Arts Merit Scholarships

($2,500 up to $20,000)

Bucknell's Arts Merit Scholarships are awarded to selected first-year students who plan to pursue studies in art & design, art history, creative writing, dance, film/media studies, literary studies, music (major or non-major) or theatre (performance or design & technology). Financial need is not a requirement. Recipients will receive notifications along with their admissions decisions.

The Award

Arts Merit Scholarships range from $2,500 to $20,000 annually.
This scholarship is renewable annually if the participation expectations outlined below are met.
Merit scholarship awards do not increase in subsequent years.
You may apply for consideration in more than one area, but recipients will not be awarded more than $20,000 total.

How to Apply

For all applicants

Complete your Common Application or Coalition Application (powered by Scoir) by Nov. 1 for Early Decision I or Jan. 10 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision.
Complete the Arts Merit Scholarship application, it is required for:
- Art & Design
- Dance
- Film/Media Studies
- Theatre
Submit all portfolio materials through your admissions application portal under the “Arts Merit Portfolio” section by your application round deadline.
Please note: you will only be able to submit portfolio materials after you have submitted your application to Bucknell. Simply click on “Edit Portfolio” and upload your relevant media. Further instructions will be included in your Arts Merit Scholarship Application confirmation email.
You can learn more about checking your application status by following the instructions here.
The faculty liaison will reach out directly to finalists to schedule an interview or audition, if required for their respective area. The interview and audition requirements for each department are outlined under Arts Merit Scholarship Application Requirements.
An invitation to audition or interview for the Arts Merit Scholarship is independent of your candidacy and application to Bucknell.

Faculty Liaisons

Arts Merit Scholarship Application Requirements

Application
- Portfolio of 10 JPEG images of artwork.
- Document with information about each image: title, year created, dimensions and media.
- 200- to 300-word statement about why you want to major in art & design at Bucknell.
Selection Process
- In Art & Design, faculty liaisons will award Arts Merit scholarships based on the submitted portfolio, the document listing information about each image, and the applicant’s 200 to 300 word statement explaining why they want to major in Art & Design at Bucknell. An interview or campus visit is not required or expected, and will not factor into the review.
- An in-person opportunity to meet faculty and students and tour our facilities can be arranged. If a candidate wishes to arrange a campus or learn about the program virtually, they should contact the faculty liaison.
Application
- Arts Merit Scholarships in Art History are awarded to prospective students with outstanding academic profiles with a commitment to Art History.
- Art History applicants are automatically considered for the Arts Merit Scholarship.
- There is no application or interview required.
On-campus event
- An in-person opportunity to meet faculty and students and tour our facilities can be arranged. If a candidate wishes to arrange a campus or learn about the program virtually, they should contact the faculty liaison.
Other requirements
- Recipients must major or minor in Art History.
Application
- Arts Merit Scholarships in Creative Writing are awarded to prospective students with outstanding academic profiles with a commitment to English-Creative Writing.
- Applicants who select Creative Writing as a prospective major or primary area of interest are automatically considered for the Arts Merit Scholarship.
- There is no application required.
- Interviews for the Arts Merit Scholarships are arranged by the Creative Writing faculty liaison, Professor Elinam Agbo.
Interview Process
- The Creative Writing faculty liaison will contact finalists to schedule an interview: both in-person and virtual opportunities are available.
- In addition, in-person opportunities to meet faculty and students, tour our facilities, attend prospective student open houses, and shadow current Creative Writing classes can be arranged throughout the academic year (September–April.) Interested students may contact either the Creative Writing faculty liaison or Admissions. You can register for a campus visit through the Office of Admissions by clicking here.
Other requirements
- Recipients must major or minor in creative writing.
- Recipients are expected to participate in community projects and campus literary events.
Application
- 500 word statement explaining why you are interested in studying film/media and what skills or interests you would offer Bucknell's film community.
- Submit one of the following:
  - Sample film or televisual analysis that demonstrates critical thinking skills (1,500 to 2,000 words, double-spaced, 12pt font). No film reviews, please.
  - Sample screenplay (in proper screenplay format).
  - Video excerpt of creative film/audiovisual production work. No more than five minutes, please. For longer films, it is best to share the first five minutes of the work. In the case of shorter films, combining a 3 minute film with the first 2 minutes of another film is permitted. However, please note that this should not be a highlight reel. You may submit a video file or link to YouTube, Vimeo or other video-sharing sites. This can be work produced for a class, in a summer workshop, independently or for the purpose of this application.
Interview Process
- Early Decision and Regular Decision candidates must participate in a virtual interview with Film/Media Studies faculty. The faculty liaison will reach out to selected finalists to schedule an interview.
- All interviews will be conducted virtually.
On-campus visit (optional)
- An in-person opportunity to meet faculty and students, tour our facilities, attend prospective student open houses, and shadow current Film/Media Studies classes can be arranged throughout the academic year (September–April.) Interested students may contact either the Film/Media Studies faculty liaison or Admissions. You can register for a campus visit through the Office of Admissions by clicking here.
Other requirements
- Recipients must major or minor in Film/Media Studies.
Application
- Arts Merit Scholarships in Literary Studies are awarded to prospective students with outstanding academic profiles with a commitment to English—Literary Studies.
- Applicants who select Literary Studies as a prospective major or primary area of interest are automatically considered for the Arts Merit Scholarship.
- There is no application required.
- Interviews for the Arts Merit Scholarships are arranged by the Literary Studies faculty liaison, Professor J. Chow.
Interview Process
- The Literary Studies faculty liaison will contact finalists to schedule an interview: both in-person and virtual opportunities are available.
- In addition, in-person opportunities to meet faculty and students, tour our facilities, attend prospective student open houses, and shadow current Literary Studies classes can be arranged throughout the academic year (September–April.) Interested students may contact either the Literary Studies faculty liaison or Admissions. You can register for a campus visit through the Office of Admissions by clicking here.
- Recipients must major in literary studies.
- Recipients must participate in community outreach projects and campus literary events.
- Recipients must participate in future Arts Merit activities.
Other requirements
- Recipients must major in Literary Studies.
- Recipients must participate in community outreach projects and campus literary events.
Application
- Video (preferably featuring solo performances in all dance styles studied or identify yourself in group pieces).
- Resumé that addresses training background and performing experiences.
- Essay (up to 250 words) on this prompt: A liberal arts dance curriculum emphasizes a broad-spectrum view of the discipline — history, theory, performance, and design and production. It also examines dance's relationship to other academic disciplines. Why are you interested in a liberal arts program in dance?
Audition process
- Auditions for the Arts Merit Scholarships are arranged by the Dance faculty liaison, Professor Dustyn Martincich.
- The Dance faculty liaison will contact finalists to schedule an on-campus audition. If candidates are unable to attend an on-campus audition, an online audition will be arranged.
- As part of the audition process, candidates will participate in ballet, modern and jazz workshop classes, and perform a two-minute solo in their genre of choice — preferably ballet (soft show, no pointe), modern, jazz or contemporary.
- Candidates are responsible for bringing accompanying music; formal costumes are not required.
Other requirements
- Recipients must minor in dance.
All prospective music majors who complete an audition will be automatically considered for Arts Merit Scholarships.
Application
- Complete the form on the Department of Music auditions webpage to sign up for an audition slot.
On-campus event
- Refer to the Department of Music auditions webpage for specific audition requirements.
- Music major candidates — including composition candidates — must attend an on-campus interview where they will have auditions and sample lessons with music faculty, meet current merit scholars, and tour music facilities. Requests for virtual interviews and auditions (such as long-distance travel) may be made by emailing music@bucknell.edu.
Other requirements
- Recipients must participate in assigned ensembles related to their instrument or voice area.
All prospective music non-majors who wish to participate in music department ensembles or chamber groups, or to provide musical accompaniment, are eligible for Arts Merit Scholarships.
Application
- Upload an audition video, including:
  - Instrumental audition: A video featuring a solo performance (no large ensemble work) less than 10 minutes in length.
  - Voice audition: A video featuring a solo performance — do not master the audio.
No on-campus event is required
Other requirements
- Recipients will contribute to and make progress in the Department of Music and take free private lessons in their primary performance area.
Application
- Resumé that highlights your experience in theatre (acting, directing, design and technology).
- One letter of recommendation from a theatre teacher, director, coach or mentor that discusses creative abilities, training and potential.
- Essay (up to 300 words) on this prompt: What are you bringing and what do you want to gain from working with the Bucknell Theatre community?
Audition process
- Auditions for the Arts Merit Scholarships are arranged by the Theatre faculty liaison, Mark (Hutch) Hutchinson.
- The Theatre faculty liaison will contact finalists to schedule an on-campus audition. If candidates are unable to attend an on-campus audition, an online audition will be arranged.
- Theatre performance candidates will present two contrasting monologues, each approximately one minute in length. (Optional: 16-bar song with your own recorded accompaniment.) Participation in movement, voice and improvisation workshops.
- Stage Management/Design and technology candidates present original artwork (drawings, paintings, technical drawings, stage management books) and production work (via slides or photographs), and interview with a faculty member.
Other requirements
- Theatre performance scholars and design and technology scholars must major or minor in Theatre.

Scholarship Recipient Participation Expectations

This scholarship is renewable annually if the participation expectations outlined below are met. Merit Scholarship awards do not increase in subsequent years.

The Department of Art & Art History has established the following criteria for the maintenance of the scholarship:
- Scholars must declare a major in Art & Design by the completion of their sophomore year.
- Scholars must take at least two courses in the department per year.
- Scholars must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in art & design and art history classes.
- Scholars must participate in departmental activities totaling no fewer than 10 hours per semester. For example, you might assist with special departmental events.
- Scholars must maintain a good attendance record and be active participants during class discussions.
- Scholars must exhibit an exemplary commitment to the discipline and complete course work at a consistently high level of quality, setting a good example for other art students.
- Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a pre-orientation program, held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
The Department of Art & Art History has established the following criteria for the maintenance of the scholarship:
- Scholars must declare a major or minor in art history by the completion of their sophomore year
- Scholars must take at least two courses per year in the department of Art & Art History.
- Scholars must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in art history classes.
- Scholars must participate in departmental activities totaling no fewer than 10 hours per semester. For example, you might assist with special departmental events.
- Scholars must maintain a good attendance record and be active participants during class discussions.
- Scholars must exhibit an exemplary commitment to the discipline and complete course work at a consistently high level of quality, setting a good example for other art students.
- Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a pre-orientation program, held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
The Department of English has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:
- Scholars must major or minor in creative writing.
- Scholars will act as "goodwill ambassadors" for creative writing on campus, including attending all Stadler Center receptions and readings.
- Scholars will get preferential pre-enrollment in English courses of their choice each term (beyond their first term).
- Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
The Department of Theatre & Dance has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:
Academic Requirements:
Upon receiving an Arts Merit Scholarship, you are expected to declare and work toward a dance minor. (See specific requirements in the Course Catalog). Even after fulfilling the requirements of the dance minor, you are expected to register for and participate in at least one technique class in the dance program each semester. There may be some exceptions made for theory classes in consultation with dance faculty.
Performance Requirements:
Upon receiving an Arts Merit Scholarship, you are expected to perform in and/ or contribute to the production of the dance program concerts (which could include helping backstage, running lights, choreographing, directing, etc.). There are four dance productions per year and it is expected that you will be involved as a performer and/ or production member for at least one performance per semester. There may be some exceptions made for theory classes in consultation with dance faculty.
Other Expectations:
Upon receiving an Arts Merit Scholarship, you will represent the dance program by participating in dance program activities (i.e. guest artist classes, attending campus performances, participating in community engagement/outreach, assisting with dance program concerts and other activities throughout the school year). You are expected to regularly participate in Sunday Master Classes, as well as be an active member of the Department of Theatre & Dance by attending or supporting department productions (including all theatre productions) as well as professional dance events brought through the Weis Center. You must participate in Arts Merit Weekend and one other admissions event throughout the year. Be around, get involved, share your creativity: help make our dance community a welcoming and engaged environment.
Meetings between dance advisors and scholarship students will take place every semester to help keep you on track with the minor and answer any questions you have. Furthermore, we encourage you to take initiative in speaking to the faculty regarding creative ideas & inspirations or any time you would like feedback about your work/ participation in the dance program.
Auditions for dance productions will be held each semester. In your first year, you should plan on auditioning for all dance productions (both concert and showcase performances) in the fall and in spring semesters. If you elect to participate in other opportunities on campus not affiliated with the dance program (i.e., Bison Girls, Bisonettes, Irish Step, a capella groups, Cheerleading, Greek Life, sports teams, etc.), you should await casting for these productions until making other dance commitments. Your priority must be to the dance program and its activities, as you are accepting this scholarship as part of an educational mission. If you have any questions regarding conflicts that might arise with dance program activities, please check with the dance faculty first.
The Program in Film/Media Studies has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:
- Scholars must major in film/media studies.
- Scholars must take ENFS 130 in their first year of study at Bucknell.
- Scholars will get preferential pre-enrollment in film/media studies courses each term.
- Scholars must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 within the major and 2.5 overall.
- Scholars will act as "goodwill ambassadors" for film studies on campus (i.e. participating in the Film Club, assisting with Admissions events, promoting and attending student film showcases each semester).
- Scholars are expected to attend at least 3 screenings in the Tuesday Film/Media Series each semester.
- In their junior and senior years, scholars will serve as mentors for incoming scholars.
- Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
The literary studies program has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:
- Scholars must major in literary studies; double-majoring is acceptable and encouraged.
- Scholars must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the major and 2.75 overall.
- Scholars will receive preferential pre-enrollment in literary studies courses of their choice each term. This pre-enrollment process will begin with a conversation with the faculty liaison who will then relay these preferences to the registrar.
- Scholars are expected to embody the best of the major and actively participate, lead by example, and model collegiality in the classes in which they are enrolled.
- Scholars must enroll in either ENLS 199 and/or ENLS 203 (gateway requirements for the major) during their first year.
- Scholars are strongly encouraged to take one English course (in any of the three programs) per semester.
- Scholars will act as "goodwill ambassadors" for literary studies events on campus, including recruitment of prospective Arts Merit Scholars.
- Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
The Department of Music has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:
- Complete a major in music and continue to make academic progress.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in music and an overall GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate consistent musical growth through a jury showcase or other assessment each semester as determined by the music department.
- Meet lesson and ensemble requirements as communicated by the music department.
- Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
- The Music Department will be in touch with further details about your commitment, which typically includes ensemble participation.
The Department of Music has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:
- Scholars are required to participate in Bucknell's music program — at a minimum in department-sponsored performing groups, workshops and private lessons.
- Scholars will have specific ensemble requirements which will be communicated by the department.
- Scholars are required to make academic progress, but are not required to major or minor in music.
- Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
- The Music Department will be in touch with further details about your commitment, which typically includes ensemble participation.
The Department of Theatre & Dance has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:
- Theatre performance scholars and design and technology scholars must major or minor in theatre.
- Scholars focusing on performance must audition for every main stage production and, if cast, must act in that production. If scholars are unable to perform in a production for personal reasons, they need to discuss this with the director before auditions. (This excludes those already cast and in rehearsal for conflicting Department of Theatre & Dance main stage productions. First Semester/First Year show counts towards this requirement.)
- Scholars must actively participate in department productions each semester that they are on campus. Active participation means working on at least one and no more than two theatre productions each semester. Accepted participation includes mainstage productions, first-year showcase, student-directed showcase, cocktail theatre, and design or technical work coordinated through the department. Student-directed cocktail theatre productions count as participation only during the first semester of the scholar's first year on campus.
- Scholars should take a foundation seminar offered by a theatre faculty member during their first semester of study. If the course the student is interested in is offered through the Arts Residential College, the student will register for that course by first joining the Arts Residential College and then selecting a course offered by that member of the theatre faculty. Scholars focusing on performance must also take Acting I in their first semester.
- Scholars are allowed only one non-departmental performance commitment per semester. Exceptions may be made in terms of credit-bearing music department choral ensembles with permission of a member of the theatre faculty on a case-by-case basis. This permission must be obtained before a commitment to the ensemble is made.
- Scholars must consult with their advisers in the Department of Theatre & Dance before auditioning and/or making choices on performing in all other performance groups and/or productions on campus. This includes Bucknell Opera Theatre, Camerata, Concert Chorale, a capella groups, dance groups, cheerleading, and other campus performances.
- Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August.