Discover how to apply to Maine College of Art & Design’s Pre-College program. Find application deadlines and requirements, scholarship opportunities, and contact information.
Application Deadlines & Key Dates
Priority Application and Scholarship Deadline: February 2, 2026
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
Paperwork and Full Payment Due: May 1, 2026
Program Dates: July 12 – August 1, 2026
Application Requirements
Application
Application Fee
Along with submitting the application, you will need to pay a $40 application fee. This can be paid at the end of completing your application.
Essay
Submit a one-page essay. Please write 250–300 words about one of the following prompts:
- Tell us about a person in your life with whom you have a meaningful relationship. Who is that person? What is your relationship with that person? Why is it a meaningful relationship? What are your interactions with that person like? How do those interactions make you feel? Why?
- You have a free Saturday without any commitments, money, or transportation. Design your day. Tell us who you would invite if anybody. Give the details of what you would do. How do you think you would feel doing it?
Recommendation
Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor. This letter should relay who you are as a student and community member.
Transcript
Submit a copy of your high school transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are fine.
Scholarship
Tax forms from your parents/guardians are required to be considered for need-based scholarships. These can be uploaded to the application status portal (meca.edu/apply/status) after the application.
Please note: our Priority and Scholarship Deadline is February 2, 2026.
Questions
If you have questions about deadlines, programs, or financial aid, please call us at 800.699.1509 or email admissions@meca.edu.
We are here to help!