Pre-College

Program Description

Curious if an art & design school is the right path for you?

Our Pre-College program, open to students aged 15–18, is a three-week experience designed to help you discover what life would be like for you as an undergraduate student at Maine College of Art & Design. During Pre-College, you develop your admissions portfolio, develop language for artistic critiques, earn college credits, make friends with peers from around the country, and work alongside fantastic professional artists and designers!

Based in the beautiful, walkable city of Portland, Maine, you will be immersed in the arts and culture of the area while being just minutes from the state’s beaches and hikes.

Information

Program Dates

July 12 – August 2, 2025

Majors

  • Animation
  • Comics & Graphic Novels
  • Painting, Printmaking
  • Ceramics (Hand Building)
  • Fashion & Textile Design
  • B&W Darkroom Photography
  • Metals & Jewelry Design

All students will take an additional figure drawing course to support their majors

Tuition and Fees

$5,100 (Tuition, Most Studio Supplies, Activities, *Single Room & Board) $4,600 (Tuition, Most Studio Supplies, Activities, *Shared Room & Board)

$500 Program Deposit and the Roommate Questionnaire are due upon acceptance to secure your spot in the program. The deposit will be applied to the full tuition cost above.

Refund Policy

Requests for refunds must be received in writing by June 7, 2025. No refund requests will be considered after that date. Application fees ($40) and program deposits ($500) are not refundable.

Application & Deadlines

  • Priority Application and Scholarship Deadline: March 3, 2025
  • Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
  • Paperwork and Full Payment Due: May 1, 2025

Scholarships

Limited scholarships are available based on financial need. Completed applications with supporting materials must be received by February 1, 2025, to be considered for a scholarship. Completed applications and supporting documentation received after February 1, 2025, will be considered if funds are still available. Students wishing to apply for a need-based scholarship must submit a copy of their parent/guardian’s most recent available tax forms.

Brochure

Lean more about the program

Apply

How to Apply

If you have any questions about deadlines, programs or financial aid, please call us directly at 800.699.1509 or email us at admissions@meca.edu. We are here to help!