Pre-College

The first step to creative freedom. The residential Pre-College program provides high school students with the skills to embark on a rigorous study of the arts.

Pre-College is open to students who have completed their sophomore, junior or senior year of high school. Students customize their individual Pre-College program by choosing two majors from the following media:

• Children’s Book Illustration
• Music: Composition + Collaboration
• B + W Darkroom Photography
• Painting
• Commercial Illustration
• Comic + Graphic Novel Illustration
• Ceramics
• Fashion + Textile Design
• Metalsmithing + Jewelry Design
• Printmaking
• Photography
• Woodworking + Furniture Design

Each major is given equal time. All students take a life drawing class.

Faculty

Pre-College faculty members include dedicated professionals who are practicing studio artists, instructors at Maine College of Art, and other faculty from institutions across the nation. The education and experience of MECA’s instructors reflect the College’s national reputation, its dedication to a solid studio foundation and the strength of its studio majors.

Pre-College Portfolio Scholarship

Maine College of Art offers a merit scholarship of $1500 for all Pre-College participants who are accepted to MECA’s BFA program.  All Pre-College students are invited to participate in the Pre-College Portfolio Day, which is held during the last week of the program. Recent high school or personal work may be included. In addition, all participants will receive an application fee waiver to MECA’s BFA Program.

Program Dates

July 8–28, 2018. The program culminates with an exhibition of student work and a reception for students, family and friends.

Application Deadline

2018 Application Deadline: April 16 

Certain majors fill up quickly. Admitted students whose applications are post-marked by February 1, 2018 will be ensured the majors of their choice and will be given priority consideration for financial aid.