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.
• 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.
If you apply by February 1, you will receive a decision by March 1.
If you apply after the priority deadline, students 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
April 1, 2024
Program fee deposit due
May 1, 2024
Program fee due in full
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.
VCUarts Summer Pre-College offers a limited number of partial scholarships. Students may apply when they fill out their online application. To request a scholarship, you will need a recommendation letter from a non-family member. That recommendation letter, along with your online application, will be used for scholarship consideration. Scholarships may not be used towards the deposit.
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.
