ArtCenter College of Design Pre-College Program

# ArtCenter College of Design Pre-College Program ArtCenter College of Design's Pre-College Program offers high school students the opportunity to study at one of the most influential design and fine art colleges in the world. Located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter is consistently ranked among the top design schools globally and counts among its alumni an extraordinary roster of industrial designers, automotive designers, filmmakers, illustrators, and fine artists whose work defines modern visual culture. ## About ArtCenter ArtCenter alumni have designed some of the most recognizable products, vehicles, and visual identities in the world. They've worked on vehicles for BMW, Ford, and Tesla; created characters for Disney and Pixar; led design at Apple and Google; and directed feature films and music videos for the world's biggest artists. The college's approach to design education—rigorous, industry-connected, and deeply craft-focused—begins at the pre-college level. ## Program Format ArtCenter's Pre-College Program runs for approximately **two weeks** each summer, typically in June and July. The program offers a residential option (students stay in ArtCenter-arranged housing near campus) and a commuter option for local students. Each student selects one primary area of focus for the two weeks, with additional workshops and studio explorations supplementing the core coursework. ## Areas of Study **Transportation Design** ArtCenter is arguably the world's #1 school for automotive design. Students sketch vehicles, learn proportion and form, and complete a transportation design concept from ideation to presentation. **Industrial Design and Product Design** Materials, manufacturing constraints, human factors, and sketching—students design real 3D objects and learn the design process from concept to model. **Graphic Design and Branding** Typography, layout, identity systems, and visual communication. Students leave with finished pieces that demonstrate design thinking. **Illustration and Comics** Figure drawing, narrative illustration, character design, and sequential storytelling. **Film and Video** Storytelling, cinematography, direction, and editing. Students complete short film projects. **Fine Art and Drawing** Traditional and contemporary fine art practices, drawing fundamentals, and conceptual development. ## Why ArtCenter Pre-College? For students who want to apply to top art and design schools—including ArtCenter itself, RISD, Pratt, Parsons, or Otis—the ArtCenter Pre-College Program provides: - Portfolio-building work in a professional studio setting - Instruction from ArtCenter faculty who are active industry professionals - Exposure to the ArtCenter design culture, work ethic, and standards - A California campus setting with proximity to the design and entertainment industries - Connection to the ArtCenter alumni network ## Scholarship and Admissions Advantage Students who demonstrate exceptional work during the Pre-College Program are recognized by ArtCenter's admissions office. Strong pre-college participants may receive preferential consideration or portfolio scholarships when applying as undergraduates. ## Who Should Apply? ArtCenter Pre-College is appropriate for high school students who: - Are seriously considering an arts or design college education - Want to begin building a real portfolio with professional guidance - Have some drawing or design experience (not required for all tracks, but beneficial) - Are willing to work intensively in a studio environment for two weeks ## Application and Cost Applications are accepted on a **rolling basis** beginning in **March**. Program tuition is approximately $2,500–$3,500 (housing additional for residential students). Need-based financial aid is available for qualifying families. This program is especially valuable for West Coast students who may not have access to RISD or SCAD's East Coast campuses, offering the same level of prestige and professional preparation closer to home.