What amounts are talent scholarships valued at, and are they renewable from year to year? 

Talent Scholarships can range from $1,000 to $12,000 per year for entering first-year students, or from $1,000 to $6,000 per year for entering transfer students. Most awards will range up to $6,000 per year. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years of continuous study. There is no separate application process to renew this scholarship from year to year—as long as you meet the required Talent involvement as stipulated in your application and award letter, it will renew automatically. 

Can I receive and accept both a merit scholarship and a talent scholarship? 

Absolutely! Your Talent Scholarship will be awarded in addition to your pre-existing merit award. However, the size of a merit scholarship could possibly affect the maximum size of your talent scholarship.

How and when will I receive my award decision?

Award decisions are emailed to the same address you submit on your Talent Scholarship application. Award emails include information about required involvement to maintain your scholarship from year to year, so save it for future reference. Award decisions typically take about 3-4 weeks to be released after the audition and portfolio review date. 

How will my Talent Scholarship be used?

Your Talent Scholarship will be added to your financial aid package to discount your cost of tuition. 

Do I have to major or minor in art, music, or theatre to receive a scholarship? 

No. Intended major is not considered in Talent Scholarship decisions and recipients may choose any major or minor. However, recipients must fulfill minimum participation requirements determined by the respective departments in order to retain their Talent Scholarships. 

Can I apply and accept Talent Scholarships from multiple departments? 

Yes, you can apply for Talent Scholarships from multiple departments. However, if offered multiple awards, you can only accept an award from one department and must decline all other offers. To apply for multiple different talent scholarships, simply submit the form once for each Talent area that you are interested in.

I cannot make the live audition date for Music or Theatre; can I schedule an audition on an alternate date?

No. Live auditions are judged by all Talent Department faculty members. Due to conflicting schedules, the Music and Theatre Departments cannot accommodate auditions on alternate dates. If you cannot make the live audition date for any reason, you must submit a YouTube video audition. 

Are Talent Scholarships available for Photography?

Yes! See Art Talent Scholarships. 

Athletics, Creative Writing, Dance, Film, or Circus Skills (e.g. Acrobatics, Trapeze Acts, and other stunt-oriented skills)?

Unfortunately, no.

Any other areas?

Contact us at talent@whittier.edu to discuss your specific case. 

I’m interested, but I haven’t received an admission decision yet from Whittier College. What should I do? 

You must be admitted to Whittier College prior to applying for a Talent Scholarship. First, check your App Status to see what items, if any, are still needed to complete your application. Then, please contact us right away at talent@whittier.edu to learn if anything can be done to expedite your admission decision. Failure to do so in a timely manner may jeopardize your eligibility. 

I am having technical difficulties submitting my application; what should I do?

Use another device or browser. If you are using a mobile device or tablet, try your computer instead. If you are using your computer, try a different browser. If all else fails, email talent@whittier.edu for assistance. 

For my instructor recommendation, can I use a pre-existing letter, such as from my Whittier College Common Application?

No. The instructor recommendation form asks specific questions about your talent abilities and potential, so we cannot accept generic letters of recommendation. Your instructor must use the online form that we will email them after you submit your Talent Scholarship application. 

I have already successfully submitted my application, but I need to change something. How do I do so?

Email us at talent@whittier.edu for assistance. 

I missed the Talent Scholarship application deadline. What should I do? 

Talent departments may be willing to review late applications from incoming students on a case-by-case basis. Please email us at talent@whittier.edu as soon as possible to initiate the process. In your email, please explain why you missed the Talent Scholarship deadline. 

Can I apply for a Talent Scholarship as a current or returning Whittier College student? 

No. Talent Scholarships are only available to incoming first-year students and transfer students. Please speak to your department head about scholarship opportunities available to current students.  

If I have questions, whom should I contact?

Please direct all questions and concerns directly to talent@whittier.edu.