What are some good visual art summer programs? Looking for programs that are at least somewhat selective/challenging and most prestigious to visual arts world.
Look for programs at top art schools, like RISD, SCAD, Ringling, etc. Many of these are focused in portfolio prep.
You can find more at mysummeradvisor.com, look under academic programs.
I second SCAD.
How about MICA, SVA, UPENN?
Thanks! I live in Atlanta, and I’m definitely going to do a SCAD summer seminar in Savannah. Does anybody know how hard it is to get a scholarship to the program?
cooper union summer intensive, but difficult to get in as you must go through a portfolio review. Also, doesn’t help you get accepted to the school at all, in fact I think they hold it against you.
Ringling’s PreCollege lets you try out classes from different majors, and each are taught by regular professors of the college. 
My daughter who is six years from receiving her MFA in Painting & Drawing did an AP summer art intensive at Skidmore.