Talent Scholarship FAQ

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. 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 academic merit award.

How will my Talent Scholarship be used?

Your Talent Scholarship will be applied to your financial aid package as a discount to 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, and many Talent Scholarship awardees will opt to at least minor in their Talent areas. 

Can I apply and accept Talent Scholarships from multiple departments? 

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.R

Are Talent Scholarships available for Photography?

Yes! You may apply for an Art Talent Scholarship. 

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 admissionscholarships@whittier.edu to discuss your specific case. 

I’m interested in this scholarship, but I haven’t applied to Whittier College. What should I do? 

You must be a Whittier College applicant to be eligible to apply for a Talent Scholarship. Visit the First-Year or Transfer Student admission pages for more details about how to apply.

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 using a computer instead. If you are using a computer, try a different browser. If all else fails, email admissionscholarships@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 complete and submit the online Talent Scholarship Instructor Recommendation.

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

Email us at admissionscholarships@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 admissionscholarships@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 admissionscholarships@whittier.edu.