Frequently Asked Questions
We hope these FAQs will help you learn more about the ST.ART Pre-College offerings. If you’re interested in learning more or have additional questions–schedule a chat or attend a virtual info session!
Note: Some information in our FAQs may be outdated due to new policies about in-person learning for summer 2021. Refer to the ST.ART Intensive or Zip ST.ART pages for up to date information. Contact the ST.ART team with questions.
QUICK LINKS
Application & Registration
Who is eligible?
ST.ART Intensive (four–week)
Any high school student who completes the tenth or eleventh grade in Spring 2021 and is interested in pursuing Art + Design in college. All applicants must be on track to advance to the eleventh or twelfth grade in Fall 2021.
Current Seniors who will graduate in Spring 2021 and do not intend to enroll in college in Fall 2021, are eligible to apply if they intend to enroll in college in Fall 2022. Students will be prompted to briefly explain why they’ve chosen to delay college admission in the application.
Zip ST.ART (one-week)
Any middle or high school student who completes the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth or eleventh grade in Spring 2021. All participants must be on track to advance to the eighth, ninth, tenth or eleventh grade in Fall 2021.
What is needed to apply to ST.ART Intensive?
All scholarship applications are due on April 1 and all applicants will be notified on April 15. Applications for the four-week program will be accepted until June 1 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis after April 1. The application asks for:
- Applicant Information
- 100 Word Introduction
This short introduction should be written and typed by the applicant and no more than 100 words. Use the introduction to tell us about yourself, why you want to attend Summer ST.ART 2021 and how you think the program can impact your future as an artist. - 3 Images of Original Artwork
Show us what you make! All artworks should be completed by the student and may include class projects or independent artworks. - High School Transcript (optional)
Don’t worry, we’re not looking for all A’s. We want to learn more about you and the classes you’ve been taking. We prefer an official transcript but will accept unofficial transcripts. - Concentration Selection
- $35 Application Fee
What are we looking for in a ST.ART Intensive applicant?
Any high school artist interested in developing new artworks and pursuing (or exploring!) a college career in art + design. Use the application to tell us about yourself and the work you make! We welcome applications from students throughout Texas and beyond.
What is needed to register for Zip ST.ART?
Registration closes two weeks before the session start date. Scholarship application deadline is April 1, 2021.
The registration asks for:
- Student Information
- Zip Week and Studio Session Selection(s)
- $35 Registration Fee
Who should complete my teacher recommendation form?
Students should ask an instructor, preferably a studio art or academic instructor, or other professional who can evaluate your initiative, maturity, and potential to thrive at Summer ST.ART.
Students should ask an instructor who is willing and qualified to complete the recommendation form on your behalf. Teachers will be sent an electronic recommendation form after a student submits their need-based scholarship materials. Be sure to let your teacher know you’ll be requesting a recommendation from them!
Should I submit more than one teacher recommendation form?
No. Students should only ask one teacher to submit a recommendation form. If multiple recommendation forms are submitted, the review committee will use the first recommendation received.
How do I submit my teacher recommendation form?
Teachers will be sent an electronic recommendation form after a student submits their need-based scholarship materials. All recommendations must be submitted within one week. If you are unable to submit a recommendation by this deadline, please contact the ST.ART team.
Do I have to complete the application in one sitting?
Nope. Students will be able to save their information and return to complete at a later date.
Don’t worry! If you prepare your materials in advance, it won’t take long to complete the application.
I’ve applied/registered! Now what?
After submitting a ST.ART Pre-College 2021 application or registration, students will receive a confirmation email. This email will be sent to the email address used to create the student’s application/registration and will include information about how to submit need-based scholarship materials or submit an artwork for the ST.ART Challenge Scholarship Contest.
ST.ART will notify all scholarship applicants of financial aid decisions on April 15, 2021 or within two-weeks after your apply/register.
ST.ART Intensive (four–week)
We’ll wait to share decisions about admissions for all applicants until after April 1. Applications for the four-week program will be accepted until June 1 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis after April 1.
Zip ST.ART (one–week)
Once you’ve registered for Zip ST.ART, you’re all set! If a student registers for Zip ST.ART and submits materials for scholarship consideration, students will be notified of financial aid decisions on April 15, 2021. The Zip ST.ART registration will remain open space-available until two-weeks before the session start date.
Does admission into ST.ART Intensive or participation in Zip ST.ART impact UT undergraduate admission?
No. Acceptance or participation into a ST.ART Pre-College program does not guarantee and/or impact admission as an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin. Summer ST.ART is intended to provide opportunities for students to develop and enhance portfolios for future college admissions.
Program Fees & Financial Aid
How much is ST.ART Intensive tuition? What does tuition include?
Our four–week program is $4,000 and includes over 80 hours of instruction (with highly-skilled artists and educators), some supplies and a ST.ART t-shirt.
ST.ART Intensive students participate in a final exhibition at the end of the summer, virtually or in-person. Additionally, students receive college admissions support throughout fall 2021 and are invited to participate in portfolio review groups on select evening and/or Saturdays with ST.ART peers.
How much is Zip ST.ART tuition? What does tuition include?
One Zip ST.ART, one–week studio session costs $450 and includes over 16 hours of instruction, some supplies and a ST.ART t-shirt. Two Zip ST.ART, one–week studio sessions cost $900 and include over 28 hours of instruction, some supplies and a ST.ART t-shirt. Students can enroll in up to two studio sessions during each Zip ST.ART week.
What if I am unable to pay the application/registration fee?
That’s ok! Application and registration fee waivers are available. To request a waiver, here.
Waivers must be requested before Wednesday, March 31st at noon.
Does ST.ART Pre-College offer scholarships?
Yes! Any student who wishes to be considered for scholarships must complete the program application or registration and submit scholarship materials on or before April 1, 2021. After April 1, the ST.ART program will continue reviewing need-based scholarships on a rolling-basis until June 1, 2021. Scholarships are not guaranteed and only applicants who submit all required materials by the deadline will be considered. No exceptions.
Looking for additional scholarship opportunities? ST.ART Challenge Scholarship Contest is for current 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Original artwork must be submitted with completed application by April 1, 2021
How do I apply for scholarship consideration?
All interested applicants can choose to submit materials for scholarship consideration. All materials must be received on or before April 1, 2021 to be considered in our first scholarship review. After April 1, we will continue reviewing for need-based scholarships on a rolling-basis until June 1. The scholarship application asks for:
ST.ART Intensive (four–week)
- General Application Requirements
- Supplemental Scholarship Questions
- One Teacher Recommendation
- Parent/Guardian Letter
This letter should be written by one parent or guardian of the applicant and should express financial need and the potential impact of attending Summer ST.ART at UT Austin for your child. Parent/Guardian letters should be no longer than one-page. - Tax Info
Parents and/or guardians must submit their W-2 or applicable tax documents for students to be considered for scholarship. Documents should be scanned and included with the completed application. Individuals may choose to mark out personal information (SSN, etc.) before scanning.
Zip ST.ART (one–week)
- General Registration Requirements +
- Supplemental Scholarship Questions
- One Teacher Recommendation
- Parent/Guardian Letter
This letter should be written by one parent or guardian of the applicant and should express financial need and the potential impact of attending Summer ST.ART at UT Austin for your child. Parent/Guardian letters should be no longer than one-page. - Tax Info
Parents and/or guardians must submit their W-2 or applicable tax documents for students to be considered for scholarship. Documents should be scanned and included with the completed application. Individuals may choose to mark out personal information (SSN, etc.) before scanning.
What if my parent/guardian is unable (or unwilling) to help with scholarship materials?
Let us know! Contact the ST.ART Pre-College team (summerstart@austin.utexas.edu) if you or your parent/guardian have any issues completing and submitting the required scholarship information.
What is the ST.ART Challenge?
A scholarship contest for exceptional artists in grades 8, 9, 10 and 11 (rising Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors). Submissions are blindly judged by Department of Art & Art History faculty, staff, and students.
How do I submit to the ST.ART Challenge?
Eligible students must create an original artwork responding to the prompt “summer.” Artwork must be submitted with a ST.ART Pre-College 2021 Application/Registration by April 1, 2021
Eligibility: Current eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh graders.
Submission Requirements:
- Completed ST.ART Intensive Application or Zip ST.ART Registration & $35 Fee
- Photograph of artwork, title, size, materials used and one sentence describing your submission
- Original artworks should be no smaller than 8 x 10”
- Artworks can include any medium(s) of your choice
Can I apply for scholarship consideration and also submit to the ST.ART Challenge?
Yes! Students may choose to submit materials for scholarship consideration as well as a ST.ART Challenge submission by April 1, 2021.
If selected for a ST.ART Challenge Award, students will no longer be eligible for additional scholarship consideration. If a student submits an original artwork for ST.ART Challenge and does not receive an award, the student will still be considered for need-based scholarships.
What if a student applies for scholarship but does not receive funds?
ST.ART will notify all scholarship applicants of financial aid decisions on April 15 or within two-weeks of receiving a student’s required materials. Students who do not receive scholarship but are accepted to the program must choose to accept or reject acceptance to Summer ST.ART by May 1, 2021 or in the date specified with your award notification.
Are program fees refundable?
No. The initial application/registration fee and program deposit are nonrefundable. After June 1, the program will retain all fees received – if a student withdraws or is removed, no fees will be returned.
Academics & Studio Sessions
Who are the instructors?
Exceptional artists and educators maintaining an art practice and working in and/or with art + design.
Are materials & supplies provided?
ST.ART Intensive (four–week)
Accepted students will receive class supply lists in June and students will be responsible for sourcing supplies, prior to the start of the program. ST.ART Intensive students will receive a welcome packet with some supplies, not listed on the supply list. Welcome packets will be shipped or available for local pickup in mid-June.
Zip ST.ART (one–week)
Students will receive supply lists at least two weeks prior to the session start date. All Zip ST.ART students will receive a welcome kit with some supplies, not listed on the supply list. Welcome packets will be shipped or available for local pickup two-weeks before the session start date.
Will students build a portfolio?
Students in all ST.ART Pre-College programs will work to generate new works for their portfolio and skills for developing more intentional works after the program. ST.ART Intensive students will work to complete 2-5 artworks during the program, including a mini-series in their chosen media. Plus, our ST.ART Sketching classes are designed to build observational drawing skills–a requirement for most art + design college applications.
Will students receive feedback on projects?
Yes! Students will receive regular feedback from peers and ST.ART faculty throughout the program. ST.ART Intensive students have the option to participate in our fall 2021 critique and college prep group, an opportunity for regular portfolio feedback and college admission support.
What happens to unclaimed artwork after the program?
When on-campus, all artwork must be taken by final checkout by 10am on the last day of the program. Unclaimed artwork will only be kept for one week following the program, no exceptions.
When online, images of student artworks will be saved in our online database.
Will students be assigned homework?
Yes. All ST.ART Pre-College programs ask that students work on projects outside of class time. ST.ART Intensive students may also be assigned readings.
Online / Virtual Program
What will I need to participate in an online ST.ART Pre-College program?
All enrolled/registered students will need:
- Computer & Internet
All students must have access to a computer with reliable internet during class times and critiques. Computers should have Zoom capabilities and be able to run apps from the Adobe Creative Cloud. Other software apps may be required for the program (ex. Zoom, Canvas, Slack). - Video & Audio Device(s)
Access to a device with video and audio capabilities will allow students to connect with peers and interact with instructors. Students will be required to share images/videos of artworks via online uploads and screen shares. - Headphones
Not required but recommended in a shared space. - Studio Space
Students are encouraged to create a studio space at home. Most projects require a desk space for students to work or attend classes and others will require a larger work area (such as floor space for a sculpture). If possible, designate a studio space you can use for the full program. Students may also need access to a sink, an area for artworks to dry, an area to store in–progress works, etc. Where and how you set up your studio space, is up to you. Contact us with questions or concerns! - Camera
Students can us a phone with camera capabilities or digital camera for documenting artworks. Students will be required to upload images of artworks and projects throughout the program.
Are students required to use video and audio functions on Zoom?
Yes. All students are required to participate in classes, keeping the video turned on during class time and critiques. Throughout the program, students will be asked to unmute themselves to share with instructors and peers.
Can friends or family join Zoom classes?
No. Friends and family are not allowed to sit in on classes. No exceptions.
Student Life & Housing
What will I do outside of class time?
When on-campus, all ST.ART Pre-College programs have activities planned outside of the daily class schedule. Students will have a mix of free time, open studio time and Austin excursions. Both programs include trips to local museums and activities on UT Austin’s campus. When online, ST.ART Intensive students will have opportunities to connect with peers and Austin’s vibrant art community in-and-out of class time.
Where do residential students live?
When on-campus, ST.ART Pre-College students are house in one of UT Austin’s residence halls. When online, students can live anywhere!
Where do students eat?
When on-campus, ST.ART Pre-College students eat most meals in UT Austin dining halls and at restaurants around Austin. When online, students can eat whenever and wherever!
For Teachers
Does ST.ART Pre-College offer application/registration fee waivers for classes?
Yes! We’re happy to support you and your students as they submit to our ST.ART Challenge and apply/register for Zip ST.ART (one–week) and/or ST.ART Intensive (four–week). Contact our team to request application and/or registration fee waivers for your whole class by March 30.
Does ST.ART Pre-College offer class visits?
Yes, we’d love to join your class virtually or safely in-person! Contact our team to schedule a visit and discuss your classes needs. Let us lead a sketching session and/or come chat with your class about college and career opportunities in the field of Art + Design! How can we support you and your students?
Where can I find the teacher recommendation form?
Starting in 2021, all recommendation will be submitted electronically. Teachers will receive an email with instructions for completing the recommendation after a student has submitted their need-based scholarship material. All recommendations must be received one-week after being requested. If you are unable to submit a recommendation by this deadline, please contact the ST.ART team.
Does ST.ART Pre-College offer professional development for teachers?
Yes! Each year we collaborate with UT Austin’s Visual Art Center to host free professional development opportunities for all K-12 teachers. Additionally, we strive to connect educators with affordable workshops/kits offered by Austin teaching artist. Click here for information about our February 2021 series and monthly Sketching Socials.
Can you recommend any books, artists or projects for my class?
Yes, we’re proud to offer free resources for your classroom! Throughout the year ST.ART Pre-College shares sketching prompts, highlights emerging and established artists and designers, and offers arts-based lesson plans online.
