Pre-College Architecture is an intensive program that engages inquisitive high school students in the creative energy and speculative culture of the study of architecture. 

Non-credit

Residential

Commuter

Accepts International Students

Financial Aid

Final project

Program Overview

In these changing times, Pre-College Architecture responds to challenges regarding practice, communication, and our relationship with the built environment by utilizing a diverse set of tools and techniques, guided by the leadership of the School of Architecture Faculty.

Pre-College Architecture introduces design practice, creative problem solving, and critical thinking to young designers through a matrix of programming, celebrating curiosity and providing a strong foundation for architectural education. Pre-College students will navigate complex design problems, encouraging growth through the development of skills, preparing them for future undergraduate studies.

Curriculum

Pre-College Architecture is an intensive summer experience for students with a keen interest in architecture.

Over the course of five weeks, Pre-College students will experience the interdisciplinary field of architecture through the lens of Carnegie Mellon’s School of Architecture (SOA) as well as contemporary practices. Students will experience the dynamic of architectural education within the studio, supported by integrated coursework in analog drawing, digital media, seminars, and workshops. This approach will allow for broader exploration of design issues related to the environment, technology as well as the future of our cities.

The projects and assignments issued within all courses will increase in complexity as students build upon their newly found technical skills and creativity.

Pre-College students will begin by working through a series of projects to build a basic comprehension of the fundamental principles of architecture. Students iterate ideas through 2D, 3D, digital, and analog techniques, participating in critique as a central component of the studio experience, with a focus on:

• Building foundational architectural skills, literacy, and confidence
• Analytical thinking
• Conceptual development
• Techniques in representation and spatial articulation
  

Pre-College students will be expected to both collaborate with their classmates as well as work individually. Seminars, special lectures, and field trips that relate to digital media and fabrication, issues of contemporary practice, and portfolio allow for additional exploration of the architecture profession.

Typical Schedule

Monday - Thursday:

9:00 am - 12:30 pm: Design, Media, History/Theory Seminars
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Architectural Design Studio
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Teaching Assistant help sessions and Open Studio

Friday:

Field Trips

Weekends:

Open Studio

Single Session

Jun 22 - Jul 27

5 weeks

Residential

10030 USD

Single Session

Jun 22 - Jul 27

5 weeks

Commuter

7704 USD

The cost includes:

• Tuition for college-level classes taught by accomplished Carnegie Mellon University faculty.
• Housing on a vibrant and welcoming college campus. (Residential students only.)
• Dining Services that offer diverse eating options that emphasize health, wellness, and delicious food! Dining options include (but not limited to) vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and Halal.
• University fees for the use of the campus health center, fitness center, library, Student Success Center, and so much more!
• Transportation Pass to attend an organized program or extra-curricular events.

Additional Fees:

• Application Fee - $50
• Enrollment Deposit - $800

Application Fee and Enrollment Deposit are non-refundable.


As part of the program costs, you will be provided materials and tools required for media and design studio. If you need additional supplies, feel free to purchase them from our Art Store once you arrive on campus.

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Full scholarships covering tuition, housing, and dining are available to students demonstrating financial need. You can elect to be considered for a scholarship within the online application.

Please note: International students are not eligible for scholarship consideration.

Scholarship Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be available to attend the entirety of the program
• Demonstrate financial need
  

Financial Need

Students in any of the below categories are considered to demonstrate financial need:

• Students who have received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
• Students who are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program (FRPL).
• Students whose family income falls within or near the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
• Students who are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g. TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
• Students whose family receives public assistance.
• Students who live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
• Students who are a ward of the state or an orphan.
• Students who can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.

Documentation of financial need is required to be considered for scholarship opportunities in all available programs.

Documentation required includes tax documents or a completed NACAC Application Fee Waiver signed by your high school guidance department.