You may have just begun your summer vacation. But if you’ll be a high school senior this fall, it’s already time to think about college applications. An important part of this process is finding college scholarships.

One of the most difficult decisions in the college selection and application process is deciding how you will pay for school. Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a single college and will make any financial sacrifices necessary to attend there. But it’s likely that you will find several schools, each offering the program you want, an atmosphere in which you’re comfortable, and activities that you’ll enjoy. In this situation, the amount of financial aid available at each school may determine which college you choose.

Financial Aid For Dancers Who Will Study Dance

If you are attending school for dance, you will find special scholarships that are only for students entering dance programs. These scholarships are often awarded on the basis of talent. Many liberal arts schools will award talent scholarships to freshman. These scholarships, which are usually based on entrance auditions, are often renewed annually. Some schools also offer performance awards, which are given as students prove their skills in the program.

When applying for talent scholarships, remember that awards are often based on the school’s need for certain talents. In his blog, Andrew Flagel, the Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President for Enrollment Development for George Mason University, wrote that prestigious dance programs want to attract strong male dancers right now. Therefore, talented male applicants have a good chance of receiving talent-based scholarships.

Financial Aid for All Dancers Attending College

If you are a dancer who also dreams of becoming a biologist, a high school teacher, or an accountant, you may forego a dance program in favor of an academic track. But even if your college major isn’t aimed at a dance career, you should still contact the admissions office at the college or university where you want to apply, and ask about the availability of talent scholarships. You may also wish to contact the dance department chair and the theatre director.

In liberal arts colleges, talent scholarships, according to Flagel, are often awarded by faculty or administrators who run university performance groups.

Outside Scholarships for Dancers

Some foundations and private companies offer scholarships to dancers attending college. These awards are often open to all dancers, not just those entering dance programs. Some of these awards are based on talent, and others are based on a combination of talent and financial need.

One program that offers many college awards to dancers and other artists is the youngARTS scholarship program, run by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). This program awards 150 finalists with scholarships ranging from $250 to $10,000. The youngARTS program is currently open to high school seniors in the 2008-2009 school year, or 2007 graduates who will be 17 or 18-years-old on December 1, 2008. This year, the final registration deadline is October 1, and all audition and portfolio materials must be received by November 3. One benefit of participating in the youngARTS program is that you’ll be listed on the NFAA’s Scholarship List Service (SLS). The SLS offers colleges, universities, and professional schools the names of youngARTS participants and winners. When your name is on this list, it can give you an advantage when applying for other dance-related scholarships.

The American Harlequin Corporation, which makes dance floors, awards the Harlequin Dance Scholarship each year. US and Canadian citizens from 15 to 21 years-old can apply to win one of 20 scholarships, which range from $500 to $5,000. To qualify for this scholarship, you must be enrolled in a public or private dance program, and you must be nominated by your dance instructor. The deadline for application is November 1, 2008.

Start Now

Whether you will in apply for a program in dance or in another area of study, the college application process can be long and competitive. If you begin researching scholarships this summer, you’ll be more prepared and informed when starting your senior year in the fall. Remember to seek advice from your high school’s guidance counselor and from the admissions counselors at the college where you’d like to apply. And, make sure you learn how to apply for federal financial aid.

You know that dance will always be an important part of your life. And if you put this passion to work when applying for financial aid, regardless of the career you choose, your love of dance will help you shape your future.