Apply to Pre-College

Pre-College application requirements

Applications open in September and are submitted online. Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

• CCA Pre-College online application
• Unofficial high school transcript (must include 9th grade through spring 2024)
• $55 nonrefundable application fee
• International students only: Proof of English language proficiency

Pre-College application steps to apply

1. Go to the CCA Pre-College application on CCA App.

2. Click the blue “Sign in” button on the top right-hand corner.

3. Select “Create an account.” Use an email address that you check regularly, as all communication from the program, including studio placements, scholarship decisions, and registration confirmation, will be sent via email to this address.

4. Once inside your new account, select the heading “Your Applications,” start a Summer Pre-College application, and complete the steps as prompted.

5. If you are an international student, submit proof of English language proficiency. Read Pre-College FAQs for details.

6. Pay the $55 nonrefundable application fee.

7. Submit your application!

8. Upload your unofficial high school transcript as a PDF.

• Grades from 9th grade through spring 2024 must be included on your transcript.
• All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation of the original.
• Home-schooled applicants should submit detailed syllabi of courses (equivalent to grades 9–12) and details of curriculum you are pursuing through any public or private agency, including community college transcripts if applicable.

9. Check the email you used to create your CCA App account.

• You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received and processed.
• Admissions emails including studio placement and next steps for enrollment will be sent in early March.
• If you receive an acceptance email, we’ll follow-up shortly with an enrollment form as well as information on how to apply for on-campus housing, a meal plan, and health insurance. Read Pre-College Policies for details.

CCA Pre-College scholarships

We do our very best to distribute scholarship money so as many applicants as possible can attend Pre-College. Our institutional scholarships include need-based scholarships, as well as a limited number of highly competitive merit scholarships. Please note, these scholarships do not include the required meal plan, housing, or $500 nonrefundable tuition deposit.

Need-Based Scholarships

• Up to $3,500
• Award amounts are based on a student's academic achievement, demonstrated artistic promise, scholarship essay, and financial need
• Only U.S. citizens are eligible
• Students who submit an essay, portfolio (5-8 pieces of your artwork), a copy of the family’s U.S. federal income tax return, and a reference letter by the scholarship deadline are automatically considered for this scholarship

Merit Scholarships

• Up to $2,000
• Award amounts are based on a student's academic achievement, demonstrated artistic promise, and scholarship essay
• Students who submit an essay and portfolio (5-8 pieces of your artwork) by the scholarship deadline are automatically considered for this scholarship

Marcella Cleese Scholarship

• One annual full-tuition scholarship
• Award amounts are based on a student's academic achievement, demonstrated artistic promise, scholarship essay, and creative capabilities
• Students who submit an essay and portfolio (5-8 pieces of your artwork) by the scholarship deadline are automatically considered for this scholarship

Scholarship application steps to apply

1. Submit your Pre-College application on CCA App and pay the nonrefundable $55 application fee

2. Go to SlideRoom and set up a new account by clicking “Sign up” in the top right-hand corner. Be sure to use the same email address that you used to apply to Pre-College on CCA App.

3. Follow the Pre-College scholarship steps as prompted and upload the following materials:

• A half-page essay describing your artistic interests and goals, as well as the reasons for your interest in attending CCA's Pre-College program
• Portfolio of 5-8 pieces of your artwork
  • Label each piece with your full name, media, dimensions, and year completed
  • If you submit photography samples, indicate whether they were printed commercially or personally
  • Writing samples must be in PDF format and two to five pages long
• Need-based scholarship applicants only:
  • A copy of your family’s U.S. federal income-tax return, as well as documentation for any other funding received that is not reported on the tax return
  • A written reference letter by a parent/guardian, high school counselor, or art teacher describing why financial assistance is needed

External scholarships are also available

CCA partner organizations generously offer opportunities for our Pre-College applicants. Requirements and deadlines vary per scholarship.

• Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship Program
• Bay Area Creative Foundation
• Creatives Want Change

CCA Pre-College applications open in September and close in June

• September 23: CCA Pre-College applications open
• February 24:
  • Priority deadline to submit your Pre-College application (via CCA App)
  • Scholarship application deadline (via SlideRoom)
• March 3-March 14: Admission decisions sent via email
• March 3-March 14: Scholarship award recipients notified via email
• March 3: Housing application opens
• April 7: Tuition deposit deadline (for all admitted students)
• April 21: Housing application deadline
• May 5: Tuition balance deadline
• May 21: Housing and meal plan payment due
• June 10: Application for Pre-College closes
• July 6: Move-in day (9:00 am-12 pm) for Pre-College residential students
• July 7-August 1: On-Campus CCA Pre-College
• August 3: Move-out day (9:00 am-12 pm) for Pre-College residential students