About

The Pre-College Summer Intensive at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is a college-level art and design immersion held on MICA’s campus in Baltimore for rising high school juniors and seniors. The program offers two-week sessions (July 12 – July 25 and July 26 – August 8, 2026) or a combined four-week session. Participants engage in studio courses taught by MICA faculty and visiting professionals in disciplines such as illustration, game design, 3D animation, and graphic design. Students earn 1.5 college credits per session (up to 3 total for the combined term), and both residential and commuter formats are available.

Tuition for 2026 is $3,850 for residential and $2,725 for commuter status per two-week session. These costs cover tuition, student fees, and (for residential students) housing and meals, though art materials and travel remain additional. Need-based and merit scholarship options are available for those who apply by the January 5, 2026 priority deadline.

Enrollment requires an application and an online portfolio of 10–20 pieces of original work. Space is capacity-limited, with a final application deadline of April 30, 2026. The curriculum blends intensive daily studio time with independent projects and "crits," mirroring the rigor of MICA’s undergraduate environment. Each session concludes with a public art exhibition and certificate ceremony for family and friends.

A key feature of the program is the MICA Admissions Portfolio Review held during the final week, where students receive one-on-one feedback from university admissions counselors. This helps participants refine their creative identity and prepare for the undergraduate application process. Unlike casual summer camps, MICA’s Pre-College emphasizes sustained conceptual work and technical development, situating participants in a professional studio culture where creative growth is the central objective.