
PreCollege
Ringling College’s PreCollege is a transformational summer experience for emerging artists and designers currently in their sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school. During the four-week intensive, students follow a robust curriculum of core classes for fundamental skill building, as well as two selected immersions for a deeper investigation of areas reflective of the College’s degree programs. Students receive hands-on instruction from world-class faculty as well as studio time, so they can develop as an artist and strengthen their portfolio for college admissions and scholarships. A co-curricular series of mini-workshops further broadens their introduction to a variety of creative practices and techniques. In addition, Student and Residence Life teams provide wellness, recreational, and community service activities throughout the program.
First-time students who complete PreCollege successfully receive three elective college credits. Welcoming both residential and commuter students, ages 16-18. Application opens November 1 for the following June/July program.
2025 Program Information
PreCollege 2025 will be held on campus from June 22-July 19.
Applications Now Open!
For Accepted PreCollege Students
Welcome to PreCollege
Explore PreCollege 2025
Contact
Ringling College PreCollege Program
2700 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234-5895
precollege@ringling.edu
941-955-8866
Other Programs
An example of a typical day for PreCollege students
Breakfast: 7:30-8:30 am
Core Classes: Monday-Thursday, 9-11:30 am
Week 1: 2D Design | Week 2: 3D Design | Week 3: 4D Design | Week 4: Drawing
Lunch: 11:30 am-2 pm
Library | Fitness | Recreation | Majors & Portfolio Presentations
Immersions: Monday-Thursday, 2-5 pm
Weeks 1 & 2: Immersion
Weeks 3 & 4: Immersion
Dinner: 5-7 pm
Open Studio: Monday-Thursday, 7-8 pm required, optional until 10 pm
Friday Explorations: 9-11:30 am and 2-5 pm
Explorations are mini-workshops providing students with a myriad of different experiences to inspire their artistic journey. Students are required to choose and attend morning and afternoon sessions each week.
Application Requirements
Applicants must be between 16 and 18 years of age as of October 15 of the program year and, currently enrolled in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in high school.
A complete PreCollege application includes:
- Review of the immersion descriptions and videos prior to ranking
- A completed PreCollege application form
- A $55 application fee (non-refundable)
- A completed recommendation form submitted by a teacher or guidance counselor
- A 250-word statement about your creative experience and aspirations
Timeline
Application opens November 1 the year preceding the summer program. Early application is advised to support our ability to reserve your higher ranked immersion selections. Immersions are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Immersion enrollment is secured upon receipt of the Program Deposit due upon acceptance. Application closes May 1 or when the program is full, whichever comes first.
Fees
Application fee: $55 due at application
Tuition: $4,440
Program deposit: $500 DUE upon acceptance
Tuition Balance subtotal: $3,940
Residential Fees
Room: $1,175
Board: $1,260
Balance subtotal $6,375
Plus refundable damage deposit $300
TOTAL DUE May 10: $6,675
Commuter Fees
Must live within 35 miles of campus
Room: 0
Board: $525
Balance subtotal: $4,465
Plus refundable damage deposit $150
TOTAL DUE May 10: $4,615
Additional Fees
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
4-week coverage: $200
1-week coverage: $50
All students must provide current proof of health insurance to attend PreCollege. International students and those requiring or electing to enroll in SHIP will be billed $200 or $50, due May 10, 2025.
Transcripts
Transcripts can be ordered from the National Student Clearinghouse.
Scholarship and Grant Information
Through the generosity of Ringling College donors, a limited amount of need-based financial support is available. Those opportunities are detailed as part of the application process. To be considered, applications (including scholarship requests) must be received by March 3.
- Need-Based Financial Grant Application NOW CLOSED