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    Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D Printing
    In-person Program

    Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D Printing

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Brown's introductory CAD course connects engineering design challenges with digital modeling and 3D printing demonstrations, helping students understand how ideas become prototypes.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completing grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $5,786; $4,482

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    DesignEngineeringTechnology
    Language: English
    Accommodation: University residence halls or commuter option
    Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital CeCertificate; Course Performance Report
    Sessions / cadence: M-F 3:30-6:20 p.m.; 2-3 hours homework daily
    Campus experience: Workshops, activities and fitness facilities
    Instructor: Paul Waltz

    Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing summary

    Brown's introductory CAD course uses engineering design challenges to teach digital modeling. Students build prototypes with CAD software and observe 3D printing demonstrations.

    The strongest fit is a student who wants to test an interest in engineering through practical design work. Its value comes from learning the modeling process and reflecting on that experience.

    What is Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D Printing?

    Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D Printing is a Brown University Pre-College course focused on engineering design and digital prototyping. Students learn how CAD systems represent objects mathematically and turn two-dimensional sketches into three-dimensional models.

    The on-campus course combines engineering design challenges with demonstrations of 3D printing. Students use CAD software to develop digital prototypes while exploring how rapid prototyping connects a design concept to a physical model.

    Why Succeed highlights Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing

    • Engineering design challenges give CAD practice a clear purpose beyond learning software commands.

    • The connection between digital models and printing demonstrations makes the prototyping process easier to understand.

    • File-format translation introduces a practical issue students encounter when moving designs between systems.

    • An instructor's Course Performance Report adds individual evaluation to the learning experience.

    Who is Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing for?

    Best for

    Students curious about engineering and product design who want structured practice turning ideas into digital models.

    Not ideal if

    You already need advanced CAD instruction, want college credit or prefer a summer experience with little independent academic work.

    Is Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing worth it?

    This course can be worthwhile if you want a focused introduction to CAD within a university learning environment. Design challenges, digital prototypes and instructor evaluation give you concrete experiences to reflect on when deciding whether engineering interests you.

    The financial commitment is substantial for an introductory, non-credit course. Brown states that Pre-College is not an undergraduate admissions prospecting program, so judge the experience by its teaching and personal value rather than an expected admissions advantage.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $5,786; $4,482; includes CAD instruction and engineering design challenges., 3D printing demonstrations., Residential option: housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report..

    Accommodation

    University residence halls or commuter option

    Meals

    Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing need?

    Effort level

    High during the course.

    Best started

    For the next cycle, begin 6-8 weeks before its announced application deadline to organize the essay, grades and any English testing.

    Main challenge

    Translating a design idea into a precise three-dimensional model while managing independent work.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft the 250-500-word application essay in your own words.

    • Gather current and previous academic-year grades, including an explanation of any different grading scale.

    • Arrange English proficiency testing if required and discuss travel and daily independence with your family.

    • Pack closed-toe shoes and long pants for laboratory or project work.

    Useful if

    You want to test whether engineering design holds your interest beyond the classroom.

    What do students do on Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing?

    You use CAD software to respond to engineering design challenges and develop digital prototypes. Printing demonstrations show how the resulting models can be translated into physical forms.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn the basic concepts and graphical representations used in CAD.

    2. 2

      Create two-dimensional sketches and develop them into three-dimensional forms.

    3. 3

      Shape and assemble models to represent more complex mechanical systems.

    4. 4

      Translate file formats between different systems.

    5. 5

      Observe demonstrations of 3D printing and relate them to digital prototyping.

    Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    Brown Pre-College's general application deadline.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    29 June-10 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College's shared application cycle.

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Final decisions for the verified application cycle.

    Reference date

    Check-in and orientation

    28 June 2026

    Sunday check-in, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastern Time, at Sayles Hall.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Complete grades 9-12.

    • Be ages 14-18 by 14 June 2026 for the reference cycle.

    • No course prerequisites are required.

    • Have strong English language proficiency.

    • Provide required English test results if applicable.

    • Receive Brown Pre-College admission and separately enroll in the course.

    How much does Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing cost?

    Residential program fee

    $5,786 — One two-week course with housing and meals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $4,482 — One two-week course with one meal daily.
    • Application fee: $80 — A fee waiver may apply to eligible applicants.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required after admission; generally non-refundable.
    • Scholarships: Sibley and PPSD — Separate applications and eligibility requirements apply.
    • Conditional insurance fee: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without adequate coverage.

    What's included

    CAD instruction and engineering design challenges., 3D printing demonstrations., Residential option: housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report.

    How to apply to Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account through Brown's Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the Brown Pre-College application form and 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades and any required English proficiency results.

    4. 4

      Pay the $80 application fee or obtain an approved waiver, and submit any declared recommendation.

    5. 5

      Monitor your portal and email for missing-material requests and the admission decision.

    6. 6

      After admission, review your course choices before submitting the $500 deposit.

    7. 7

      Complete separate course enrollment and the required student and parent forms.

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    What does Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    CAD foundations

    Understand how CAD systems represent engineering designs mathematically in digital space.

    Three-dimensional modeling

    Develop sketches into three-dimensional forms and shape them by adding or removing simulated material.

    Engineering prototypes

    Use CAD software to develop digital prototypes in response to engineering design challenges.

    File translation and printing

    Explore file-format translation and demonstrations of how 3D printers produce physical models.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing?

    A typical day during the program.

    Course instruction

    Classes meet 3:30-6:20 p.m. Eastern Time for CAD and engineering design work.

    Independent work

    Expect 2-3 hours of homework, with responsibility for organizing your own study time.

    Campus activities

    Optional workshops, activities and events fit around academic commitments.

    Residential check in

    Check in face to face at 10 p.m. and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing?

    Paul Waltz is the listed instructor for this course section. Summer@Brown instructors offer office hours for discussing course content and assignments, and this two-week course includes an instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    Where do students stay on Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall rooms: Single, double or triple rooms have college furniture, wireless internet and cooling.
    • Three meals daily: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
    • Residential support: Trained staff and Resident Assistants provide support, with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
    • Activities and facilities: Students can join program activities and use fitness, athletic and aquatics facilities.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day-student option: Commuters attend in person and use campus resources without a residence hall room assignment.
    • Commuter dining: One dining hall meal is included each day, and additional meals can be purchased.
    • Commuter campus access: Commuters can use libraries, campus study spaces, activities and RIPTA transportation with their Brown ID.

    Residential students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required classes and curfew; families should agree on a communication plan before arrival.

    What happens after Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build a foundation for future CAD modeling.

    Develop digital prototypes through engineering design challenges.

    Earn a digital CeCertificate after successful completion.

    Receive an instructor's Course Performance Report.

    Use the experience to reflect on an interest in engineering.

    This is a non-credit course, and participation does not provide a Brown undergraduate admissions pathway.

    Where does Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and commuter students receive RIPTA transit access through their Brown ID.

    Families are responsible for coordinating travel to and from campus.

    Introduction to Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing FAQs

    No. The course has no prerequisites and introduces the basic concepts of CAD.

    You will learn basic CAD concepts, create three-dimensional models, translate file formats between systems and understand how 3D printers print CAD models.

    Yes. Students develop digital prototypes with CAD software, and the course includes demonstrations of three-dimensional printing.

    No. Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not provide formal grades or a university transcript.

    Successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion. Students completing this two-week course also receive an instructor's Course Performance Report.

    Yes. The commuter option includes in-person classes, campus resources and activities, one on-campus meal each day and access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers.

    No. Admission to Brown Pre-College and enrollment in a particular course are separate steps. Brown recommends reviewing course choices before paying the non-refundable deposit.

    Residential students have trained staff support and required nightly check-ins. Outside class and curfew, students may explore Rhode Island independently, so families should discuss communication and independence before arrival.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Laboratory/Project Attire
    • 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
    • Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D Printing - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Instructional schedule reviewed

    • Application deadline cross-checked

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Completion credentials checked

    • Student safety policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.