Application deadline
1 February 2027
Complete the EDG:E application and required materials.
In-person Program
EDG:E
by Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs
EDG:E explores game development through programming, art, audio, and interactive storytelling, pairing introductory workshops with a collaborative game jam.
Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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EDG E at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Local sophomores/juniors; U.S. citizens/residents or DACA
Age range / Year group
Ages 16-18
Location / Region
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Cost
Free
Duration
6 weeks
Format
In-person
ArtComputer ScienceDesignTechnology
Accommodation: Commuter only
Study structure: 3-week introduction; 3-week team game jam
Equipment: Hardware and software provided
College credit: Non-credit
Transport: Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
EDG E summary
EDG:E introduces the creative and technical work behind games, combining programming, art, audio, and interactive storytelling.
Introductory lectures and workshops lead into a collaborative game jam, giving students a way to explore how different roles contribute to an interactive experience.
It suits students who want to understand game development beyond coding and enjoy making things with a team.
What is EDG:E?
EDG:E is Carnegie Mellon University's pre-college exploration of game design and development through its Entertainment Technology Center. It introduces the technical and artistic disciplines behind games, including software development, 2D and 3D art, music composition, audio engineering, and interactive narrative.
Students begin with lectures and workshops before moving into a team-based game-jam experience. The emphasis is on understanding how disciplines work together, with opportunities to consider future academic and professional pathways.
Why Succeed highlights EDG E
The multidisciplinary approach helps students explore artistic, technical, and production roles within game development.
The progression from introductory workshops to team game development connects learning with collaborative practice.
The ETC supplies necessary hardware and software, supporting participation without a personal equipment requirement.
Holistic selection considers financial need and students historically excluded from the gaming industry.
Who is EDG E for?
Best for
Students curious about the interplay of programming, visual art, audio, and storytelling who want a collaborative introduction to game development.
Not ideal if
You want a coding-only course, a residential experience, or undergraduate credit.
Is EDG E worth it?
EDG:E is a strong option for an eligible student who wants to test an interest in making games across several disciplines. Moving from workshops into a team game jam offers a practical way to discover which parts of development feel most engaging.
The main trade-off is breadth rather than a single specialist focus, alongside the commitment of commuting for the full session. Treat it as subject exploration and collaborative practice: it is non-credit and does not influence Carnegie Mellon undergraduate admission.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
Free; includes Game-development lectures and workshops, Three-week team-based game-jam experience, All necessary hardware and software, CMU ID card with Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, Local museum access through the CMU ID card.
Accommodation
Commuter only
Provider details
Review the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
6 weeks; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 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.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does EDG E need?
Effort level
Substantial application preparation and sustained team participation.
Best started
Six to eight weeks before the application deadline.
Main challenge
Coordinating recommendations while explaining your interest in game development.
Typical preparation
Confirm that your family's permanent residence meets the commuter rules.
Ask your counselor or community advisor and a STEM teacher for recommendations early.
Draft both 300-500-word responses with specific examples from your favorite game.
Gather your transcript and financial documentation, then plan a reliable commute for the session.
Useful if
You want to explore both creative and technical game-development roles.
What do students do on EDG E?
You explore the disciplines behind game development through lectures and workshops, then work with a team in a game-jam format. The experience connects programming, art, and audio with the wider process of designing interactive experiences.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Begin with three weeks of introductory game-development instruction.
- 2
Explore programming, art, audio, and other contributing disciplines.
- 3
Move into three weeks of team-based game development.
- 4
Consider future pathways such as pre-apprenticeships, game-design competitions, and professional prototype playtesting.
EDG E dates and deadlines
Upcoming
Programme dates
27 June-6 August 2027
Decision notification
15 April 2027
Admission decisions are scheduled for release.
Enrollment paperwork
5 May 2027
Enrollment forms, ID photo, and health/immunization forms are due.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 1 February 2027 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
Programme dates | 27 June-6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Decision notification | 15 April 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Enrollment paperwork | 5 May 2027 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Current high school sophomore or junior when applying.
At least 16 years old by the program start.
U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or registered with DACA.
Commuter student with qualifying parent or legal guardian permanent residence.
Residence within approximately 30 miles of campus or Allegheny County.
Temporary relocation does not meet commuter requirements.
Financial-need documentation required with the application.
How much does EDG E cost?
Program fee
Free — No participant cost.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $0 — Waived for EDG:E applicants.
- Enrollment deposit: $0 — Admitted students submit an enrollment reply form.
What's included
Game-development lectures and workshops, Three-week team-based game-jam experience, All necessary hardware and software, CMU ID card with Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, Local museum access through the CMU ID card
How to apply to EDG E
- 1
Complete the online application for EDG:E.
- 2
Upload your unofficial high school transcript and any optional standardized test scores.
- 3
Arrange one counselor or community-advisor recommendation and one STEM-teacher recommendation.
- 4
Write a 300-500-word response to each of the two application essay prompts.
- 5
Provide tax documents or a completed NACAC fee waiver hand-signed by your high school guidance department.
- 6
Submit the complete application by the application deadline.
- 7
If admitted, submit the enrollment reply form within seven days and complete the required enrollment and health paperwork.
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What does EDG E cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Programming and software development
Explore programming as one component of multidisciplinary game development.
2D and 3D art
Explore visual art disciplines that contribute to games and interactive experiences.
Music and audio
Receive an introduction to music composition and audio engineering in game development.
Game design and interactive narrative
Explore the design and storytelling elements involved in making interactive experiences.
Production and team game development
Explore production and management before contributing to a team-based game jam.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on EDG E?
A typical day during the program.
Introductory instruction
Lectures and workshops introduce game-development topics, including programming, art, and audio.
Collaborative development
Students participate in a team-based game-jam experience.
Who teaches on EDG E?
EDG:E is delivered through Carnegie Mellon's Entertainment Technology Center, combining lectures and college-level workshops across game-development disciplines.
Where do students stay on EDG E?
Non-residential plan
- Commuter participation: EDG:E is available only to students who meet its permanent local-residency requirements.
- Travel and museums: The CMU ID card provides a PRT bus pass for campus travel and access to local museums.
- Pre-college activities: Participation in activities and events outside instructional time is limited and may be available.
What happens after EDG E?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Develop experience contributing to team-based game design.
Explore possible pre-apprenticeship pathways.
Consider future participation in game-design competitions.
Explore professional prototype playtesting as a future pathway.
Future pathways are exploratory opportunities, not guaranteed placements.
Where does EDG E take place?
Instruction takes place at Carnegie Mellon's Entertainment Technology Center campus in Pittsburgh. Students receive a Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass through their CMU ID card for travel to and from the campus.
EDG E FAQs
EDG:E explores game development through programming, art, audio, and interactive narrative. Its broader introduction also includes production and management.
No. Instruction emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of game development, including technical, artistic, and collaborative work.
No. A parent or legal guardian must permanently reside within approximately 30 miles of campus or within Allegheny County. Temporary relocation does not meet commuter eligibility.
The Entertainment Technology Center provides all necessary hardware and software for the program.
Applicants submit an online application, unofficial transcript, one counselor recommendation, one STEM-teacher recommendation, two essay responses, and financial-need documentation. Standardized test scores are optional.
Financial need is one factor in EDG:E's holistic application review. Applicants must provide tax documents or a completed NACAC application fee waiver hand-signed by their high school guidance department.
Carnegie Mellon states that admission to its pre-college programs has no influence on a student's undergraduate application to the university.
The first three weeks introduce game-development topics such as programming, art, and audio. The last three weeks use a team-based game-jam format.
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent 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.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- K12 Initiatives | Entertainment Technology Center
- EDGE 2026 - 2027
- Admitted Students - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Admission - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Cost and Scholarships - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Arrival - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Academic Programs - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)
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Application deadline checked
Commuter eligibility reviewed
Program fee confirmed
Application materials reviewed
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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.
EDG:E
by Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs
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