Scholarship Application Tips

Scholarship applications have opened and we are now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. Incoming students (new or transfer) are eligible to apply for these renewable, merit-based awards. Read below for tips and tricks for preparing your best application!

How do I apply?
Apply online via Acceptd, a website that many arts programs and schools use for admissions and competitions. You must also officially apply to PLU (if you haven’t already) but you do not need to have received your acceptance letter in order to apply for Artistic Achievement Awards.

What’s the application deadline?
Submit all your materials no later than 5pm Pacific on Thursday, February 16, 2023.

I’d like to be considered for an Artistic Achievement Award in more than one area. Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, you may apply for more than one Artistic Achievement Award, which are offered in Dance, Music, and Theatre in addition to Studio Art & Design or Media. However, your applications will need to be entirely separate and you will need to prepare all of the necessary application materials for all areas. On the other hand, if you have multiple interests among our Studio Art & Design programs (Art History, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Photography, Printmaking, or Publishing and Printing Arts) you will only need to submit one scholarship application—just be sure to address your interests in each of the three parts of your application.

What are the questions that I need to answer on the application?
We ask basic questions about you and how to contact you. We also ask for an artist’s resume, letter of intent, and a digital portfolio.

What should my artist’s resume focus on?
An artist’s resume could be accomplished in several different ways, depending on your preference. It could be the same as a resume you would use to apply for a job but lists art classes, volunteer work, or anything else in the arts you’d want us to know about. If you’ve taken many kinds of art classes, or want to include other related disciplines (like writing, theatre, dance, etc.) you can send us a resume that is more focused on what you’ve learned, who your teachers were, and where you’ve taken classes. Don’t stress about the resume too much, as we’re mostly interested in learning about what you’ve done outside of regular schoolwork. At PLU we understand you may be at the beginning of your artistic journey, so your artist’s resume is meant for you to list what experiences and skills you feel you currently possess. It is fine if your resume reflects an artist at the beginning of these experiences. Your letter and portfolio will be more important.

What should I cover in my letter of intent?
For your letter of intent, here are some ideas for topics you can cover: why you’re interested in attending PLU, why you love your art form(s)/medium, how you came to practice your medium, what drives you to make art, how you believe attending PLU will further your skills and/or career, and your artistic vision or motivation. We’re looking to get to know you, so anything that is thoughtful and true to you will be appreciated by faculty adjudicators.

What do I include in my Artistic Achievement Award application portfolio?
Include images of your work that best represent your artistic practice, ideally 10-20 images. Portfolios may be submitted via link if they are hosted online or they may be uploaded as a PDF. The portfolio will be the most important part of your application. Your materials should include your absolute best work, work that you are proud of. Additionally, we will look closely at how your art is presented, so do your best to create a clear, well-organized, professional-looking portfolio.

When will adjudications happen?
Faculty begin reviewing online application materials in mid February. We encourage those who are able to come to campus on February 25, 2023 for an in-person portfolio presentation and interview.

When will I know if I’m receiving an Award?
Letters with Award notifications will be mailed as quickly as staff are able once decisions are made and paperwork is processed.

How do I keep my Award?
After entering PLU as a first-year or transfer student, you will need to declare yourself as an Art & Design or Communication major by the end of your first year at PLU. If your major is dropped during your time at PLU, the Award will be revoked. Once you receive an Award, you will never have to pass a jury to continue receiving it.

Students who receive Media and Video Production Awards are expected to work with PLU Student Media outlets beginning in their first year at PLU.