Summer Pre-College Programs

Virtual Portfolio Prep participants experience six classes; Drawing Studio, 2D Studio, 3D Studio and 4D Studio, Portfolio Studio and Admissions Studio.

Drawing Studio: a studio that introduces students to the fundamentals of drawing and visual thinking through the act of drawing. This class focuses on the practice of drawing as a core component of visual expression as well as a platform for artistic inquiry and communication.

2D Studio: a studio that focuses on building basic two-dimensional visual skills. Coursework introduces students to the processes of visual perception and the potential of visual communication. Students learn to work with color, texture and pattern through a series of projects emphasizing the generation, organization, and analysis of pictorial space.

3D Studio: a studio that focuses on basic three-dimensional composition. Students gain technical skills and knowledge through a series of projects emphasizing the manipulation, organization and analysis of form and structure in space.

4D Studio: a studio that focuses on developing the basic concepts, tools, vocabulary, and principles used by artists and designers in time-based creative practices. Students have an opportunity to develop technical and aesthetic skills as well as a critical understanding of work that utilizes time as an essential element, including studies in audio, video, and animation, as well as live installation or performance.

Portfolio Studio: a seminar that focuses on building a competitive portfolio for college admission. Coursework introduces students to effective visual communication techniques and is structured around exercises in photo documentation, written descriptions, and portfolio curation.

Admissions Studio: a seminar that introduces students to opportunities at the Stamps School of Art & Design and the University of Michigan. Students receive an in-depth information session detailing all aspects of the undergraduate program at Stamps. Students also discuss strategies for preparing a strong application to Stamps, focusing particularly on writing compelling college essays.

Our curriculum is further enhanced through:

• Portfolio reviews with Stamps Admissions Team

• Peer mentorship from current Stamps undergraduate students

View a sample schedule for Virtual Portfolio Prep below. Please note that a finalized schedule will be shared before the start of the program.

Virtual Portfolio Prep - $750

This program fee includes instructional materials and shipping costs. Please note that we will not ship instructional materials internationally.

Financial assistance is available.

Upon acceptance to the program, a $100 nonrefundable deposit will be required to confirm your attendance and reserve your space in the program. This deposit is included in the overall program fee. If you withdraw from the program after classes begin, no portion of your tuition will be refunded.

Portfolio Prep - Session 1 & 2 participants experience six classes; Drawing Studio, 2D Studio, 3D Studio and 4D Studio, Portfolio Studio and Admissions Studio.

Drawing Studio: a studio that introduces students to the fundamentals of drawing and visual thinking through the act of drawing. This class focuses on the practice of drawing as a core component of visual expression as well as a platform for artistic inquiry and communication.

2D Studio: a studio that focuses on building basic two-dimensional visual skills. Coursework introduces students to the processes of visual perception and the potential of visual communication. Students learn to work with color, texture and pattern through a series of projects emphasizing the generation, organization, and analysis of pictorial space.

3D Studio: a studio that focuses on basic three-dimensional composition. Students gain technical skills and knowledge through a series of projects emphasizing the manipulation, organization and analysis of form and structure in space.

4D Studio: a studio that focuses on developing the basic concepts, tools, vocabulary, and principles used by artists and designers in time-based creative practices. Students have an opportunity to develop technical and aesthetic skills as well as a critical understanding of work that utilizes time as an essential element, including studies in audio, video, and animation, as well as live installation or performance.

Portfolio Studio: a seminar that focuses on building a competitive portfolio for college admission. Coursework introduces students to effective visual communication techniques and is structured around exercises in photo documentation, written descriptions, and portfolio curation.

Admissions Studio: a seminar that introduces students to opportunities at the Stamps School of Art & Design and the University of Michigan. Students receive an in-depth information session detailing all aspects of the undergraduate program at Stamps. Students also discuss strategies for preparing a strong application to Stamps, focusing particularly on writing compelling college essays.

Our curriculum is further enhanced through:

• Portfolio reviews with Stamps Admissions Team

• Peer mentorship from current Stamps undergraduate students

• Tours of the Stamps School of Art & Design and UM’s Central Campus (residential only)

• Field trips to local museums and cultural institutions (residential only)

View a sample schedule for Portfolio Prep - Session 1 & 2 below. Please note that a finalized schedule will be shared before the start of the program.

Portfolio Prep, Session 1 or 2 - $5,500

Residential program fees include tuition, room, board (3 meals a day), field trips, instructional materials and shipping costs. Please note that we will not ship instructional materials internationally.

Financial assistance is available.

Upon acceptance to the program, a $500 nonrefundable deposit will be required to confirm your attendance and reserve your space in the program. This deposit is included in the overall program fee. If you withdraw from the program after classes begin, no portion of your tuition will be refunded.

Students are encouraged to bring extra spending money for snacks, laundry, entertainment and souvenirs.

Portfolio Prep - Session 1 & 2 participants live just a short distance away from Stamps in Bursley Hall. Located on North Campus, Bursley Hall is a mixed-gender residence hall featuring laundry facilities, floor lounges, a computer lab complete with printers and scanners, and music practice rooms.

Bursley Hall is also the primary dining facility for Portfolio Prep - Session 1 & 2. Learn more about the delicious and nutritious offerings at Bursley here.