How to Apply
Applications for 2024-25 are now open!
The Bert C. Bach Fine & Performing Arts Scholars program offers 20 scholarships each year for fall matriculation. The application deadline is March 1st for the following Fall semester, and is currently only open to applicants already accepted to ETSU who will be incoming first time first years (freshmen).
Qualification to Apply
To be considered for admission, all applicants must provide evidence of:
- ACT of 22 or higher composite (without the writing score) or comparable SAT score
- High School GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 unweighted scale
- Excellent artistic portfolio
- Writing skill and academic references.
Application Process
Applying to the Bert C. Bach Fine & Performing Arts Scholars (BCBFPA) program is now an entirely online process. Here’s how to apply:
1. You must have completed the general application for admission to ETSU and have been accepted to the university. Information about applying to ETSU and the application itself can be found with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are accepted, you will receive an ETSU student identication number (called an E#) and an ETSU email address, which you need to apply to the BCBFPA program.
2. Review the minimum requirements for admission to the Bert C. Bach Fine & Performing Arts Scholars Program to make sure you are eligible.
3. Download the Bert C. Bach Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program Scholarship Application Form and complete the initial Scholarship Application Form, which includes a request for contact information, test scores, intended arts area of study, reference contact information and other information. Email the completed form to arts.scholars@etsu.edu.
4. Gather and prepare your Scholarship Application Material – your Resume, Evidence of Artistry, Narrative Statement and Contact Information for two References – for submission via an online application for and an ETSU Dropbox. Information about what to include as evidence of your artistry can be found by clicking on the programs on the left or here.
5. After the application form is received and processed, you will receive an email from arts.scholars@etsu.edu providing a link to upload your Scholarship Application Material to an ETSU Dropbox folder. Your Scholarship Application Material includes your portfolio or other related arts information and material. Information about the different material required for your area of artistry can be found in the Guidelines for Evidence of Artistry section below. If you have not received a link to upload your Scholarship Application Material within a week of submitting the Application Form please contact us.
6. Your References will be contacted directly via email by the BCBFPA program It’s a good idea to tell your references in advance that they will receive an email from arts.scholars@etsu.edu so they can prepare a reference letter in advance of our request. Your references should speak to your interest, talent, and potential for growth in the arts as well as any other relevant information.
7. Receive an email from arts.scholars@etsu.edu for confirmation that everything was received.
If you have questions about how to complete your Scholarship Application Form or prepare your Scholarship Application Material then email arts.scholars@etsu.edu.
REMEMBER: the application deadline for the Fall, 2025 semester is March 1st, 2025.
Some Tips Before Applying
Remember, review the application for before applying!
When preparing your application, remember that we're trying to get a feel for how you approach the work that you do, what moves you to do it, what or who inspires you, your history with this type of work, and what is most satisfying about the work for you.
Get letters of recommendation from people who have taught you how to make art! We’re looking for letters from adults that know you and know your art.
Make sure your resume is focused on your art, though community service, leadership activities, internships and other related experiences can definitely be included.
Follow the guidelines listed below for submitting your portfolio or other evidence of your artistic work. Definitely ask your arts teachers for help when doing this, and feel free to contact the Honors College for more details.
Upload your completed application and all materials to the provided Dropbox folder NO LATER THAN MARCH 1st for students resident in the United States and to receive priority consideration for international students.