The Summer Pre-College Program at VCUarts is a three-week residency program that offers rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to take one non-credit course at VCUarts and explore your interests in the arts. Students study with VCUarts faculty while developing their skills. In this program, you will collaborate with other young creatives from across the country and around the world.
Students will participate in supervised activities outside the classroom. In the past, students have toured museums, visited shopping districts, enjoyed outdoor green spaces, and more.
Program dates: July 7 – 26, 2024
At this time, we do not offer VCU credit for Summer Pre-College Program courses.
• Submit your Pre-College program application and $50 nonrefundable application fee.
• Request a letter of recommendation if you would like to be considered for a scholarship.
Priority deadline and scholarship: February 1, 2024.
Students who apply by February 1 will receive a decision by March 1.
Students who apply after the priority deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 1.
December 1, 2023
Application opens
February 1, 2024
Priority and scholarship deadline
March 1, 2024
Priority and scholarship acceptances sent via email
If you submitted your application before March:
The program fee deposit is due by April 1, 2024.
The full program fee due is in full by May 1, 2024.
If you submitted your application after March 1:
The program deposit is due within two weeks of receiving your decision.
The full program fee is due by May 15, 2024.
Please note that if you choose to pay the entire program fee in one payment, you are not required to submit a deposit.
Program cost: $4,250
A $500 deposit is due on April 1, 2024, to reserve your spot.
The remaining balance is due on or before May 1, 2024. Students may pay the balance in full or in two equal installments.
Refunds (minus the non-refundable $50 application fee and the $500 deposit) will be made for those who cancel enrollment before June 1. No refunds will be available after June 1. Once the student is on campus, refunds will not be made if the student leaves the program early for any reason.
Unfortunately, the deadline to apply for a scholarship has passed. If you applied to the Summer Pre-College Program by February 1, you are guaranteed a decision regarding a scholarship by March 1.
Program dates: July 7 – 26
Student move in: Sunday, July 7
First day of classes: Monday, July 8
Program showcase and move out: Friday, July 26
About VCUarts
We are a top-ranked art and design school housed within Virginia Commonwealth University—a pioneering public research institution in the heart of historic Richmond, Virginia. We are a place where artists are at the center of innovative thought, where they’re creating work that feeds the soul and serves society.
