June 23 – July 20
PROGRAM DATES
Ringling
Design
of Art
As a student at Ringling College of Art and Design, you will be taught by award-winning faculty and be supported by a creative campus community. PreCollege is your first step to getting here!
PreCollege offers an intensive four-week summer program that teaches you the fundamentals of art and design, gives you a taste of college-level work, and lets you explore the immersions based in the majors you choose. You’ll receive hands-on instruction from world-class teachers as well as studio time, so you can develop as an artist and strengthen your portfolio for college admissions and scholarships. You’ll earn college credit, meet like-minded artists from all over the world, and have the time of your life.
I tell everyone who’s interested in coming to Ringling to go to PreCollege. It’s one of the most amazing experiences a young artist can have. After four weeks here, you’ll be a better artist, but more importantly, PreCollege will help you figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life.
— Dr. Larry R. Thompson, President of Ringling College of Art and Design
College
and
is a special place, and PreCollege is your first step to making your dream a reality.
PreCollege follows a robust curriculum of core classes for fundamental skill building, as well as immersions based in the majors for deeper investigation of areas of interest. Each student will take six courses.
The program offers a rich co-curricular series of mini-workshops, as well as access to Ringling’s state-of-the-art facilities on site.
Below is an example of a typical day for PreCollege students:
Core Classes M – Th 9-11:30 am
Immersions M – Th 2-5 pm
Week 1: 2D Design
Week 1 & 2: Immersion
Week 2: 3D Design
Lunch
Week 3 & 4: Immersion
Week 3: 4D Art/Motion
5–7 pm: Dinner
Week 4: Drawing
Friday Explorations
9-11:30 am and 2-5 pm
7–10 pm: Open Studio
Mini-Workshops, Panel Presentations, Career Services, Community Service, Health and Wellness, and more. Students choose their morning and afternoon sessions each week.
IMMERSIONS
Here are some examples of immersions that have been offered in past PreCollege programs:
Business of Art and Design:
Brand Strategy and Marketing
Computer Animation:
3D Animation
Visual Development
Creative Writing:
Comics and Games
Scripts and Stories
Entertainment Design:
Themed Environments
Game Art:
Art and Assets
Game Design
Visual Development
Graphic Design:
Type/Image/Meaning
Illustration:
Digital Illustration
Digital Sculpting
Traditional Illustration
Visual Development
Film:
Directing
Producing
Fine Arts:
Conceptual Practices
Introduction to 3D Fabrication
Painting
Printmaking
Motion Design:
2D Animation
Storyboarding
Photography and Imaging:
Digital Photography
Virtual Reality Development:
Avatar Maker
Interactive Experiences
GAME ART
Being part of a creative community during PreCollege was a source of liberation and inspiration for me. The environment gave me the freedom to explore opportunities and learn without any constraints, unlike the limited artistic
MAJORS
BUSINESS OF ART AND DESIGN
COMPUTER ANIMATION
CREATIVE WRITING
ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN
FILM
FINE ARTS
GAME ART
GRAPHIC DESIGN
ILLUSTRATION
MOTION DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING
VIRTUAL REALITY DEVELOPMENT
VISUAL STUDIES
PreCollege faculty are Ringling College faculty. As practicing professionals in their fields, they work with companies and clients such as Pixar, DreamWorks, IGN, Blizzard Entertainment, Hasbro, and CNN, and help guide our graduates to become global leaders in the world of art and design. Ringling College upperclassmen are your PreCollege teaching assistants. They are with you every step of the way through classes and open studios, to help support your work and share their Ringling experiences with you.
During PreCollege, our Student Life team organizes evening and weekend activities.
Students can access our fitness center or take advantage of the College’s beautiful grounds, and everyone can join our brand new varsity Esports team as they compete in livestream tournaments. Community service projects highlight the College’s commitment to social responsibility, and various entertainment activities round out your experience!
I actually took Illustration and Visual Development for Game Art as my PreCollege immersions, despite being a Graphic Design major now. I learned a ton of different skills related to drawing! But I also loved learning Adobe Illustrator in one of my core classes. It was my first time using vectors and it opened up a new world for me. Initially I thought I would major in Illustration but then realized I was a better fit for Graphic Design. I’m excited to keep building upon my passion for design and growing my skills as an artist.
— Jessie Cross ’25
During PreCollege, you’ll be living away from home and experiencing the independence and responsibility of college life. All PreCollege students are required to live on campus for the duration of the program. You will be living in a single-gender, air-conditioned residence hall with other students from around the world. You’ll also interact with upper-level Ringling students who serve as resident assistants and mentors. It’s an exhilarating preview of what life is like at Ringling College.
During PreCollege, campus meals consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served seven days a week. There are always vegetarian and glutenfree options, and special dietary accommodations are made upon request. Personal items, plus coffee and snacks, are available for purchase at the market in the new Cunniffe Commons.
ACCREDITATION
Ringling College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about our accreditation. Ringling College is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of
My PreCollege experience helped me in more ways than I can count. I was introduced to so many new people, both students and faculty, and able to get feedback from them about my work. With in-class critiques and open studio hours, a lot of time and care was put into helping me build a strong body of work. I learned a lot of new information and a myriad of different techniques that I was able to use when building a portfolio that I felt confident in and proud of.
My experience definitely solidified that Ringling College was the school for me. As an incoming freshman, I felt a lot more prepared because I had dipped my toes in the water of what it’s like to be a Ringling student. I also felt more comfortable because I had the chance to meet some of my soon-to-be professors. Overall, my experience as a PreCollege student helped me better myself as an artist and introduced me to what life would be like at Ringling College.
— Morgan Scott ’25
Ringling College’s main campus is just minutes away from some of the world’s best beaches, vibrant downtown Sarasota, a thriving arts community, exciting music and performing arts venues, sports stadiums, and more. On campus, you’ll find high-tech studios, a state-of-the-art library, multiple gallery spaces, a fitness center, and cafés. Our campus is compact and walkable with endless sunny spots to eat lunch, work on projects, read a book, or hang out with friends.
Virtual reality is a brand new field, not just at Ringling College, but in the world. Ringling’s PreCollege program allowed me to become hands-on with the technology and software we would be using during my time as a college student. PreCollege gave me the opportunity to create my first game and gain knowledge in the VR field, which set me up for success when it came time to apply.
Being a transfer student from a different college, it was easy for me to reach out to my faculty from PreCollege. I wanted to continue pursuing virtual reality and realized that I needed to continue my studies here at Ringling College. The strong bond I created with the VR faculty at PreCollege is a big reason I’m here today. They were so supportive and I feel so sure that I made the right decision to officially become a Ringling VR student.
— Landon Rowles ’25
Every year, more than 100 top businesses and brands from around the world connect with Ringling College to deliver presentations, meet emerging artists and designers, and review portfolios. As a student, you’ll meet recruiters from Nickelodeon, Disney, DreamWorks, Google, Hallmark, Hasbro, Wieden+Kennedy, and so many more.
The College guarantees that every student has the opportunity to engage in real client work before graduation through our INDEX program –Industry Experience at Ringling College.
We place students and graduates on high-profile assignments for feature films, live television, professional sports, video game development, and more. Even after you graduate, our Career Services team is here to help you out for the rest of your life.
OUR OWN SUCCESS
You’re looking at the proud team of student creatives that brought the PreCollege 2024 branding to life! Ringling College has given us both the skills and opportunities to work on projects viewed by thousands all over the world. As soon-to-be graduates, we feel confident entering the workforce equipped with the experience of designing real-world products just like this brochure.
If you’re looking for independence, a sense of community, and a chance to explore your potential as a creative, the PreCollege program offers a valuable and insightful experience as a student at Ringling College. It can help you reach a decision and shape your future in art and design!
STUDENT DESIGN TEAM
Collectively, the team researched, concepted, made client presentations, created assets, and art directed photo shoots. Julie and Anngeles then designed the mailer, brochure, social posts, and swag, while Alex and Kyuri designed and animated the motion teaser.
©2023 Ringling College Design Center
Graphic Design: Julie Bove ’23, Anngeles Sanchez ’23
Motion Design: Alex Cho ’24, Kyuri Kim ’23
Photography: Ryan Moore ’24
Check out the PreCollege 2024 motion teaser at www.ringling.edu/precollege
SCHOLARSHIP AND NEED-BASED FINANCIAL GRANT INFORMATION
PreCollege is a transformational experience for young emerging artists, helping them to pursue their college and career goals.
The PreCollege program provides financial assistance through scholarships, grants, and matching funds in agreement with contributing organizations. Need-based financial support opportunities may be applied for online at www.ringling.edu/precollege. Application opens November 1, 2023.
Funding is limited and generally able to provide only partial financial support. Please reach out to your local network, arts, and community foundations to inquire about additional financial support.
The Scholarship Application closes March 3, 2024.
COLLEGE CREDITS
Three elective college credits will be awarded to all first-time students who successfully complete PreCollege.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be between 16 and 18 years of age and currently enrolled in grades 10-12 in high school.
A complete application includes:
• A completed PreCollege application form
• A $50 application fee (non-refundable)
• Recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor
• A 250-word statement about your creative experience and aspirations
APPLY/CONTACT US
www.ringling.edu/precollege
precollege@ringling.edu 941-955-8866
#RinglingPreCollege
TIMELINE
Application opens November 1, 2023. Early application is advised!
FEES
Application fee
Program deposit upon acceptance
Balance due May 10
Sub-total
Plus refundable residency / damage deposit
Total
Above totals include all standard supplies and fees. Additional supply and/or lab fees may apply based on immersion enrollment. See course details online.
$50.00 $500.00 $6,050.00 $6,600.00 $300.00 $6,900.00
2700 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34234 PRECOLLEGE 2024 June 23 –July 20 www.ringling.edu/precollege precollege@ringling.edu 941-955-8866 #RinglingPreCollege