
Temple University, Tyler School of Art
Summer seems a long way off. Especially since the first real snow is just beginning to accumulate outside my window. Yet, even with snowflakes falling, this is the time to put a summer plan in motion for your artsy teen.
I realize that warm summer months are the perfect time for downtime. But getting into top college programs is competitive; a summer program can further your teen’s artistic skills and resume while simultaneously giving him a real taste for college life.
What should you and your teen look for as you search for the best college fit in a pre-college program? Here are just a few tips to keep in mind:
-
Syracuse University Senior Fashion Show: Lailee Waxman
Programs vary in length between one – six weeks.
- Some colleges limit their summer programs to rising juniors and seniors.
- Many institutions will count pre-college courses towards college credit. But make sure to inquire even if your teen matriculates elsewhere; some courses are transferable.
- Some colleges require campus residency over the summer while others don’t provide campus housing at all. The latter means living at home or finding another residence.
- Most pre-college courses have spring deadlines. So don’t wait until the snow melts to do your research.
- And speaking of deadlines, if you’re looking for a financial aid to help cover the costs, keep your eyes open to scholarship application deadlines. They often have different deadlines.
- When totalling up your costs make sure to consider tuition, housing, meal plan, fees, and supplies. Supply costs vary by course.
- Health and other campus services are typically available just like during fall – spring school terms. Residence hall and academic advisors are available as well. Recreation and other facilities are open.
Attendance at a specific summer program is no guarantee that your aspiring artist will be accepted in the fall. However, it will provide a substantial leg up by delivering a college-level challenge, building strengths and skills, contributing to a future portfolio, and providing the opportunity to connect with a professor – who could possibly write a reference letter when its application time.
I’ve listed a few great art and design programs to get your search started. Good luck! And let me know where you end up –
CCAD
RISD
SCAD
Syracuse University
Temple University (Tyler School of Art)
[…] if that’s not enough to keep you warm this winter, think summer! Summer college art and design programs, that is. Colleges will be posting their summer programs for high school students from now through […]