4 WEEKS, 4 CREDITS,
2 CLASSES OF YOUR CHOICE
At Pratt, you’re more than just a student – you become part of a dynamic community of creators. Located in Brooklyn, one of New York City’s most vibrant and culturally rich boroughs, Pratt PreCollege offers a diverse and supportive environment where collaboration and creativity drive success.
The four-week PreCollege Summer Program immerses you in intensive, credit-bearing courses in art, design, architecture, and writing, all taught by Pratt’s distinguished faculty on our Brooklyn campus (a 25 acre sculpture garden!). You’ll develop college-level skills, strengthen your portfolio, and earn four (4) college credits – all while experiencing the creative energy and inspiration that only New York City can offer.
Spend a month living like a college student in Pratt’s residence halls while exploring your passion for fashion, illustration, photography, animation, and more. Immerse yourself in Brooklyn’s vibrant arts and culture scene, gaining inspiration from one of the world’s most creative cities. Collaborate with talented high school students from around the globe, build lasting connections, and take the first steps toward discovering your future in art and design.
Dates, Deadlines & Costs
Applications have closed for the Summer 2025 PreCollege Program. Information on Summer 2026 will be available in November.
| Dates and Deadlines | |
| Program Dates | Coming Soon |
| Scholarship Application Deadline | Coming Soon |
| International Student Application Deadline | Coming Soon |
| Rolling Application Deadline** | Coming Soon |
| Payment Deadline | Coming Soon |
| Program Costs | |
| Application Fee* | Coming Soon |
| Residential Student Includes tuition, housing, meal plan, and administrative fees | Coming Soon |
| Commuter Student Includes tuition and administrative fees | Coming Soon |
*Non-refundable.
**Please note that classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand, seats are limited.
THE EXPERIENCE
Students who choose Pratt PreCollege get to explore multiple majors before committing to a degree program – all while earning college credit that can be applied at Pratt or most other colleges and universities. Students experiment with innovative techniques, learn directly from Pratt faculty, and connect with like-minded peers from around the world.
Rachel G., a 2021 PreCollege student and a 2026 BFA in Illustration candidate, shared:
“PreCollege prepared me for the workload of college. It’s a lot of work in a short amount of time, and you go into it wanting everything you make to be perfect. I had to learn how to manage my time, pace myself, and understand that consistently doing the work is more important than doing perfect work every time.”
In The Classroom
Learn from experienced Pratt faculty in state-of-the-art studios and classrooms designed to foster creativity and experimentation. Students enroll in two hands-on studio courses taught by the same distinguished instructors who teach at the undergraduate level, providing an authentic preview of the Pratt experience.
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a letter grade and an official Pratt transcript. Throughout the program, they explore a variety of disciplines – fine arts, design, architecture, creative writing, and more – gaining valuable insight into Pratt’s diverse majors and minors. In addition to developing technical skills, students build creative confidence, strengthen their portfolios, and experience the rigor of college-level coursework.
Consistent attendance, active effort, and clear communication with instructors are essential for successful completion of the program.
Visit our Courses and Curriculum Webpage for course descriptions and a full list of available classes.
Our Faculty
PreCollege is taught by Pratt’s distinguished faculty of outstanding creative professionals and scholars. Each faculty member shares a common desire to fully develop each student’s individual potential and creativity. The faculty come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds representing the breadth of art and design’s complexity. This multiplicity of views and experiences provides for a tailored education that is as unique as each of the students.
On Campus
Students live in on-campus residence halls, each featuring suite-style shared housing with Jack-and-Jill bathrooms. The residential program fee includes accommodations in these suite-style rooms, with double or triple occupancy assigned based on availability.
Outside of class, students participate in required studio hours, where they work on assignments with guidance and mentorship from current Pratt students.
Evening and weekend activities may include visits to iconic cultural sites such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Coney Island, as well as workshops and special events led by Pratt students and working professionals from New York City’s creative industries.
Preparing for the Program
Accepted students and their parents or guardians should carefully review the Accepted Student Canvas Page to become familiar with on-campus resources and the expectations of a college-level program. Key points include:
Communication: PreCollege students are expected to advocate for themselves and communicate directly with instructors and staff as needed. Due to FERPA regulations, parents and guardians will not receive updates from instructors regarding a student’s academic performance.
Accommodations: PreCollege classes are college-level courses, not a summer camp. Students who require academic, physical, or emotional support should contact Pratt’s Learning Access Center at least one month before the program begins to arrange appropriate accommodations.
Independence: PreCollege students are not under constant supervision. The program is designed as a transition between high school and college, fostering independence and personal responsibility. Families who are not comfortable with this level of independence should carefully consider whether this program is the right fit for their student.
Eligibility Requirements
Age: High school students who will be between 16 and 18 years old before December 31
Citizenship: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or international student with a valid U.S. F1 visa
Motivated: Self-driven and ready to create college-level work in a supportive environment.
Passionate: Eager to explore art, design, architecture, or writing. All experience levels are welcome.
Important Financial Information:
Late Applications: We have limited capacity and may consider late applications if space allows.
Billing: Students are billed mid-April. Please note, payment for the program is due immediately.
Additional Costs: Plan for course materials ($200-$400), local travel (metro card), dorm supplies (e.g., bedding, toiletries), and incidentals.