FAQ

Students who complete the full program can earn up to six college credits.

SAIC is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCS) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The decision to accept credits earned at SAIC is the purview of the other institution, but most institutions accept SAIC credit.

• Early College Program Fall: October to December, 10 weeks, Saturday or Sunday, morning or afternoon
• Early College Program Spring: February to April, 10 weeks, Saturday or Sunday, morning or afternoon
• Early College Program Summer: June, July, August, 1- and 2-week sessions
  • 1-week session: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • 2-week session: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 1:00–4:00 p.m.

The ECP Summer Institute is a two-week residential program in June and July, with classes Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and mandatory evening workshops on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m., plus a final day exhibition from 2:00–4:00 p.m. CAAP participants will receive tuition, room, and board, as well as meals and supplies for the duration of the session as part of the program.

Funds for meals are automatically added to each CAAP student’s ID card to be used at dining locations on campus. The amount of the meal plan depends on the semester and the amount of time students are scheduled to be on campus.

Students receive Ventra passes each semester that will cover the cost of transportation to and from SAIC.

Students are provided with a supply budget for each term.

All of the items in the CAAP application are reviewed holistically.

We are most interested in how you communicate your ideas and personal voice through materials. You are welcome to include images from your sketchbook, works in progress, writing samples, or inspiration boards. You may also submit work in a variety of media. We encourage you to take risks and be inventive. Upload 3–5 pieces of work that you feel best showcases your style at saic.edu/CAAPapply.

There is no maximum or minimum word limit for the essay, but we suggest about one page.

Absolutely. We encourage you to solicit a letter of recommendation from an individual that can speak to your continued academic progress. Students accepted into CAAP must achieve and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to continue the program.

SAIC recognizes that high school students have busy lives. However, to be successful the CAAP program requires a commitment to good attendance. CAAP students are expected to attend all classes and outside activities at the scheduled time, arrive prepared, and successfully complete all assignments at a passing level or above. During any given course, students with more than two absences or who do not complete assignments may impact their future participation in the program and/or be ineligible to receive credit.

In addition to good attendance in class, CAAP students are also asked to attend a small number of outside events/activities with their SAIC mentors to help strengthen their practice and connection to peers. Some examples of these events: CAAP orientation (late September), National  Portfolio Day (held at SAIC in late October), lunch with mentors, field trips to downtown Chicago exhibitions at places such as the MCA, Field Museum, or Cultural Center.

Yes. CAAP students are expected to attend NPD at SAIC each year for invaluable feedback on their development as they progress through the program. 

Financial documentation should include a copy of the family’s most recent 1040 tax form. If you are unable to provide this, please contact Continuing Studies at 312.629.6170 or caap@saic.edu.

Any individual who has questions about the College Arts Access Program can email caap@saic.edu or call 312.629.6170.

Absolutely! Check out the CAAP 2021 final exhibition site.