Presidential Scholarship

Only complete scholarship applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by the scholarship committee. Scholarship applicants must also have a completed Admissions file received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the same deadline.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• It is not necessary to have been accepted to Columbia to apply for this scholarship.
• If you are an intended Music major and are completing the Music Department Scholarship application, you do not need to complete the Presidential Scholarship application. You may indicate on the Music Department Scholarship application that you wish to be considered for the Presidential Scholarship.

Please follow all directions carefully. Students must submit the following materials to make a complete Presidential Scholarship application - there are four parts to the application:

Submit a brief personal statement in 200 words or less that will help the scholarship committee understand you and your creative work. We are most interested in your ideas, your processes, and your own insights into your work.

Submit a list that describes any additional materials or information that supports your application, such as standardized test scores; awards you have won; involvement in extracurricular activities, groups, or clubs; service to your community; accomplishments in classes outside of school in your intended area of study; etc.

One letter of recommendation is required. The letter must be completed by an instructor or guidance counselor who is best qualified to comment on your creative achievements. You may elect to use a letter that has been submitted with your Undergraduate Admissions application.

Note: Remember to contact your recommender directly before providing his/her information on the application. Be sure to give recommenders as much time as possible to write the letters. Requests made at the last minute are often difficult to fulfill by the deadline.

Submit documented samples of your best creative work demonstrating your strong talent, ability, or achievement. Please refer to Requirements for Creative Work Samples for specific requirements in your chosen area of study. The application will allow you to upload your work samples in the following formats:

• IMAGES: .jpg, .png, .gif - 10 MB per file maximum
• VIDEO: .mov, .wmv, .flv, .mp4 - 120 MB per file maximum
• AUDIO: .mp3 - 60 MB per file maximum
• WRITTEN DOCUMENTS: PDF only - 20 MB per file maximum; (Many text editors give you the ability to "Save as PDF" format, or you can do this through the "Print" window on a Mac. If you use a PC without PDF software there are free programs you can download, such as Bullzip)
• URL Link: type link to media on YouTube, Vimeo and Soundcloud

Advertising Art Direction 

Submit 10-15 images of creative work samples that may be advertising campaigns, collateral marketing, point-of-purchase advertising, out of home advertising, advertising, guerilla marketing  or related ancillary new media. Work samples should represent classroom assignments as well as independent projects. Work may include drawings, prints, photographs,graphic design, and/or website.  

American Sign Language - English Interpretation _{back to top}

1) Submit a 3-5 minute video of yourself presenting a spoken English summary of a well-known movie or book. Include a 1-2 sentence introduction of your summary that identifies the movie/book and the producer/author.

2) Also, submit a 3-5 minute video of yourself presenting a visual representation of a well-known fairy tale. This story may be presented using American Sign Language, visual-gestural communication, mime, etc., but should not rely on any auditory components with the exception of a possible English introduction of the title of the story. Applicants do not need to demonstrate fluency in ASL, but should demonstrate the ability to communicate their ideas using a visual-gestural medium.

Art & Design _{back to top}

Submit 10-15 images that may include drawings, prints, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fashion designs, graphic design, furniture, objects, and architectural designs.  Work samples should represent classroom assignments as well as independent projects. Whenever possible, work samples should demonstrate drawing from life rather than from photographs.

Art History _{back to top}

Submit 10-15 pages of nonfiction writing samples such as research papers or class papers. In addition students may submit up to 10 creative images.

Art and Materials Conservation _{back to top}

1) Submit a 500-word essay explaining why you want to study Art and Materials Conservation.

2) (Optional) Submit 10-15 images that may include drawings, prints, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fashion designs, graphic design, furniture, objects, and architectural designs.  Work samples should represent classroom assignments as well as independent projects. Whenever possible, work samples should demonstrate drawing from life rather than from photographs.

3) (Optional) Submit 10-15 pages of nonfiction writing samples such as research papers or class papers. Please note to save nonfiction writing samples as PDF, then uploaded to the "Add Media" section of the online application. Please include your name on the upper right-hand corner of the essay.

Arts Management _{back to top}

1) Address one of the following two writing options:

• a) Submit an essay of approximately 500 words describing why you would like to study Arts Management.


• b) Submit an essay of approximately 500 words answering the following questions:
  • What are your dreams of the future?
  • When you look back onyour life in thirty years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful?
  • What people, things, and accomplishments do you need?
  • How does studying Arts Management fit into your plans for the future?

Please note: Your essays must be saved as a PDF, then uploaded to the "Add Media" section of the online application.  Please include your name on the upper right-hand corner of the essay.

2) (Optional) Submit any additional work samples, such as business plans or examples of experiences within Arts Management.

Acoustics/Audio Arts & Acoustics _{back to top}

1) Based on the short description of the department below, outline in 250-400 words which aspect(s) you find most appealing and why. Express how you would fit with what our programs have to offer. 

"Audio arts and acoustics specialists are uniquely positioned to creatively explore the most versatile and visceral of senses (hearing) and the most ubiquitous and evocative of sensations (sound). From live and recorded sound design and engineering for music, theater, broadcast, or multimedia, to vibration and noise measurement and control, architectural acoustics, hearing studies, and design and management of audiovisual installations, our Department is dedicated to educating tomorrow's sound experts."

Please note: Your essay must be saved as a PDF, then uploaded to the "Add Media" section of the online application.  Please include your name on the upper right-hand corner of the essay.

2) Submit work samples highlighting your creativity and skills (audio/video recordings, pictures, papers, drawings, etc.) Work samples must include a written account (approx. 150 words) that briefly outlines the work documented, the nature of your involvement, and what you learned from it.

Creative Writing: Nonfiction _{back to top}

1) Submit a 2-3 page essay about your interest in studying nonfiction writing at Columbia College and the kinds of work you see yourself pursuing.

2) Submit 5-10 pages of creative nonfiction writing in the form of an autobiographical essay, a part of a longer memoir, or any series or sequence of work that you believe can be legitimately considered literary nonfiction.

Please note: Your essays must be saved as a PDF, then uploaded to the "Add Media" section of the online application.  Please include your name on the upper right-hand corner of the essays.

Creative Writing: Poetry _{back to top}

Submit 10 typed pages of poetry. A poem may be longer than one page; however, please do not put more than one poem on each page. Total submission should equal 10 pages.

Cultural Studies _{back to top}

Submit a critical essay of approximately 1,000 words analyzing a topic, text, practice, or object of contemporary culture. Your essay should demonstrate your ability to craft a reasoned analytical argument about a cultural object, text, or practice. It should not be a first person assessment but rather present your analytical skills.

Dance _{back to top}

1) Submit a video of a 2-5 minute solo dance piece that you choreographed. Your dance should demonstrate your artistry and inventiveness in this art form.

2) Submit any additional video samples that show range and variety in your dance interests and abilities. Note that total viewing time cannot exceed 10 minutes.

3) Submit a brief essay of approximately 100 words describing the conception and intent of your work in the visual examples submitted and how that relates to your future development as a Dance major at Columbia.

Early Childhood Education _{back to top}

1) Submit a 2-3 page essay that thoughtfully addresses the following: What are your professional goals? Why do you want to work with children? What do you have to offer the teaching profession?

2) Submit documented samples of your best creative work demonstrating your strong talent, ability, or potential for achievement in the Early Childhood Education Program. Work samples can include:

• Video demonstrating your acting, singing, and/or dancing (no more than 5 minutes)
• Up to 10 images of your drawings, paintings, photographs, etc
• Short stories, novellas, plays, poems, screenplays, film analyses, and/or any newspaper clips of work you have done for school, community, or personal publications (limit to 10 pages)

Fashion Design/Fashion Business _{back to top}

1) Submit an essay of approximately 500 words describing why you would like to study in Fashion Design or Fashion Business.

2) (Optional) Submit 10-15 images of creative work in Fashion Design.

3) (Optional) Submit any additional work samples, such as business plans or examples of experiences within Retail Management. 

Fiction Writing _{back to top}

Submit up to 20 pages of fiction writing, either plays or prose, such as a short story, scene, or chapter from a novel. Subject material may be either realistic or dream-like, or a combination of the two. Pages should be doubled spaced and in 12 point Courier font.

Film & Video _{back to top}

1) Submit a maximum of two of the following options (a, b, and/or c):

• a) Original short film(s) or video(s) - total running time not to exceed 15 minutes;
• b) Original written work, such as screenplays, film analyses, etc;
• c) Other creative works, such as still photography (max 5), paintings (max 5), short stories, plays, original work from other media, etc.

2) And, reflect briefly on the work you are submitting (approximately 200-300 words). We are most interested in your creative processes, your ideas, and your insights about your own work. Please Note: This essay is in addition to the Personal Statement section on the Presidential Scholarship application form.

Suggestions for essay: Share with us what you think works well in your work samples as well as acknowledge areas that need further development. If you are submitting work from a group project, be sure to explain exactly your role in the production and your insights into the processes that made the collaboration possible. Additionally, if you are submitting work that is derived from another source, please take the time to help us understand what unique or new perspective you are bringing to the project. And last, if you are submitting work other than film or video, be sure to explain why you have chosen your samples and how you think they demonstrate your potential as a Film & Video student.

Please note: Your essay must be saved as a PDF, then uploaded to the "Add Media" section of the online application.  Please include your name on the upper right-hand corner of the essay.

Fine Arts _{back to top}

Submit 10-15 images of creative work that incorporate a variety of media and subject that may include drawings, prints, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, and three dimensional objects.  Work samples should represent classroom assignments as well as independent projects. Whenever possible, work samples should demonstrate drawing from life rather than from photographs.

Game Design _{back to top}

1)  Reflect briefly on the work you are submitting (approximately 250 words). We are most interested in your creative process, your ideas, your insights about your own work and your current programming skills.

2) Submit one or two of the following bullets. Students may choose a bullet from more than one of the Game Design concentrations:

• Game Development:
  • Submit one written draft treatment of an original game idea in a format of your choice (i.e. storyboard, flow chart, etc)
  • Submit one original game in a format of your choice (i.e. 2D, 3D, mobile, desktop, etc); Please note: Scale of the game does not matter


• Game Sound:
  • Submit 15 to 20 recordings of sound effects with proper editing and processing applied. Each recording should be no longer than 10 seconds.
  • Any Modified Game (MOD) with original sound effects and/or music by the candidate. Should not be longer than 1 minute.


• Game Programming:
  • Submit up to 5 examples of written programs or parts of programs.


• Game Art:
  • Submit one 2D game character or organic object in 3-view
  • Submit one 3D textured mesh of one of the following:
    • Tree
    • Bi-ped Character
    • Frog
    • Car
    • Tank

Graphic Design _{back to top}

Submit 10-15 images of creative work that showcases your interest and skills in Graphic Design through typography, applied drawing, information design, packaging and publication design.  Work can be submitted as prints, drawings, digital, web, motion graphics, and experimental design. Work samples should represent classroom assignments as well as independent projects.

Illustration _{back to top}

Submit 10-15 images of your work in a variety of media and subject that may include drawings, prints, digital, web and motion graphics.  Work samples should represent classroom assignments as well as independent projects. Whenever possible, work samples should demonstrate drawing from life rather than from photographs.

Interactive Arts & Media _{back to top}

Submit one or two of the following three options:

• Online media and/or interactive online work may be shown via the web. Upload a screenshot, then specify URL, title, and add a brief description of the work and its relationship to Interactive Art and/or Media;
• Up to 10 original images;
• Original short video or film, not to exceed 10 minutes.

Interior Architecture _{back to top}

Submit 10-15 images of creative work that reflects your interest in spaces - specifically interiors. Images should show evidence of thought regarding human interactions, materials, graphics, furniture, lighting, installation art, exhibition design, music, etc. You may submit slides of projects that include perspective drawings of spaces and materials that you are interested in. If you do not yet have any projects to submit, please include photographs or sketches of things that you have seen in the world that are related to your interest in Interior Architecture.

Journalism _{back to top}

1) Submit copies of up to 10 newspaper clips or video (not to exceed 15 minutes) of the work you've done for school, community or personal publications, websites, TV newscasts, or other journalistic media. We are most interested in seeing the work you've done as a journalist. Images of newspaper clips and articles must be high quality and readable. 

Include a written assessment (200 to 300 words) of the work samples you submit, explaining the process you went through to produce the work samples, what you think you did well, and what you'd change if you could.

2) Address one of the following three writing options:

• A 300-word essay explaining how your skills, experience, and interests suit you for a career in journalism;
• A 300-word critique of a national newspaper, magazine, TV newscast or news channel, or news-based website, explaining in detail why it's a good example of the best practices of journalism;
• A 300-word essay about a journalist who has inspired you.

Marketing Communication _{back to top}

1) Identify what you consider to be the most effective or least effective ad/commercial presently running and explain your reasons for making your choice in an essay of approximately 750 words.

2) (Optional) Submit any additional work samples, such as marketing plans, public relations campaigns, or advertising samples.

Mobile Media Programming _{back to top}

Submit one or two of the following three options:

• Online media and/or interactive online work may be shown via the web. Upload a screenshot, then specify URL, title, and add a brief description of the work and its relationship to Mobile Media Programming;
• Up to 10 original images;
• Original short video or film, not to exceed 10 minutes.

Music _{back to top}

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are an intended Music major and are completing the Music Department Scholarship application, you do not need to complete the Presidential Scholarship application. You may indicate on the Music Department Scholarship application that you wish to be considered for the Presidential Scholarship.

Please follow the guidelines for the area which best fits your creative samples:

Composition

• Submit 5 samples of your compositions; provide sheet music/scores and recordings, if available.

Instrumental Performance

• Submit a video audition of two selections in contrasting styles (ex: classical/pop, jazz/musical theater, etc.). Selected pieces should not run longer than 5 minutes each.

Vocal Performance

• Submit a video audition of two songs in contrasting styles (ex: classical/pop, jazz/musical theater, etc.). Songs should not run longer than 5 minutes each.

Jazz Studies - Instrumental/Vocal

• Submit a video audition of two Jazz standards of comparable quality. Selected pieces should not run longer than 5 minutes each.

Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music (CUP)

• INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL: Submit a video performance of two songs of your choice from the list below.
• CUP SINGER/SONGWRITERS:Submit a video performance of one song of your choice from the list below. Additionally, submit a video performance of two original songs. Include lyrics for both songs.
  
  CUP Audition Repertoire:
  • Red House (Jimi Hendrix)
  • Son of a Preacher Man (Dusty Springfield)
  • Use Me (Bill Withers)
  • Brown Skin (india.arie)
  • Addicted to Love (Robert Palmer)
  • Good Thing (Fine Young Cannibals)
  • People Got to Be Free (Rascals)
  • A Change Would Do You Good (Sheryl Crow)
  • Hard to Handle (Black Crowes)

Photography _{back to top}

Submit 10 photographic images of your best original work. Images should come from one or two significant photographic projects that represent what you've learned and who you are as an artist. We prefer to see both black and white, and color images; however, if your strongest photographic projects are only in color or only in black and white, we will consider images in a single category.

Playwriting _{back to top}

Submit up to 20 pages of an original play in script form. Subject material may be either realistic or dream-like, or a combination of the two. The work should be in playwriting format, typed, and in 12-point Courier font.

Please Note: Your creative work must be saved as a PDF, then uploaded to the "Add Media" section of the online application. Please include your name on the upper right-hand corner of the first page.

Product Design _{back to top}

Submit 10-15 images of creative work that showcases your creativity with a wide range of techniques, materials, and media. Work samples may include any three-dimensional functional objects including by not limited to electronics, toys, furniture, packaging and exhibition, etc. Work samples should represent classroom assignments as well as independent projects.

Radio _{back to top}

Submit up to 10 creative samples of your work.

• Audio samples may include: an audition tape (or air check), audio scripts, produced public service announcements, promotional campaigns, or other audio work.
• Written samples may include: sales/marketing plans, promotional campaigns, or other writing samples related to Radio.

Television _{back to top}

1) Submit one of the following two options as a sample of your work:

• a) Video not to exceed 10 minutes. This can be one segment or program or a composite of your work
• b) Original television series script

2) Submit a brief essay about your work samples and why you want to pursue a career in Television (300 word maximum).

Please note: Your essay must be saved as a PDF, then uploaded to the "Add Media" section of the online application.  Please include your name on the upper right-hand corner of the essay.

Theatre _{back to top}

Required of all theatre applicants:

1. A full resume of theatrical history including name of show, role played, and venue
2. A brief essay of approximately 100 words describing why you have chosen your intended major.

In addition, Acting applicants submit:

1. Headshot with stats
2. Video audition of two contrasting monologues no more than three minutes each. Monologues should be recorded in a well-lit environment, and sound must be high quality. Examples of contrasting monologue are a classic and contemporary or comedic and dramatic.
3. (optional) Any additional video samples that show your range and variety; each no longer than three minutes

Musical Theatre applicants submit:

1. Headshot with stats
2. Video audition of two contrasting monologues no more than three minutes each. Monologues should be recorded in a well-lit environment, and sound must be high quality. Examples of contrasting monologue are a classic and contemporary or comedic and dramatic.
3. Video audition of two contrasting songs - no more than 32 measures of each piece of music. One example of contrasting style of songs is a ballad and an up-tempo.
4. Video dance audition of a three-minute solo or production number dance performance
5. (optional) Any additional video samples that show your range and variety; each no longer than three minutes

Comedy Writing & Performance applicants may submit :

• Video audition of a three-minute comedic performance of original or existing material 

• Up to 10 pages of comedy writing
• (optional) Headshot with stats

Other Theatre applicants may submit:

Work samples that demonstrate ability or experience in their intended areas. Please be sure to clearly explain your role in the creation of your work samples. Examples include:

• Stage designs including floor plan, light plots, pictures of sets;
• Up to 10 costume designs;
• Prompt books, director's notebook, or other material that you helped create for various productions.

• The Presidential Scholarship is automatically renewable for up to four consecutive years provided the recipient:
  • is enrolled as a full-time student each semester
  • does not interrupt enrollment
  • maintains a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average
• Award amount is up to $8000 per academic year (half awarded Fall semester and half awarded Spring semester)
• Applied toward tuition expenses only
• Award may not be used toward independent study abroad programs. Please note: Recipients who enroll in an independent study abroad program will forfeit their scholarship during the semester spent abroad
• The rules governing other sources of financial aid (federal, state, institutional and other grants, gifts, or loans) will apply