

Dive into art school life—and earn college credits
Three weeks. One transformative experience.
July 10–30, 2022
Ready to experience life as a college student at one of the oldest private, nonprofit art and design schools in America? CCAD’s College Preview program is the perfect opportunity to learn, create, and thrive on our beautiful campus located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. This program is for 10th-12th graders, rising 10th graders are welcome. Over the course of three weeks, emerging artists and designers will experience college-level instruction in their desired major in the morning, alongside closely mentored professional development, collaborative workshops, and electives taught by Columbus artists and CCAD faculty and staff in the afternoon. College Preview is perfect for creative thinkers who enjoy learning in a fast-paced environment and who embrace the challenge of learning new skills while making friends and earning college credit.
Students will have the opportunity to see firsthand why Columbus has become a thriving arts destination. Students will be living on-campus during their time at College Preview. Chaperoned trips to sites of interest such as the Scioto Mile, Otherworld, and the Short North Arts District will introduce students to central Ohio’s thriving arts community and guide them on their College Preview experience. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a public-facing exhibition.
See the campus

College Preview: Zenith
After several tumultuous years facing a pandemic, historic protest movements, and rapid technological advancement, we at College Preview have asked ourselves: what’s next? College Preview: Zenith invites artists and designers who push themselves to new heights socially, intellectually, and artistically to apply for our pre-college art program.
Inspired by what lies beyond Earth’s atmosphere, College Preview: Zenith traces the history of art, science, and space. From 13th-century Islamic celestial globes to the NASA Art Program, we have long used art and design as a pathway to understanding the heavens above. During this stellar pre-college intensive, students will embark on major coursework, excursions, and mentored collaborative sessions that focus on art, design, technology, and the stars above!
Choose from one of the following major areas of study:
Advertising & Graphic Design
Animation
Comics & Narrative Practice
Fashion Design
Fine Arts
Game Art & Design
Illustration
Industrial Design
Interior Architecture & Design
Photography
Film & Video
Explore each major


Program dates & deadlines
Dec. 3: Registration opens
Feb. 15: Early bird registration deadline (save $250)
May 2: Scholarship application deadline
May 9: Scholarship decisions received
June 1: Registration due
June 10: Tuition balance due
July 10: Move-in and mandatory orientation
July 30: Commencement, exhibition, and move-out
Program costs & scholarships
The program fee of $3,450 covers three college credits, three weeks of on-campus residence, all meals, all required supplies, mentored portfolio development, and one-on-one admissions counseling.
CCAD offers merit- and need-based scholarships to help students finance their College Preview experience. Apply for a scholarship by May 2.

Leisure time & evening events
Each day, you'll have studio time for homework or to explore the skills and techniques demonstrated in class. Evening and weekend plans may include CCAD faculty lectures, off-campus outings and film screenings. This is your chance to explore CCAD’s campus, get more time in the studio and build friendships with others in the program. Off-campus trips may include visits to:
- The Short North Arts District (including Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams)
- Wexner Center for the Arts
- Columbus Museum of Art
- Otherworld
Orientation
All residential programs begin with a mandatory orientation to get you settled into campus. Housing can be made available if you need to arrive before the first day.
Community standards
All students who enroll in College Preview 2022 are subject to the CCAD Code of Student Conduct and the CCAD Student Handbook. Learn more. CCAD’s Title IX Coordinator and contact information can be found here.
Collaborative workshops
Collaborative Workshops are a big part of your CCAD College Preview experience. They give you a chance to work as a team on real-world art and design challenges leading toward a capstone presentation. All students participate in six collaborative workshops.

Safety & security
We're here to ensure your safety while you're at CCAD. That's why residence hall advisors and campus security staff are available at all times. You’re simply expected to follow all campus housing regulations and our student code of conduct. After you register, you'll find the specific rules and regulations in the information packet mailed to you.
CCAD is closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation and will follow guidelines set by the state of Ohio regarding COVID-19 prevention, which may impact plans for College Preview. CCAD has numerous health and safety protocols in place throughout campus. Learn more. Specific protocols for students attending College Preview 2022 will be shared this spring.
Refund and withdrawal policy
By registering for classes, you accept responsibility for paying for the entire session regardless of the method of payment and/or attendance in class. CCAD does not have an automatic withdrawal policy. Nonattendance does not constitute official withdrawal from one or more classes. To withdraw from a course and /or request a refund, you must a submit a withdrawal form. Tuition and fees are non-transferable.
Refunds are granted according to the following schedule:
Registration fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
A 100% refund of Tuition balance less $250 nonrefundable registration fee is eligible if withdrawn by June 10.
A 50% refund of Tuition balance less $250 nonrefundable registration fee is eligible if withdrawn by July 9 before 5 p.m.
No refunds thereafter.
College Preview withdrawal form
Questions?
Email us at [email protected]