FAQ

The Learning/Access Center (L/AC) provides comprehensive academic support services to all Pratt students. 

PreCollege students who identify as having disabilities, including learning disorders, ADHD, psychological/psychiatric conditions, chronic illnesses, physical/mobility conditions, blindness, low vision and hearing loss, as well as temporary disabilities can register with the L/AC to determine and receive reasonable accommodations for the classroom, housing, and other campus settings. The L/AC also arranges elevator access, assistive technology, software, and materials in alternative formats. L/AC staff assist students in connecting with helpful Institute resources, advocate for students in implementing accommodations,, and collaborate with campus department administrators regarding specific student needs.

The L/AC also facilitates full access for students with disabilities so that they can freely and actively participate in all facets of Pratt life. The L/AC collaborates to provide Institute-wide advisement and consultation on disability-related matters (including legal compliance and universal design) and provides individual services and tools to facilitate diverse learning styles and accommodations in a sustainable inclusive manner.

We recommend that all students who may benefit from registering with the LAC complete their registration at least a month before the start of term. While accommodations may be requested after the start of the program, they are not retroactive. 

For specific questions or concerns about accommodations for PreCollege students please contact LAC@pratt.edu. 

PreCollege students are held to a high standard of conduct in the program inside and outside of class. Students will follow all of the same guidelines as undergraduate students in addition to some more specific PreCollege policies. 

Consistent attendance is essential for the completion of any course or program. Attending class does not earn students any specific portion of their grade, but is the precondition for passing the course, while missing class may seriously harm a student’s grade. Grades may be lowered a letter grade for each unexcused absence, at the discretion of the instructor. Even as few as three unexcused absences in some courses (especially those that meet only once per week) may result in an automatic “F” for the course. A full attendance policy can be viewed here. 

Pratt Institute takes the view that any action by one person that causes harm to another person, and/or to Pratt’s spaces and equipment will not be tolerated. Bullying, harassment, or any behavior that causes disruption to a community member’s ability to learn conflicts with the values of Pratt Institute and violates the community member’s right to feel protected, nurtured, and valued. Students can read more about Pratt’s community standards and student guidelines here.

All PreCollege Programs

• Currently enrolled in high school (or equivalent program).
• United States citizen, permanent resident, or international student with approved US Visa.
• Self-motivated, responsible, and willing to dive into college-level study with support from our Pratt faculty and staff.
• Passionate and inquisitive about creating works of art, design, architecture or writing. Program is open to all levels of experience.

Summer Immersion Program

• At least 16 years old and no older than 18 years old before the first day of the program. No exceptions.

Fall, Winter, Spring, and Online Classes

• At least 15 years old and no older than 18 years old before the first day of the program. No exceptions.

As students in a postsecondary institution, the educational records of PreCollege students are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This legislation includes but is not limited to: 

• Grades 
• Transcripts 
• Class lists 
• Student course schedules 
• Student discipline files

The PreCollege Office and other departments within Pratt Institute contact students directly to follow FERPA privacy guidelines. Parents and guardians of PreCollege students are asked to encourage their students to check their email regularly so students can begin developing the responsibility they will need to succeed in college and beyond. 

PreCollege classes are academically rigorous and modeled after Pratt’s undergraduate programs. Successful program completion requires all students to complete coursework, including assignments outside of class hours. Students taking noncredit classes can expect to spend a couple of hours outside of each class session on homework. Students taking classes for college credit can expect the duration of homework assignments to be equivalent to class hours.  During the residential summer program, students will only have access to their studios during class and scheduled studio hours. Students should plan to complete all assignments during these scheduled times.

Failure to attend studio hours or complete assignments in a timely manner may result in a lowered grade. 

Pratt PreCollege is designed to provide students with both the autonomy to explore the vibrant city of New York and the structure necessary to focus on their academic and artistic growth. The program encourages students to take advantage of the city’s cultural and artistic opportunities during their free time, but it also sets clear expectations for academic responsibilities. Students are required to prioritize their coursework, including arriving to class on time and prepared with all necessary materials and assignments.

In addition to their academic and studio commitments, residential students are required to participate in several NonCredit co-curricular activities including a Portfolio Development Workshop conducted by Pratt’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, museum visits, and talks by visiting artists and designers. These activities are designed to enrich the students’ educational journey and provide them with valuable insights and networking opportunities within the art and design community.

Parents and guardians should note that outside of scheduled classes, studio hours, and official program activities, PreCollege students are not under direct supervision. They are expected to behave in a safe, mature, and responsible manner while navigating their free time in the city. 

The PreCollege Code of Conduct is enforced rigorously to ensure that students adhere to the program’s standards and expectations. Failure to comply with these rules, such as arriving late for the 11 PM curfew or otherwise behaving in a manner that compromises safety or program integrity, may result in disciplinary measures. This could include actions up to and including dismissal from the program.

Pratt Institute defines international students as those who are not  U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents. All international students enrolling in in-person, credit bearing courses are required to have an F-1 visa; Pratt PreCollege is unable to accept B-2 visas at this time. 

International students accepted into Pratt PreCollege’s Summer Immersion Program are eligible to apply for an I-20 and F-1 visa through Pratt Institute. No other programs within Pratt PreCollege are able to sponsor F-1 visas at this time. 

In addition to obtaining an F-1 visa, international students must also demonstrate English language proficiency. To meet this requirement, you need to submit one of the following:

• Test results from one of the following exams: TOEFL, TOEFL Home Edition, TOEFL ITP Plus, IELTS, IELTS Indicator, Pearson Test of English (PTE), Duolingo, or SAT/ACT. You must provide a score report showing at least 76 on the TOEFL iBT, 6 on the IELTS, or 48 on the PTE.
• Proof of recent full-time study in an English-language high school or International Baccalaureate (IB) program, with a minimum of one year of study and a GPA of at least 2.0.

International students are welcome to enroll in both our NonCredit and online classes year round. 

If you have specific questions about applying to the Immersive Summer PreCollege Program as an international student, please contact us at OIA@pratt.edu.

Online PreCollege classes are synchronous and cover a variety of disciplines. Our online courses are as academically challenging and require the same number of hours of active participation as in-person classes. 

You will need to meet the following technology requirements to participate in Pratt’s online classes:

• A laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection 
• Access to a webcam or phone camera  
• A scanner or decent digital camera 

All students will be given access to the required digital tools through their Pratt OneKey account including Google Suite, Adobe Suite, and Zoom. Pratt will use these online platforms to connect students with their faculty. It is the student’s responsibility to check that their region/computer is capable of supporting these various platforms and tools.

In addition to meeting all technology requirements, online students should prepare a space where they are able to work without disruption. We understand that circumstances at home are not always ideal, however, a strong at home studio has the following:

•  Natural lighting or strong overhead lights
• Access to windows and ventilation
• A desk and chair
• A door for privacy
• Internet connection
• An area to store supplies

PreCollege students are responsible for purchasing their own materials and supplies for classes, unless otherwise indicated.  Due to the variety of classes offered, PreCollege is unable to provide a generic supply list. PreCollege will share supply lists with students before class begins or students will be asked to purchase materials after the first class. Students should anticipate spending approximately $200 per course on supplies and materials.

A limited number of program scholarships are available for the PreCollege Program. 

Students can apply for a PreCollege scholarship through the general application by February 1st. We recommend that students apply for scholarships from third-party organizations in addition to the PreCollege scholarships. Students can apply for the following scholarships directly through the summer application:

Merit Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all first-time PreCollege attendees and is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional work and show dedication to their creative development. [Awards up to $1,000]

Need-Based Scholarship

This scholarship (full tuition, including fees, room and board) is open to US citizens and permanent residents and is awarded to students who exhibit strong work or artistic promise and dedication to their creative development as well as demonstrate financial need in order to attend the PreCollege program.

Black Alumni at Pratt Scholarship

The Black Alumni of Pratt’s Visual Arts & Creative Writing Scholarship (full tuition, including fees, room and board) is open to all junior and senior high school students of African and Latinx descent who are residents of New York State and registered in a New York State school.

The PreCollege summer residential program is best suited for young people who are responsible, independent, and self-motivated. When neither in class nor attending mandatory events, students are welcome to leave campus and explore New York City. All residential students are required to check-in for curfew at 11PM each night. The Summer Immersion Program may not be appropriate for all students. We invite parents/guardians and their students to discuss and agree on the student’s commitment to meeting our program’s expectations prior to applying.

Pratt’s campus is supported by Pratt Public Safety, who are highly trained public safety professionals, responsible for ensuring campus safety, security, and emergency management. The members of our department are on-duty 24/7 to provide public safety services, as well as peace of mind, to the Pratt Institute community.  While off campus, students are encouraged to travel in small groups and follow all guidelines provided by the Public Safety Department to remain safe.

Every PreCollege student is given a Pratt OneKey for e-services available throughout the campus. A Pratt OneKey allows students access to a large variety of software and tools during their time at Pratt. OneKeys are generated automatically and login details will be provided to the email address on file for students once their registration has been completed

For any difficulty with OneKey access or other technology questions, please contact our Technology Desk services@pratt.edu or by calling them at 718.636.3765. during office hours (M-F, 9AM–5PM ET during the school year; or 9AM–4PM ET in the summer).

All refunds require up to 8 weeks processing time.

To withdraw from a PreCollege program, please email the precollege@pratt.edu and scpsfinancialservices@pratt.edu including your full name and program name. You will receive a Withdrawal Form to complete and email to precollege@pratt.edu as soon as possible. 

Refund Policy

• Summer Program:
  • Withdrawals or refund requests cannot be made by telephone or through the instructor. Withdrawals must be submitted by email to precollege@pratt.edu and scpsfinancialservices@pratt.edu.
  • In the event that Pratt cancels a class, students will receive a refund of tuition, room, board, and deposit. 
  • If a withdrawal is requested before the payment deadline the refund consists of tuition, housing and meal plan for residential students. The deposit, student activities fee, and the application fee are non-refundable.
  • No refunds are issued after the payment deadline.
• Fall, Winter, Spring & Online Programs:
  • Before the start of the second class: a tuition refund will be applied, less administrative fees and any non-refundable fees.
  • After the start of the second class: No refunds are issued.
• Workshops:
  • No refunds are issued after the payment deadline.

Non-Refundable Fees

Certain fees are non-refundable including the application fee, deposit, and student administration fees.

Important Notes:

• The date of your withdrawal email determines eligibility for a refund.
• Leaving the program without officially withdrawing results in a grade of “F” and no refund.

Contact InformationFor questions or further clarification, please contact precollege@pratt.edu.