Residential Student Fees

The two-week long experience fee of $2,500 includes tuition, college credits, room and board (double occupancy), all meals, materials, access to facilities, and all activities.

The four-week long experience will include all of the above for two back-to-back courses with a fee of $5,000.

Commuter Student Fees

The two-week long experience fee of $2,000 includes tuition, college credits, lunch and dinner daily, materials, access to facilities, and all activities.

The four-week long experience will include all of the above for two back-to-back courses with a fee of $4,000.

Some financial assistance also available. Visit our scholarship section to find more information.

Classes

Students choose which session(s) they'd like to attend, and then choose one area of focus within their preferred session(s).

Session 1: July 8 – July 20

• Biomedical Art
• Foundation in Drawing
• Foundation in 3D Art + Design
• Game Design
• Glassblowing
• Illustration
• Industrial Design
• Painting

Session 2: July 22 – August 3

• 3D Printing + Wearable Art
• Animation
• Architectural Drawing
• Digital Painting
• Foundation in 2D Design
• Graphic Design
• Photo + Video
• Printmaking + Ceramics
• Sculpture

Ready to apply?

Applications are accepted through May 1, 2018. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:

• Online application form
• High school transcript OR letter of recommendation (from an art teacher or counselor)
• Portfolio (8-10 pieces of your best work)
• Nonrefundable $35 application fee

International students will need to submit additional materials, including:

• Certification of Funds Form
• Medical Authorization Form
• Form I-20 Visa Application (instructions here)

*CIA is a NASAD accredited school, and the courses in the Summer Pre-College program have been approved by faculty as credit bearing courses. At CIA these credits would replace a required elective course during your freshman year. The application of credit from coursework taken at CIA is based on how the incoming college assesses those credits. CIA can provide some supplemental materials to support the credit bearing nature of these courses upon request. Cleveland Institute of Art accepts up to six Pre-College credits maximum applied during a student's first year in the undergraduate program. Students should check with their intended school on their credit transfer policies.