Early College Program Summer Institute: FAQ

Students are responsible for transportation to and from either of Chicago's airports (O'Hare or Midway). Visit the Chicago & Residential Life page for details.

Living in SAIC’s residence hall is not required, but is highly recommended. Prior ECPSI students have mentioned the benefits of living on campus, such as easy access to classrooms and studios, engaging with other students, and engaging in residence life activities. Guests, including ECPSI students who opt to commute to campus, are not permitted in the residence hall. 

The Chicago & Residential Life page lists what to pack, what not to bring, and what is provided in Jones Hall. 

ECPSI classes are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., providing you with an immersive studio experience. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00–8:00 p.m. you will participate in exciting workshops designed to help you gain new skills and explore new ideas. An exhibition of student work will take place on the final day of each session. Note: Figure Drawing, Figure Painting, Painting, and Drawing courses may use nude models hired by SAIC.

Each class is different and will have its own requirements. You’ll have homework during the week and on weekends. ECPSI is a college-level program, and you’ll be earning credit, so the work reflects that level of challenge. Most students spend around two hours each evening in the studios, working on assignments or continuing projects. While the experience is exciting and creative, it’s also academically demanding. This program is for students serious about deepening their skills and understanding in the visual arts.

All ECPSI courses are credit-bearing. Noncredit enrollment is not an option.

Financial assistance is available in the form of need-based aid and merit scholarships. Need-based aid is available to US residents only, and all students may apply for merit scholarships. Learn more.

It depends on the class. Courses that require specialized equipment, like computers, have a maximum enrollment of 12 to 14 students. Other courses are closer to 16.

It depends on the class. Most courses include several smaller projects or assignments early on, which help you build skills and explore different ideas. By the end of the session, you’ll also complete a final project based on your interests and style. This is your chance to explore something personal and integrate everything you’ve learned. Expect to be busy and leave with pieces for your portfolio.

Resources for international students can be found on the International Students page.

Visit Next Steps and Information for Enrolled Students for more information.

You’ll be responsible for your work at the end of the session. Unfortunately, ECPSI cannot store, pack, or ship artwork for students. Check out the Next Steps and Information for Enrolled Students page for more details.

Online classes take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in Central Time, and are asynchronous the rest of the week. You’ll meet as a group in the virtual classroom for demonstrations, lectures, studio sessions, and critiques. Workshops and portfolio reviews with SAIC Admissions will also be available. In addition to the set meeting times, you will complete work on your own schedule. 

The program is designed to combine synchronous and asynchronous learning. Lectures and demonstrations may be recorded, allowing international students to choose to join live or watch the recordings later. 

All faculty are practicing artists who bring their real world experience into the classroom to help you develop a more meaningful art-making practice. Many of these faculty also teach in the undergraduate degree program at SAIC.

Faculty will work with each student individually and will help you come up with an in-depth plan to ensure that you are using your studio time wisely and will be readily available to assist you when you need help.

All students are required to have their own cell phone, tablet, or computer in order to participate in this program. If you are enrolled in Animation and Video Projects, Visual Communication Design, or Design Projects, you will need a computer that can support Adobe Creative Cloud. We recommend that you have a laptop that meets the minimum requirements for Adobe Creative Cloud. Technical requirements can be found here.

Juniors and Seniors, ages 15 to 18, enrolled in an ECPOSI course will be eligible to receive college credit upon successful completion. This credit may be applied towards an undergraduate degree at most colleges or universities.

Students enrolled for credit are expected to attend all classes at the scheduled time, arrive prepared, and successfully complete all homework and assignments.

These are studio classes and you will be actively making artwork. You will participate in demos, lectures, critiques, and presentations from visiting artists—all with the intention of making portfolio-quality work for college admissions. The goal is that you are able to walk away with artwork that you can use as part of a competitive portfolio.

The focus of these courses is to develop portfolio ready work. This means developing cohesive and meaningful artwork that is true to who YOU are as an artist and designer. We will also be connecting you with SAIC Admissions through the course for portfolio reviews and admissions advice. Through the course you will have a direct line to your admissions counselor at SAIC, who is an invaluable resource throughout the application process. 

Financial assistance is available in the form of need-based aid and merit scholarships. Need-based aid is available to US residents only. All students may apply for merit scholarships. Learn more about how to apply for tuition assistance.

No, we require that you are enrolled for college credit. You can enroll in multiple sessions if you would like to earn more than one college credit.

All courses have 14 or fewer students per class, providing you with a phenomenal teacher-to-student ratio.

Yes, during the program you will meet individually with an admissions counselor to discuss your artwork and learn more about SAIC’s undergraduate curriculum.