FAQ

The Learning/Access Center (L/AC) provides comprehensive academic support services to all Pratt students. 

PreCollege students who identify as having disabilities, including learning disorders, ADHD, psychological/psychiatric conditions, chronic illnesses, physical/mobility conditions, blindness, low vision and hearing loss, as well as temporary disabilities can register with the L/AC to determine and receive reasonable accommodations for the classroom, housing, and other campus settings. The L/AC also arranges elevator access, assistive technology, software, and materials in alternative formats. L/AC staff assist students in connecting with helpful Institute resources, advocate for students in implementing accommodations,, and collaborate with campus department administrators regarding specific student needs.

The L/AC also facilitates full access for students with disabilities so that they can freely and actively participate in all facets of Pratt life. The L/AC collaborates to provide Institute-wide advisement and consultation on disability-related matters (including legal compliance and universal design) and provides individual services and tools to facilitate diverse learning styles and accommodations in a sustainable inclusive manner.

We recommend that all students who may benefit from registering with the LAC complete their registration at least a month before the start of term. While accommodations may be requested after the start of the program, they are not retroactive. 

PLEASE NOTE: Accommodations may not mirror IEPs or other accommodations in place in a student’s high school setting. Accommodations focus on equal access – extended test time, note-taking support, or assistive technology – coursework standards remain the same.

For specific questions or concerns about accommodations for PreCollege students please contact LAC@pratt.edu. 

Students accepted into the Pratt PreCollege Program will receive their account login information and next steps at the email address provided on their application. Students are expected to regularly check their Pratt email account for program updates and communications from their professors. These communications will not be sent to students’ personal email addresses or to parent/guardian email addresses.
Students enrolled in a residential program, whether participating as a residential or commuter student, will also receive access to an Accepted Student Page through Canvas. This page will include important program updates, packing lists, and other information to help students prepare for the program.

Prior to a residential program, accepted students will need to:
– Complete full payment
– Sign the Code of Conduct and Liability Form
– Submit a completed Pratt Health Form or equivalent documentation
– Submit proof of health insurance*
– Submit an ID photo
– Purchase all required course supplies (costs vary by class)
– Confirm that they can log in to their Pratt email account and one.pratt.edu

Prior to all other courses (including Saturday classes and workshops), accepted students will need to:
– Complete full payment
– Purchase all required course supplies (costs vary by class)
– Confirm that they can log in to their Pratt email account and one.pratt.edu**

* Short-term health insurance is available for purchase through Pratt Institute.
** Students enrolled in one-day workshops are not provided with a Pratt email address or Pratt account.

PreCollege students are held to a high standard of conduct in the program inside and outside of class. Students will follow all of the same guidelines as undergraduate students in addition to some more specific PreCollege policies. 

Consistent attendance is essential for the completion of any course or program. Attending class does not earn students any specific portion of their grade, but is the precondition for passing the course, while missing class may seriously harm a student’s grade. Grades may be lowered a letter grade for each unexcused absence, at the discretion of the instructor. Even as few as three unexcused absences in some courses (especially those that meet only once per week) may result in an automatic “F” for the course. A full attendance policy can be viewed here. 

Pratt Institute takes the view that any action by one person that causes harm to another person, and/or to Pratt’s spaces and equipment will not be tolerated. Bullying, harassment, or any behavior that causes disruption to a community member’s ability to learn conflicts with the values of Pratt Institute and violates the community member’s right to feel protected, nurtured, and valued. Students can read more about Pratt’s community standards and student guidelines here.

All PreCollege Programs

No prior art and design experience is required for Pratt PreCollege Programs.

• Currently enrolled in high school (or equivalent program).
• United States citizen, permanent resident, or international student with approved US Visa*.
• Self-motivated, responsible, and willing to dive into college-level study with support from our Pratt faculty and staff.
• Passionate and inquisitive about creating works of art, design, architecture or writing.

*PreCollege Intensive is able to provide I-20s for accepted international students; international students may attend the PreCollege Explore Program on a tourist visa.

Residential Programs

• Eligible students must be between the ages of 15.5 and 18. Students who turn 16 on or before December 31, 2027 are eligible to attend the Summer 2027 PreCollege Programs.

Fall, Winter, Spring, and Online Classes

• Students must be enrolled in grades 9 – 12 by the first day of the program.

*Students admitted to the Summer Residential Program may work with Pratt’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) to obtain an I-20. For additional details, please refer to the “International Students” tab.

As students in a postsecondary institution, the educational records of PreCollege students are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This legislation includes but is not limited to: 

• Grades 
• Transcripts 
• Class lists 
• Student course schedules 
• Student discipline files

The PreCollege Office and other departments within Pratt Institute contact students directly to follow FERPA privacy guidelines. Parents and guardians of PreCollege students are asked to encourage their students to check their email regularly so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed in college and beyond. 

PreCollege classes are academically rigorous and modeled after Pratt’s undergraduate programs. Successful program completion requires all students to complete coursework, including assignments outside of class hours. Students taking noncredit classes can expect to spend a couple of hours outside of each class session on homework. Students taking classes for college credit can expect the duration of homework assignments to be equivalent to class hours.  During the residential summer program, students will only have access to their studios during class and scheduled studio hours. Students should plan to complete all assignments during these scheduled times.

Failure to attend studio hours or complete assignments in a timely manner may result in a lowered grade. 

Most students who participate in a Summer Residential Program choose to live on campus. Residential students are housed in first year residence halls, including Stabile and Pantas Hall.

These suite-style accommodations consist of two bedrooms, each housing 2–3 students, that share a bathroom.

Room assignments are made by Pratt’s Residential Life Department based on factors such as age, home town, gender identity, and class choice. Students receive their housing and roommate assignments upon arrival at check-in. Students are paired with suitemates who share the same gender identity. Residence hall floors are mixed-gender, consistent with Pratt’s undergraduate housing model. All residence halls are air-conditioned, have lounges and work spaces, and are furnished with bed, dresser, desk, chair, and microwave. Residence hall entrances are staffed 24/7 by Pratt Public Safety.

Each student is provided with a linen kit, which includes a pillow, blanket, fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcase, and towel.

Please note: All guests,including parents and Commuter Students, are not permitted in the residence halls while the program is in session with the exception of arrival and departure.

On-campus housing is not available for PreCollege students enrolled in Fall, Winter, or Spring classes at this time.

Pratt PreCollege is designed to provide students with both the autonomy to explore the vibrant city of New York and the structure necessary to focus on their academic and artistic growth. The program encourages students to take advantage of the city’s cultural and artistic opportunities during their free time, but it also sets clear expectations for academic responsibilities. Students are required to prioritize their coursework, including arriving to class on time and prepared with all necessary materials and assignments.

In addition to their academic and studio commitments, residential students are required to participate in several NonCredit co-curricular activities including a Portfolio Development Workshop conducted by Pratt’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, museum visits, and talks by visiting artists and designers. These activities are designed to enrich the students’ educational journey and provide them with valuable insights and networking opportunities within the art and design community.

Parents and guardians should note that outside of scheduled classes, studio hours, and official program activities, PreCollege students are not under direct supervision. They are expected to behave in a safe, mature, and responsible manner while navigating their free time in the city. 

The PreCollege Code of Conduct is enforced rigorously to ensure that students adhere to the program’s standards and expectations. Failure to comply with these rules, such as arriving late for the 11 PM curfew or otherwise behaving in a manner that compromises safety or program integrity, may result in disciplinary measures. This could include actions up to and including dismissal from the program.

Pratt Institute defines international students as those who are not  U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents. All international students enrolling in the PreCollege Intensive Program are required to have an F-1 visa; Pratt PreCollege is unable to accept B-2 visas for this program. International Students may attend the PreCollege Explore Program on a tourist visa.

International students must have a US phone number during the program.

International students accepted into the Pratt PreCollege Intensive Program are eligible to apply for an I-20 and F-1 visa through Pratt Institute. No other programs within Pratt PreCollege are able to sponsor F-1 visas at this time. 

In addition to obtaining an F-1 visa, international students must also demonstrate English language proficiency. To meet this requirement, you need to submit one of the following:

• Test results from one of the following exams: TOEFL, TOEFL Home Edition, TOEFL ITP Plus, IELTS, IELTS Indicator, Pearson Test of English (PTE), Duolingo, or SAT/ACT. You must provide a score report showing at least 76 on the TOEFL iBT, 6 on the IELTS, 95 on Duolingo, or 48 on the PTE.
• Proof of recent full-time study in an English-language high school or International Baccalaureate (IB) program, with a minimum of one year of study and a GPA of at least 2.0.

If you have specific questions about applying to the Summer PreCollege Program as an international student, please contact OIA@pratt.edu.

Online PreCollege classes are synchronous and cover a variety of disciplines. Our online courses are as academically challenging and require the same number of hours of active participation as in-person classes. 

You will need to meet the following technology requirements to participate in Pratt’s online classes:

• A laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection 
• Access to a webcam or phone camera  
• A scanner or decent digital camera 

All students will be given access to the required digital tools through their Pratt OneKey account including Google Suite, Adobe Suite, and Zoom. Pratt will use these online platforms to connect students with their faculty. It is the student’s responsibility to check that their region/computer is capable of supporting these various platforms and tools.

In addition to meeting all technology requirements, online students should prepare a space where they are able to work without disruption. We understand that circumstances at home are not always ideal, however, a strong at home studio has the following:

•  Natural lighting or strong overhead lights
• Access to windows and ventilation
• A desk and chair
• A door for privacy
• Internet connection
• An area to store supplies

PreCollege students are responsible for purchasing their own materials and supplies for classes, unless otherwise indicated.  Due to the variety of classes offered, PreCollege is unable to provide a generic supply list. PreCollege will share supply lists with students before class begins or students will be asked to purchase materials after the first class. Students should anticipate spending approximately $300 per course on supplies and materials.

Blick Art Supply stores are located near Pratt’s Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses. Students can receive 10% off their purchases by presenting their Pratt ID at checkout.

A limited number of full-ride scholarships are available for the Pratt PreCollege Intensive Program through Pratt Institute. Scholarships cover tuition and program fees, housing, and the meal plan. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate strong artistic work or promise, a commitment to their creative development, and significant financial need.

Scholarship funding is not currently available through Pratt Institute for PreCollege Explore or Spring/Fall classes. Students who are not awarded a scholarship are responsible for the full cost of the program; Pratt PreCollege does not offer financial aid based on household income.

Scholarship recipients typically come from households with an annual income of $60,000 USD or less. Students whose household income exceeds this amount but who face exceptional financial circumstances are still encouraged to apply. International students are also eligible to apply.

Scholarships do not cover course supplies or transportation to and from the program. Scholarship recipients are responsible for these expenses.

PreCollege applicants are encouraged to apply to third party scholarships. Current partnerships and previous awards have been distributed through:

• Anthony Quinn Foundation
• Creatives Want Change
• Empire State Arts Scholarship (available to students who reside in New York State)
• Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
• Tuition Remission (available to dependants of Pratt faculty and staff)

The PreCollege Programs are best suited for young people who are responsible, independent, and self-motivated. When neither in class nor attending mandatory events, students are welcome to leave campus and explore New York City. All residential students are required to check-in for curfew at 11PM each night. The Summer Residential Program may not be appropriate for all students. We invite parents/guardians and their students to discuss and agree on the student’s commitment to meeting our program’s expectations prior to applying.

Pratt’s campus is supported by Pratt Public Safety, who are highly trained public safety professionals, responsible for ensuring campus safety, security, and emergency management. The members of our department are on-duty 24/7 to provide public safety services, as well as peace of mind, to the Pratt Institute community.  While off campus, students are encouraged to travel in small groups and follow all guidelines provided by the Public Safety Department to remain safe.

Every PreCollege student is given a Pratt OneKey for e-services available throughout the campus. A Pratt OneKey allows students access to a large variety of software and tools during their time at Pratt. OneKeys are generated automatically and login details will be provided to the email address on file for students once their registration has been completed

For any difficulty with OneKey access or other technology questions, please contact our Technology Desk services@pratt.edu or by calling them at 718.636.3765. during office hours (M-F, 9AM–5PM ET during the school year; or 9AM–4PM ET in the summer).

Pratt PreCollege does not provide transportation to or from the airport. Students and their families are responsible for arranging travel to and from campus at the beginning and end of the program.

During the program, all off-campus trips are conducted using New York City’s public transportation. Students are responsible for purchasing their own MetroCard or using OMNY tap-to-pay with a smartphone, credit card, or debit card. All scheduled off-campus trips are supervised and led by trained Student Workers who are experienced in navigating the city.

As part of preparing students for life at an art and design college in New York City, using the subway provides valuable, hands-on experience with how New Yorkers commute and navigate the city every day.

Note: While our team coordinates transportation routes to minimize walking between the subway and the destination, New Yorkers walk A LOT. Students should be prepared to walk multiple miles a day and navigate stairs when traveling off campus.

All refunds require up to 8 weeks processing time.

To withdraw from a PreCollege program, please email the precollege@pratt.edu and scpsfinancialservices@pratt.edu including your full name and program name. You will receive a Withdrawal Form to complete and email to precollege@pratt.edu as soon as possible. 

Refund Policy

• Summer Program:
  • Withdrawals or refund requests cannot be made by telephone or through the instructor. Withdrawals must be submitted by email to precollege@pratt.edu and scpsfinancialservices@pratt.edu.
  • In the event that Pratt cancels a class, students will receive a refund of tuition, room, board, and deposit. 
  • If a withdrawal is requested before the payment deadline the refund consists of tuition, housing and meal plan for residential students. The deposit, student administrative fee, and the application fee are non-refundable.
  • No refunds are issued after the payment deadline.
• Fall, Winter, Spring & Online Programs:
  • Before the start of the second class: a tuition refund will be applied, less administrative fees and any non-refundable fees.
  • After the start of the second class: No refunds are issued.
• Workshops:
  • No refunds are issued after the payment deadline.

Non-Refundable Fees

Certain fees are non-refundable including the application fee, deposit, and student administration fees.

Important Notes:

• The date of your withdrawal email determines eligibility for a refund.
• Leaving the program without officially withdrawing results in a grade of “F” and no refund.