Faculty Recognition Award Requirements

Submit your work for the Faculty Recognition Award.

The Faculty Recognition Award is Columbia College Chicago's talent-based scholarship program for new, incoming students. Awards range from $500 to full-tuition. Five full-tuition awards are available annually.

You must submit your application to the college prior to uploading portfolio/audition materials. We will notify applicants via email when the submission module is available on Columbia Connect.

The Faculty Recognition Award is only available to fall applicants.

This page contains portfolio/audition requirements and guidelines for our Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs. If you are planning to apply for a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Music (BMus) program, please see the requirements specific to our BFA and BMus degrees.

Here’s how to submit your digital portfolio or video audition.

After submitting your application, send us your work via the submission link in the “Portfolio” section of Columbia Connect. Throughout the application and enrolment process, Columbia Connect will always be the most up-to-date location for information about what we need from you.

What should I submit?

Submit work that adheres to the guidelines for your intended major. Work in other disciplines will not be considered for the award. You can find detailed guidelines by major below.

When should I submit?

The submission deadline for all application materials is 11:59pm (Central U.S.) on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Submissions will not be accepted after this date.

A note for students applying via the Common App

Columbia receives data from the Common Application every 24 hours. If you applied through the Common Application, you should receive an email with instructions for activiating your Columbia Connect account within 24 hours of submitting your Common App. You will not be able to upload your portfolio/audition materials until AFTER you activate your Columbia Connect account. Common App applicants are advised to factor this 24-hour processing period into their Columbia application timeline.

Still undecided about your intended major?

You may choose to submit your work under any of the major-specific guidelines listed; please note you can only select one.

Submission Guidelines by Program of Interest

• Acting (BA)
  1. Submit a full resume of theatrical, educational and community activity history.

  
  

  2. Submit a video audition of two monologues. The monologues should contrast each other. Each monologue should be between 60 and 90 seconds, and the total video run time should be no more than three minutes. Video must be recorded in a well-lit environment with high-quality sound.
• Advertising (BA)

  Advertising is a fun, always different, and profitable career pathway today on so many exciting platforms like YouTube, video games, social (Tik Tok, Instagram, Reddit, etc.) as well as branded experiences (e.g., Tinder’s Swipe Night, Fendi Flower Shop, Baskin-Robbins’ “Scoops Ahoy” Stranger Things pop up) and yes, digital ads, commercials, interactive billboards, etc. 

  Our scholarship application is easy. Just pick an ad or campaign you DISLIKE….and: 

  1. Describe WHY you don’t like it. Is it the message, the look, the writing, where you saw it, or…? Write (100 words or so) OR record a 1-2 minute video or audio response. Up to you!
  2. Then, fix it. What would you do differently? Write a 100-word description, record a 1–2-minute audio or video… or CREATE something (video, poster, social post, etc.). NOTE: looking at the strength of your thinking, not your technical skills. Promise!
• American Sign Language - English Interpretation (BA)

  Submit a three- to five-minute documentary-style video of yourself involved in a service-learning project related to ASL/Deaf Studies. It can range from community-based to linguistic-based activism. Please present either in ASL or spoken English. If speaking, please provide closed captioning. Here is the script for your video:

  1. Introduce yourself.

  2. How long learning ASL and why learning the language.

  3. Introducing your service-learning project related to ASL/Deaf Studies.

• Animation (BA)
  The following requirements pertain to the Computer Animation and Traditional Animation concentrations within the Animation BA program.

  Submit one work you have created (short animation or film), and a document in which you reflect briefly on the work you are submitting in approximately 500 words. Describe your creative process, ideas and insights about your own work, and current skills, interests, and influences. Any media not created solely by you must be credited.

  Recommended work examples:

  • ANIMATION: a short animation or film (five minutes or less).
  • CVFX: A completed CVFX Sequence or CVFX Sequences illustrating both before and after the application of the work.
• Art History (BA)

  Submit 5-10 pages of nonfiction writing samples, such as research papers or class papers.

• Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (BA)

  These requirements pertain to the Creative Industries, Events Management, Film and Television Business and Visual Arts Management concentrations within the Arts, Entertainment and Media Management BA program.  
   
  Submit an essay of approximately 500 words describing why you would like to study business, entrepreneurship, and management practices in the arts, entertainment, and media fields. 

  Please be sure to address the following: 

  • Which major/area of concentration in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department appeals to you and why? 

  • How will an education in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department help you to achieve your career goals? 

  • How is digital technology (including social media) impacting the arts and entertainment industries? Please be sure to focus on your major or concentration. 

  • Optional: Submit any additional work samples, such as business plans and/or examples of experiences, entrepreneurship, and management in the arts and entertainment fields. You may also feel free to submit a resume that illustrates your experiences. 
• Audio Arts (BA)
  The following guidelines pertain to all concentrations within the Audio Arts BA. Applicants should submit BOTH an essay AND the creative examples. 

   

  1. ESSAY: Choose one of the following three prompts and write an essay response, no longer than two pages. Don’t tell us about audio, tell us about yourself:

  •  What makes you uniquely suited for our program?
  • How does your audio work help others?
  • Describe an example of someone else’s bad audio that you have experienced. Explain how you could do the job better.

   

  2. CREATIVE EXAMPLES: Provide 2-3 examples of your creative work with sound. Experimentation and pushing boundaries is as valuable as technical competence, artistry, and craftsmanship. Submissions may include recordings, videos, or other documentation.

   

  Note: Each audio or video submission should be accompanied by a short (half-page) response to the following: What was your contribution to this project? Why do you think this piece best represents your work?
• Comedy Writing and Performance (BA)
  1. Submit a full resume of theatrical, educational and community activity history.

  
  

  2. Submit a video audition of a 60- to 90-second comedic performance of original or existing material and/or up to five pages of comedy writing.
• Communication (BA)
  Write a 300–400 word essay on why you are inspired to be a Communication major.
• Creative Writing (BA)

  Fiction Concentration

  Submit up to 10 pages of fiction writing such as a short story, scene, or chapter from a novel. Subject material may be realistic, dreamlike, or a combination of the two, and should demonstrate facility with story movement, narrative and character voice, character development, imagery, and sense of place. Pages should be double-spaced and in 12-point font.

  Nonfiction Concentration

  Submit 5-10 pages of creative nonfiction writing in the form of a personal essay, a part of a longer memoir, or any series or sequence of work. Work should approach subject with originality, use clear and compelling language, and display an understanding of the structure of an essay. Pages should be double-spaced and in 12-point font.

  Poetry Concentration

  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. Poems should use literary techniques with skill, approach subject with originality, and demonstrate clarity of the poem’s intent. Total submission should equal 10 pages.

• Cultural Studies (BA)

  1. Write a 300–400 word statement on why you are inspired to be a Cultural Studies major.

  2. Submit 1-2 samples of your work. Samples can be from across a range of formats such as, but not limitd to essay/alphabetic text, video essay, podcast episode, and/or PowerPoint. At least one of the examples should demonstrate your ability to craft a reasoned analytical argument about a cultural object, text or practice. Also include a brief 150–200-word explanation of what you believe you achieved by completing each project.

• Dance (BA)
  All application and portfolio materials (including transcripts) must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (Central U.S.) on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 

  Portfolio Pieces

  Submit the following two items for scholarship consideration:

  1. A 1–2-minute video of one solo dance piece, choreographed or improvised, in any dance style.  We are interested in seeing what you feel best represents you as a dance artist. Please frame the video so that it shows your entire body.
  2. A one-page essay (200-500 words) that addresses your interest in the Dance program at Columbia. Specifically discuss your areas of interest (such as performance, teaching, choreography, or dance history/dance studies) and the ways you feel prepared to take on the challenges of the program.

   

  A note about course placement: Columbia’s Dance curriculum includes leveled-courses in Ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop, and West-African styles of dance. Should you choose to attend Columbia, we will need to determine the appropriate level for your first-semester courses in these styles. If you are comfortable being placed in foundational-level courses in each of these styles, there is nothing additional to do. If you would like to be considered for more advanced level-placement, please continue reading for an additional video to submit.

   

  Course Placement Video

  Submit a 2–3-minute video demonstrating your technical skill in Ballet, Hip-Hop, Modern, and West African. Please frame the video so that it shows your entire body. Only include videos for the forms you wish to have your technique level evaluated.  Don’t worry if you do not have experience in all of the forms: 

  BALLET: include an adagio, a pirouette and a petit allegro

  HIP-HOP: Include a set combination and/or a freestyle. Any of the following skills are encouraged: waving, gliding/floats, isolations, tutting, dime-stopping/robot, animation, freezes, popping/hitting, footwork, and/or power-moves.

  MODERN: include 1 center combination that demonstrates your ability to use your spine, such as in a contraction/release and 1 across the floor combination that demonstrates use of space, as well as moving in and out of the floor.  

  WEST-AFRICAN: Include a combination or freestyle that showcases an understanding of grounded movement, flexibility of the spine, and rhythm based in West African traditions. 

• Design Management (BA)

  Submit an essay of approximately 500 words describing why you would like to study business, entrepreneurship, and management practices in the arts, entertainment, and media fields. 

  Please be sure to address the following: 

  • Which major/area of concentration in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department appeals to you and why? 

  • How will an education in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department help you to achieve your career goals? 

  • How is digital technology (including social media) impacting the arts and entertainment industries? Please be sure to focus on your major or concentration. 

  • Optional: Submit any additional work samples, such as business plans and/or examples of experiences, entrepreneurship, and management in the arts and entertainment fields. You may also feel free to submit a resume that illustrates your experiences. 
• English (BA)

  1. Write a 300–400 word statement on why you are inspired to be an English major.

  2. Submit 1-2 samples of your work. Samples can be from across a range of formats such as, but not limited to, essay/alphabetic text, video essay, podcast episode, and/or PowerPoint. At least one of the examples ought to offer a literary or rhetorical analysis of a passage or text of your choice. Also include a brief 150–200-word explanation of what you believe you achieved by completing each project.

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation (BA)

  Submit an essay of approximately 500 words describing why you would like to study entrepreneurship and innovation.

  Please be sure to address the following: 

  •Describe what you think it means to be an innovator and entrepreneur.

  •Describe your traits, knowledge, and skills related to being an innovator and entrepreneur, and what knowledge and skills in this area do you hope to improve by studying in this program?

  •How will an education in this program help you to achieve your career goals? 

  •What idea(s) do you have for an entrepreneurial venture, and why are you interested in this idea(s)?

  •Optional: Submit additional work samples, such as business plans or examples of experiences in entrepreneurship or innovation. You may also submit a resume that illustrates your expertise. 

• Environmental and Sustainability Studies (BA)
  Write an essay, no longer than two pages, on "The origin and nature of my interest in environmental and sustainability studies and how I plan to use what I learn in my program to make an impact in my field". Please tell us about your personal connection to environmental and sustainability issues.
• Fashion Studies (BA)
  The following requirements pertain to the Merchandising and Product Development concentrations within the Fashion Studies BA program.

  Submit a digital portfolio in PDF format of no more than 10 annotated images that demonstrate how you like to engage with fashion as an industry or a creative practice. In the notations, please explain what you hope we will understand about your interests or practice from considering each image.
  
  You are welcome to include a variety of media and subjects in the imagery, and are invited to showcase your process of engagement—that is, how you engage in research and investigation, ideation, development, and getting the word out about your work—in addition to the final product of engagement. The images could include drawings, styling, visual merchandising, product curation, fashion writing, color study work, materials investigation, 2D and 3D design development, construction, illustrations, sketches, paintings, digital media (including website development, photography, or fashion shows), and garments.
  
  In reviewing your portfolio, we value originality, creativity, critical thinking, articulacy about your industry or creative practice engagement, and the demonstration of a clear design aesthetic or consumer target.

• Film and Television (BA)
  1. REQUIRED: Write a brief essay (approximately 250-350 words) discussing your creative process and the work you’ve submitted, whether in film, writing, visual arts, or other areas of creative endeavor. We are most interested in your ideas and gaining insights about your work and aspirations. In your essay, you may address the following topics:

  
  

  • Why was it important for you to make this work?
  • What kinds of stories do you wish to tell in your future projects?
  • Tell us about your creative process in making the work you are submitting.
  • How does your work represent issues of culture or identity that are important to you?

  
  

  2. Submit one portfolio piece (either a short film or video, five minutes maximum; a short script that can be excerpts of larger works, ten pages maximum; or six to ten photographs/drawings) that provides additional perspective on your essay, either by supplementing or illustrating your reflection.
• Fine Arts (BA)
  Submit 10-15 work samples that incorporate a variety of media and subjects. Samples may include drawings, prints, paintings, photographs and lens based media, digital media, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, and 3D objects. 

   

  Whenever possible, drawing and painting work samples should demonstrate observation from life or imagination, rather than just from from photographs. Special emphasis should be given to work that reflects your imagination and a consistent, original vision, or independent project. Please include a brief description of materials and dimensions of your work.
• Game Art (BA)

  Submit three to five examples of work you have created, and a document where you reflect briefly on the work you are submitting (approximately 500 words). Describe your creative process, ideas and insights about your work, and your current skills, interests, and influences. Any media not solely created by you must be credited.

  Recommended work examples:
  

  • 2D game characters, organic or environmental objects in 3D-view (front, side, rear) and perspective angles.
  • Images or video (JPG, PNG, AVI, MOV; no model files) of a 3D textured mesh and wireframe of one of the following:
    • biped character
    • complex prop
    • environmental object
• Game Design (BA)

  Game Development Concentration

  Submit work you have created, and a document in which you reflect briefly on the work you are submitting (approximately 500 words). Describe your creative process, ideas and insights about your work, and your current skills, interests, and influences. Any media not created solely by you must be credited.

  Recommended work examples:
  

  • An original game idea that includes description of game play and either a storyboard or flowchart.
  • Images, screenshots, or video of an original game presented in the format of your choice (e.g., 2D, 3D, mobile, desktop, physical, card, etc). Scale of the game does not matter.

   

  Game Sound Concentration

  Submit examples of work you have created, and a document in which you reflect briefly on the work you are submitting (approximately 500 words). Describe your creative process, ideas and insights about your work, and your current skills, interests, and influences. Any media not created solely by you must be credited.

  Recommended work examples:

  • 10 to 15 quality recordings of sound effects with proper editing and processing applied. Each recording may be up to 10 seconds in length and should be in a common file format.
  • Any Modified Game (MOD) with original sound effects and/or music by the candidate. Each MOD may be up to one minute in length.
• Graphic Design (BA)
  The following requirements pertain to the General, Publication Design, and Web Design concentrations within the Graphic Design BA program.
  
  Submit 10-15 images of representative creative work that showcase your interest and skills in design through typography, applied drawing, information design, branding identity, web graphics, packaging, advertising design, and publication design. Work submitted may include drawings, digital, web, motion graphics, and experimental design. Your work samples may represent classroom assignments as well as independent projects. Please provide a brief description of the (communication) goal of each work and include materials and dimensions.

• Illustration (BA)
  Submit 10-15 images of your best work in a variety of media and subjects 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 or imagination, rather than from photographs. Please be sure to include dimensions of your work and a one- to three-sentence description for each image.

• Immersive Media (BA)

  Submit three to five examples of work you have created, and a document where you reflect briefly on the work you are submitting (approximately 500 words). Describe your creative process, ideas and insights about your own work, and current skills, interests, and influences. Any media not created solely by you must be credited.

  Recommendations for work examples:

  • If sending 360 video, please also send a YouTube or Vimeo link for viewing in a headset.
  • If sending an augmented, mixed, or virtual reality piece, please also send a video walkthru of the experience.
• Journalism (BA)

  1. Write a 200- to 300-word self-assessment on why you are inspired to be a journalist/photojournalist.

  2. Submit up to five samples of your work. These can be articles you wrote that were published in print or online, yearbook stories, photos or new videos, TV or radio news programs, or podcast episodes (videos and podcasts must be under five minutes). Also include a brief explanation and assessment of your work.

   

• Marketing (BA)

  The following requirements pertain to the Digital Media, Entertainment Industry, and Sports Management concentrations within the Marketing BA program. 

  Submit an essay of approximately 500 words describing why you would like to study business, entrepreneurship, sports, and management practices in the arts, entertainment, and media fields. 

  Please be sure to address the following: 

  • Which major/area of concentration in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department appeals to you and why? 

  • How will an education in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department help you to achieve your career goals? 

  • How is digital media and technology (including social media) impacting the arts, entertainment and media industries? Please be sure to focus on your major or concentration. 

  • Optional: We strongly suggest submitting any additional work samples, such as business plans and/or examples of experiences, entrepreneurship, and management in the arts, entertainment and media fields. You may also feel free to submit a resume that illustrates your experiences. 
• Music (BA)
  1. Main Requirements
  
  Submit videos of two pieces of your choice (written by composers other than yourself) that best showcase your abilities in your primary performance area(s), whether this be instrument, voice, or computer. At least one of your selections should reflect the contemporary music focus of the department, which includes a wide range of popular and contemporary music genres. The two pieces should be in contrasting styles or tempos and should best represent your vocal and/or instrumental proficiency.
  
  Optional: In addition to your submissions as described above, you may also submit one recording or performance of original work that demonstrates your personal style and technical ability.
  
  2. Additional Requirements
  
  Singer-songwriters must also submit a recording or video performance of an original production, song, or composition.
  
  Composers must also present two samples of their own original compositions, demonstrating work in varying styles and/or instrumentations as well as provide a copy of scores and/or recordings (both, if possible; however, scores are encouraged). Handwritten scores and MIDI realizations are acceptable.
  
  Producers must also present two creative samples in varying styles and techniques, produced using any of the available software tools (for example, computer-based DAWs, such as ProTools, Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live, MAX, or Supercollider).
  
  3. Resume and Personal Statement Requirement
  
  All students must submit a brief musical resume, listing experience in musical settings. This resume can include private lessons; school, church, and community ensembles; recordings; professional work; and other relevant formal or informal study and performance experiences.
  
  All students must also submit a brief statement (500 words maximum) in which they express their motivation for studying music at Columbia College Chicago.

• Music Business (BA)

  These requirements pertain to the Artist Managment, Live and Touring, and Recorded Music and Publishing concentrations within the Music Busines BA progarm.  
   
  Submit an essay of approximately 500 words describing why you would like to study business, entrepreneurship, and management practices in the arts, entertainment, and media fields. 

  Please be sure to address the following: 

  • Which major/area of concentration in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department appeals to you and why? 

  • How will an education in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department help you to achieve your career goals? 

  • How is digital technology (including social media) impacting the arts and entertainment industries? Please be sure to focus on your major or concentration. 

  • Optional: Submit any additional work samples, such as business plans and/or examples of experiences, entrepreneurship, and management in the arts and entertainment fields. You may also feel free to submit a resume that illustrates your experiences. 
• Music Technology (BS)
  The following guidelines pertain to all concentrations within the Music Technology. Applicants should submit BOTH an essay AND the creative examples:

   

  1. Write an essay, no longer than two pages, on “Why or how did you get interested and/or involved in audio/music technology.” Don’t tell us about audio, tell us about yourself.

   

  2. Submit 2-3 samples of creative work, illustrating the range or diversity of your interests and activities. Experimentation and pushing boundaries is as valuable as technical competence, artistry, and craftsmanship. Works can be from the following categories:

   

  Category 1: Audio

  • A recording, video, or other documentation of audio production/post-production work. An audio or video submission should be accompanied by a short (half-page) response to the following: What was your contribution to this project? Why do you think this piece best represents your work?

  • A list of live sound reinforcement or installation projects you’ve participated in, identifying and describing key challenges you faced.

   

  Category 2: Interactive

  • An example of interactive art and/or media. Online media and/or interactive online work may be shown via the web. Upload a screenshot, specify the URL and title, and add a brief description of the work and its relationship to interactive art and/or media.

  • An original short video or film related to interactive media (up to 10 minutes in length).

   

  Category 3: Music

  • A recording or performance of original work that demonstrates your personal style and technical ability, and that highlights your use of audio/music technology. An audio or video submission should be accompanied by a short (half-page) response to the following: What was your contribution to this project? Why do you think this piece best represents your work?

  • Two original music samples in varying styles and techniques, produced using any available software tools.
• Musical Theatre (BA)
  
  Overall

  Each piece can be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media or a continuous video. Please do not exceed five (5) minutes total.

  Slate
  There should not be a separate “slate” video—slates are to appear at the beginning of each piece. To slate for a song, share your name, the title, and show in which it appears. To slate for a monologue, share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.

  Songs & Monologues Options
  1 song and monologue OR 2 songs (total of: 2 contrasting songs from the musical theater canon OR 1 song and 1 monologue)

  Songs
  When submitting two (2) songs: these should be contrasting pieces from the musical theatre canon.

  • One song should be a ballad and one song should be up-tempo.
  • One song should be written prior to 1970; the other should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first.
  • Each song file should be 60-90 seconds. This time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece.
  • Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot, which means the top of the head to your knees should be visible in the frame.

  
  Monologue
  When submitting one song and one monologue: Prepare one age-appropriate contemporary monologue from a play or musical (no television shows, movies, or dialects) no longer than 60 seconds.

  • This time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece.
  • Monologues should be filmed in a “close-up” shot, which means the top of the head to the middle of your chest should be visible in the frame. 

  
  Dance
  

  Please record and submit two (2) short dance combinations. Choose between:

  1. BOTH of the combinations linked below.

  -or-

  2. One of the combinations linked below and an additional combination showcasing & celebrating your special style, technique: Hip-Hop, Tap, Acrobatics, West African, African-Caribbean, Bollywood, Latin, Ballroom are some examples. No barre work. Please stick to vocabulary and steps you are familiar with and can execute well. We just want to see where you are in your dance training—show us YOU through your dance.  

  Total running time for the dance portion of your video should be 2 minutes maximum.

  • Musical Theatre Audition: Combo 1 “The Wiz”
  • Musical Theatre Audition: Combo 1 (Dance Only) “The Wiz”
  • Musical Theatre Audition: Combo 1 (Music Only) “The Wiz”
    
    
  • Musical Theatre Audition: Combo 2 “Pirates”
  • Musical Theatre Audition: Combo 2 (Dance Only) “Pirates”
  • Musical Theatre Audition: Combo 2 (Music Only) “Pirates”
    
    

  Statement Video
  Thirty (30) second personal artistic statement video. It may address areas of interest (such as performance, teaching, choreography, and/or actor/musicianship) or what makes you unique as an artist that would flourish at Columbia. ANYTHING you want: a special skill, a passionate speech, “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”
  
  Musical Theatre Portfolio Items

  •  A full resume of theatrical history including name of show, role played, and venue.

  • A full-color headshot.
• Photography (BA)
  These requirements pertain to the Commercial Photography, Fashion Photography, Fine Art Photography, and Integrated Photography concentrations within the Photography BA program.

   

  Submit 15 photographic images of your best original work. Images should come from one or two photographic projects that demonstrate your skills and interests in photography.

   

  Please do not send links to your google documents account, other image viewers, applications, or your website.
• Photojournalism (BA)
  1. Write a 200- to 300-word self-assessment on why you are inspired to be a journalist/photojournalist.

  
  

  2. Submit up to five samples of your work. These can be articles you wrote that were published in print or online, yearbook stories, photos or new videos, TV or radio news programs, or podcast episodes (videos and podcasts must be under five minutes). Also include a brief explanation and assessment of your work.
• Programming (BA | BS)
  Submit a document in which you reflect briefly on the work you are submitting (approximately 500 words), and one to three examples of applications and/or games you have created.

  
  

  Document: Describe your creative process, ideas and insights about your own work, along with current skills, interests, and influences.

  
  

  Work: We are interested in seeing excerpts of your own original code; the entire application code is not needed. Any programming language is accepted. Media in your applications/games not created solely by you must be credited. We recommend you include screenshots of the application running with excerpts of your code that you feel best reflect your programming ability. Code should be documented in comments to describe functionality and any additional information you wish us to consider.

  
  

  Recommended work examples:

  One to three examples of applications and/or games

  
  

  Show original code excerpts with functionality documented in comments. Include screenshots and/or a short video showing code running along with any additional information you would like to share (such as pseudocode, flowcharts, or other process work you used to develop your application).
• Public Relations (BA)

  Introduce yourself and describe why you are inspired to study public relations. You may respond via video (between 1 and 2 minutes) or in an essay of 200-300 words. 

  Optional: Provide up to five samples of your writing/visual communications work. 

  Writing samples may include press releases/media alerts, social media posts, speeches, biographies, website copy, e-blasts, event communications (e.g., posters, surveys, etc.) or anything you wrote to support public relations/communications. 

  Visual communication samples may include e-newsletters, event communications (e.g., posters, surveys, etc.) social media posts, photography, ads, or anything you designed to support public relations/communications. 

• Radio (BA)

  Submit one to two creative samples of your work.

  Audio samples may include digital audio of a feature story (news, sports or personal essay), a public service announcement, a commercial, play-by-play sports, a personal or institutional podcast, a promotional announcement, or other audio work. Each example should be no longer than two minutes in length. If the work is longer, include only the most significant portion(s).

  Written samples may include public service announcements, commercials, editorials, features (news, sports or personal essay written for audio presentation), audio drama scripts, or other writing samples related to audio, podcasts, or radio.

• Social Media and Digital Strategy (BA)
  1. Pick a brand or organization you have strong feelings about - one you love (or strongly dislike). Example brand ideas: Nike, Chanel, Sephora, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald's, Apple, NBA, or... you choose!
  2. Choose TWO (2) social media platforms: Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, Snapchat OR Facebook/Meta.
  3. Create TWO (2) hypothetical posts for each of your chosen TWO (2) platforms.

  • One hypothetical post (or ad) per platform as the BRAND. 

  • One hypothetical post per platform as YOU. 

  For a total of four (4) hypothetical posts. 2 social platforms, 2 as the brand, 2 as yourself. 

  4. Then write 3 sentences about why you made your creative content choices, speaking to the differences of creating as a brand or organization versus yourself.
• Sound Design (BA)
  Applicants should submit BOTH an essay AND the creative examples.

   

  1. Write an essay, no longer than two pages, on “What aspects of sound design interest you and why?” Don’t tell us about audio, tell us about yourself.

   

  2. Provide 2-3 examples of your creative work with sound. Experimentation and pushing boundaries is as valuable as technical competence, artistry, and craftsmanship. Submissions may include recordings, videos, or other documentation.

   

  Note: Each audio or video submission should be accompanied by a short (half-page) response to the following: What was your contribution to this project? Why do you think this piece best represents your work?
• Theatre (BA)

  The following requirements pertain to the Playwriting, Stage Management, Theatre Directing, and Theatre Studies concentrations within the Theatre BA program.

  1. Submit a full resume of theatrical, educational and community activity history.

  
  

  2. Submit any of the following examples (4-6 projects) with a written description of the process for each project, including your role in it:

  
  

  • PDFs of promptbooks or annotated scripts for plays you've directed, stage managed, or assistant directed.
  • Any original script(s) you've written or co-written, especially if produced.
  • Video clips (60 seconds max each) of theatrical productions for which you were the playwright, director, stage manager, or assistant director.

  
  

  3. Submit a short statement of goals you wish to achieve as a Theatre major.
• Theatre Design and Technology (BA)
  1. Submit a full resume of theatrical, educational and community activity history including name of show, your position on the show, and venue.
  2. Submit any of the following examples (should be limited to three to five projects) with a written description of the process for each project, including your role in that process:

  • Documentation of produced theatre productions or works in progress, either through photographs of the production or audio files
  • Examples of process for the designs, including scenic models and/or sketches, production video clips or photos, costume or makeup renderings, lighting sketches and plots, and audio files including any musical composition as well as effects and transitions, and paperwork for sound design
  • Examples of drawing, graphic, and drafting skills
  • Examples of construction skills in scenic carpentry, props, puppets, costumes, crafts, lighting, and sound

  You may include other creative works as well, including cos play construction, sculpture, drawings, photography, music performance, or anything that shows your interests and pursuit of making art. 

• Undecided Students
  You may choose to submit your work under any of the major-specific guidelines listed on this page; please note you can only select one and you should follow them exactly as written.
• User Experience and Interaction Design (BA)

  Submit three to five examples of work you have created, and a document in which you reflect briefly on the work you are submitting (approximately 500 words). Describe your creative process, ideas and insights about your work, and your current skills, interests, and influences. Any media not created solely by you must be credited.

  Recommended work examples:
  

  • Sketches, wireframes, or prototype images of a project in development that clearly show your process and work methodology.
  • Interactive online work (screenshot, URL, title, and a brief description of the work).