Arts
CMU Pre-College Design (Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Design)
CMU Pre-College Design is a 6-week 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
- 6 weeks
- Residential or commuter
What students do
Students learn through studio projects in product, communication and environmental design, along with design drawing and photography. Each student has studio space, takes part in faculty critiques and shows work in a final showcase.
- Product design
- Communication design
- Environments design
- Design drawing
- Photography
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 with a B (3.0) average or better; prior art or design experience is not required.
- Dates
- June 26 to August 7, 2027
- Cost
- 2026 pricing: $12,204 residential or $8,862 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
Two essays of 300 to 500 words, an unofficial transcript, one recommendation, a $75 fee, and an optional portfolio of 5 to 10 images.
How a mentor helps with your CMU Pre-College Design application
- Decide whether CMU Pre-College Design 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 Design 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 ArtCarnegie 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 Design application deadline?
The deadline is March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration).
How much does CMU Pre-College Design cost?
2026 pricing: $12,204 residential or $8,862 commuter; covers tuition plus housing and dining for residents; $75 application fee. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to CMU Pre-College Design?
Current high school sophomores and juniors. Must be at least 16 by the program start with a B (3.0) average or better; prior art or design experience is not required.
What does the CMU Pre-College Design application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Portfolio or audition, Application fee. Two essays of 300 to 500 words, an unofficial transcript, one recommendation, a $75 fee, and an optional portfolio of 5 to 10 images.
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.
