Parsons Pre-College China Program (Ages 14–18)

The program features three noncredit pre-college classes that develop students' art and design skills. 

The illustration and fashion design classes will run from September 25 to December 18 with three hours of creative programming each Sunday morning. The online sessions are taught by Parsons faculty from 9:00am to 11:50am China Standard Time. Class will not be held on October 9 or November 27 due to holidays in China and the U.S.

The portfolio development class will run from November 7 to December 18 and includes both asynchronous content and three live sessions with the Parsons faculty. 

In addition to the online class content, the program includes several virtual webinars offering content designed to help students prepare for college admission and study. Webinars will be led by New School offices, along with counselors from the Parsons Admission team. All students will have the option of completing a one-on-one portfolio review with a Parsons Admission counselor, in which they will receive feedback on their work.

Fall Pre-College Program in China

You can register for one course for the fall session from our website. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations are accepted in the order in which they are received. Early application is strongly encouraged.

Fashion Design and Illustration Classes (September 25 to December 18)

Registration Begins: August 1

Tuition: $4,500

Fees: $40

Total: $4,540

Portfolio Development Class (November 7 to December 18)

Registration Begins: September 2

 Tuition: $2,000

 Fees: $40

 Total: $2,040

Academic Transcript Request

The New School has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript ordering via the Web. During the pandemic, only official PDF copies of New School transcripts will be issued. Official PDF transcripts are free of charge.

After you request your transcript from the National Student Clearinghouse, your transcript will be mailed electronically to you or another recipient, such as a university, that you have designated. If you are sending your transcript to a college or university, make sure the school accepts electronic PDF transcripts as official, and keep in mind the following when ordering:

• The transcript link for the requester has a 30-day time limit.
• Once the transcript is downloaded, there's no expiration date.
• Unlimited views are allowed.
• Printing is allowed.
• Copying is not allowed.

Fashion Design, Ages 14-18

Design and visually communicate your original ideas for fashion in this design studio. An expert in the field of fashion guides you in developing and interpreting your research and concepts to the creation of drawings and presentations at an introductory level. You’ll explore a variety of making skills to interpret original ideas for fashion from 2D to 3D using traditional and non-traditional techniques and materials such as paper draping, material handcraft manipulations, and basic hand or machine sewn mockups. A sewing machine is not required. The creative process, trends, and careers are further explored in virtual visits by industry professionals.

Illustration, Ages 14-18

Learn the fundamentals of illustration in this design studio. Illustrators are visual thinkers who create comics, graphic novels, computer and film animation, video games, children’s books, graphics for skateboards, images for magazines and newspapers, and many other kinds of visuals. This course introduces students to the types of projects contemporary illustrators work on and guides them to develop and hone their illustration skills and style. Students may use Adobe Creative Cloud (subscription not included) or free/inexpensive graphic design apps (to be suggested in class) for course projects that may incorporate a digital component.

Portfolio Development, Ages 14-18

This course focuses on portfolio development strategies for students who are in the process of applying to colleges of art and design. We will explore what a portfolio is, share examples, and discuss how it can be a powerful tool to convey your creative voice. Through skill-building exercises, experimentation, and research-based projects, students develop a personal vision and learn what is expected in a portfolio. Workshops and critiques inform students about best practices for documenting and presenting finished projects. Students gain skills in communicating about their work in group discussions and learn to offer feedback to peers through critique. Course projects will allow students to iterate on previous work and/or to create new pieces. This course will help boost your confidence as you prepare to click submit on your college application. Prerequisite: previous art and design experience.

Refund Schedule

Fall Parsons Pre-College China Program

Please note: All refund schedules are effective until 11:59 p.m. EST on a specified date.

Fashion Design and Illustration Classes (September 25 to December 18)

Course Drop or Withdrawal Date    Percentage of Tuition Refunded

Before September 1      100

Before September 27            75

After September 28            0

Portfolio Development Class (November 7 to December 18)

Course Drop or Withdrawal Date    Percentage of Tuition Refunded

Before October 7      100

Before November 15            75

After November 16           0

The New School reserves the right to cancel courses. If a course in which you are enrolled is canceled, you will be notified.

What You'll Need

• A modern computer and mouse
• Headphones, a microphone, and a webcam
• A stable high-speed Internet connection
• A digital camera (mobile device cameras are suitable)
• Supplies on class list (estimated cost: $150)
• Some courses require access to Adobe Creative Cloud; please check the course description. To purchase a subscription, go to Adobe Creative Cloud for Students. 

Attendance and Workload

Online classes convene on Sunday mornings for eleven weeks; students participate in the live three-hour sessions using Zoom video conferencing. 

Students can only miss two of the online sessions in order to successfully complete the program. Students are expected to complete assignments each week, and they can receive support for these during the supplemental tutoring sessions with a design mentor.

The success of Parsons pre-college courses depend on students' attendance and motivation. Each student will enhance their sense of achievement by regularly attending and actively participating in the program. 

Students taking a course toward the Parsons Academy Certificate cannot miss more than two online classes with the faculty. Certificate students who miss class more than two times or fail to participate fully in class or the group making sessions will fail the course and may be asked to leave the program.

Students are expected to be on time for every class. Student participation in class is essential, and arriving late is disruptive to the entire class.

Courses are supplemented by special guest lectures, events with the Parsons Admission team, and portfolio reviews.

Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate English language proficiency, as classes are taught in English. Students who attend a high school in which English is the primary language of instruction can submit a transcript or a letter from a school administrator confirming the language of instruction. 

Alternatively, students can submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 79 or higher on the Internet-based course, an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 or higher, a PTE (Pearson Test of English) score of 53 or higher, or a DET (Duolingo English Test) score of 100 or higher. Visit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET for more information.

The Parsons Academy Certificate is a noncredit program for students in grades 9 through 12 who plan to apply to art and design colleges. Our curriculum and culture help students create a college admission portfolio that reflects and strengthens their ideas, skills, and understanding of technique.