Cornell University features two schools for creatives: the College of Architecture, Art and Planning and the College of Human Ecology. As part of the land grant program, three schools, including the College of Human Ecology enable New York state residents to qualify for in-state tuition.

Pre college summer programs are a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, meet creative students like yourself, and see what it’s like to immerse yourself in a creative environment. This list of pre college programs has links to over 20 programs for students interested in visual arts, animation/film, performing arts, writing, and music.

DePaul University is a great option for students who want a liberal arts university in a fun, less hectic city environment of Lincoln Park but would also like to study film, performing arts, animation and other creative areas in a downtown city environment of the Loop Campus.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the few truly multidisciplinary art schools in the US. Students do not select a major rather they select coursework, with the guidance of an advisor, in one of about 20 “areas of study” and pursue individualized courses of study. It is also specifically tied programmatically to one of the largest museums in the country, the Art Institute of Chicago, to which students are encouraged to visit often.

Columbia College Chicago is has a full range of majors and minors at both the BFA and BA/BS level to study everything from Animation to Film to Sound Design to Writing for Television, all while you are immersed in Chicago’s artistic community.

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is a small but vibrant visual arts college with an urban feel in a small midwestern city. Most majors are design oriented, while many minors are connected to the humanities appealing to a wide range of students.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is a small visual arts college, perfect for a student looking for an urban campus outside of large metropolitan cities. They offer majors in both fine arts and design so most students will find an area of study that interests them.

Have fun over the summer, but squeeze in time to do some of these college application tasks and your fall will be less stressful, and you’ll feel so accomplished!

It’s time to start planning your summer. There are great options if you know what you want to achieve. And don’t forget to include time to recharge and be creative.

Second semester Junior year could be the last full semester colleges evaluate in your applications. Make it a great semester with these tips.