Arts
CMU Pre-College Art (Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Art)
CMU Pre-College Art is a 3 or 6 weeks residential or commuter program run by Carnegie Mellon University. Open to: current high school sophomores and juniors.
- Application deadline
- March 1, 2027
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 10 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 3 or 6 weeks
- Residential or commuter
What students do
Students work in college-level studios and take four classes per session in areas such as drawing, sculpture, animation, painting and printmaking. They build portfolio work and get individual reviews from faculty.
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Animation
- Printmaking
Key facts
- Run by
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Where
- Pittsburgh, PA (residential or commuter)
- Who can apply
- Current high school sophomores and juniorsMust be at least 16 by the program start; commuters must live within about 30 miles of campus or in Allegheny County.
- Dates
- 3-week: June 26 to July 17, 2027; 6-week: June 27 to August 7, 2027
- Cost
- 2026 pricing: 6 weeks $12,204 residential or $9,039 commuter; 3 weeks $7,945 residential or $6,184 commuter; covers tuition plus housing and dining for residents; $75 application fee
- Deadline
- March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration)
Official program siteOfficial application pageCarnegie Mellon University admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Portfolio or audition
- Application fee
One 300 to 500 word essay, three 150 to 200 word short answers, an unofficial transcript, one recommendation, a $75 fee, and optional artwork samples (5 to 10 images or a video up to 3 minutes).
How a mentor helps with your CMU Pre-College Art application
- Decide whether CMU Pre-College Art fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the CMU Pre-College Art deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMU Pre-College ArchitectureCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| CMU Pre-College DesignCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| CMU Pre-College DramaCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| CMU Pre-College MusicCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors (part-time commuter option for students entering 9th grade or higher) | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| BUTIBoston University College of Fine Arts | Lenox, MAResidential | Ages 14 to 20 (Young Artists Programs ages 14 to 19) | Paid, aid available | January 19, 2027 |
| CAED/Architecture Summer Career WorkshopCal Poly College of Architecture and Environmental Design | San Luis Obispo, CAResidential or commuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Paid, aid available | Not posted |
Frequently asked questions
When is the CMU Pre-College Art application deadline?
The deadline is March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration).
How much does CMU Pre-College Art cost?
2026 pricing: 6 weeks $12,204 residential or $9,039 commuter; 3 weeks $7,945 residential or $6,184 commuter; covers tuition plus housing and dining for residents; $75 application fee. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to CMU Pre-College Art?
Current high school sophomores and juniors. Must be at least 16 by the program start; commuters must live within about 30 miles of campus or in Allegheny County.
What does the CMU Pre-College Art application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Portfolio or audition, Application fee. One 300 to 500 word essay, three 150 to 200 word short answers, an unofficial transcript, one recommendation, a $75 fee, and optional artwork samples (5 to 10 images or a video up to 3 minutes).
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
