ArcStart
ArcStart is a pre-college, architecture, residential program designed to introduce students to the built environment, architectural design principles, and Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Over the course of the program, high school students will witness how a design education prepares participants to engage the world around them within the context of a rigorous academic setting at a leading design institution.
Participants will experience the rewarding intensity of an engaging college architecture studio, partake in hands-on workshops that reinforce analytical and conceptual problem-solving skills, and enjoy an energetic camp-like atmosphere.
The ArcStart program is designed to give students the opportunity to study many different aspects of architecture, through learning to use specialized drawing, drafting, and modeling tools, explorations of architectural history, a visit to a thriving architecture firm, the creation of original design proposals, and the curation of their work into a digital portfolio.
Program Dates
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| February 28, 2025 | Application Deadline |
| March 22, 2025 | Admissions Notification sent to Students |
| April 1, 2025 | $495 Deposit Due via Campdoc |
| Early April (Date TBD) | Watson A. Young Scholarship Opens |
| May 15, 2025 | Remaining Tuition Balance Due |
| June 15, 2025 | ArcStart Welcome Packet sent out to Campers & Parents |
| July 14 to August 1, 2025 | ArcStart 2025 Program |
ArcStart Photo Gallery
Testimonials from Participants
Eligibility
Admission is limited to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as rising college freshmen. There is no minimum GPA requirement to be eligible to apply.
International Applicants
International students are welcome to apply. Because ArcStart is a summer camp and not a formal or credit-bearing academic program, F-1 Visas are not required.
Tuition
Tuition for the 19-day, residential ArcStart 2025 program is $4,950, which will include costs of overnight accommodations on campus, meals, materials, and field trips.
Admitted Students
Applicants will be emailed an admission decision per the dates outlined above. Admitted students will receive an information packet by email that provides enrollment material (i.e.class schedule, liability, and health forms).
Students admitted to ArcStart 2025 must submit a $495 nonrefundable deposit upon accepting their admission/registering for the program by April 1, 2025. Full tuition will be due and fully refundable by May 15, 2025. All cancellations after May 15 are nonrefundable.
College Preparation
In addition to the academic and social aspects of the program, students will also benefit from a presentation conducted by the Taubman College Admissions team about the application and admissions process for undergraduate degrees in architecture and urban technology.
Application Details
The 2025 ArcStart application has closed.
We anticipate the 2026 application will open in early January 2026.
In the meantime, join our mailing list to stay informed when the application opens.
Application Requirements
- Online Application
- High School Transcript (uploaded with application)
- Essay (uploaded with application)
- No application fee
Before you begin your application, please be prepared to submit information about yourself, your parent(s)/legal guardian(s), and your high school. You will also need to submit
- High School Transcript(s): An unofficial high school transcript (PDF or JPG) for each high school you have attended
- Interest Essay: An essay (250-500 words) explaining your favorite building and why, your interests in architecture and the ArcStart program, what you hope to learn in ArcStart, and how the ArcStart program will help you reach your goals. Applicants are encouraged to write the essay before starting the online application. The essay must be complete when the application is submitted
Note: The attachments requested will help our team better understand your background, experience, and interests related to architecture and design. You will not be graded, nor are you expected to have any prior education or knowledge. Everyone who participates in ArcStart will learn and grow, no matter how much exposure they may already have to the field of architecture. Please use this as a chance to show us more about who you are and why ArcStart might be a good fit for you.
If there are more applicants than space available, then Taubman College will utilize a waitlist.
Watson A. Young Scholarship
Selected students will receive a Watson A. Young Scholarship to support their participation in ArcStart. Scholars will also receive a Watson A. Young Scholar Certificate and Watson A. Young Memorable T-shirt + Center for Educational Outreach (CEO) promo gift bag.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Reside within the state of Michigan
- Be in the 6th through 12th grade when they apply
- Demonstrate financial need (family income less than $75,000 per year.)
- Complete the Watson A. Young scholarship application, including essays.
Terms and Conditions
- Scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and are awarded as funds are available
- Priority is given to first-time applicants
- Scholarships are awarded once the Center for Educational Outreach (CEO) has verified that an applicant has been accepted into an eligible U-M summer opportunity
- If awarded, scholarships are paid directly to the U-M school, college, or unit sponsoring the summer opportunity. Payment is made to the sponsoring U-M school, college, or unit once the CEO has verified a student’s participation
How to Apply
Check the Youth Hub Portal beginning March 1. The application will go live and appear in the dashboard. If you are offered admission to ArcStart 2025 and are granted this scholarship, ArcStart will reach out to you directly along with your admission offer. Please notify us by emailing arcstartprogram@umich.edu when you submit your scholarship application.
Questions
Email us at arcstartprogram@umich.edu.
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