VanderCook Scholars Program
High school seniors looking to turn their passion for music into a career may be eligible for the VanderCook Scholars Program. A student who is accepted into the VanderCook Scholars Program will receive a four-year FREE tuition scholarship.To be eligible for the VanderCook Scholars Program, candidates must be accepted into the Bachelor of Music Education Program and attend VCM as a full-time student for four years.
After Federal and State grants and/or scholarships (e.g.: PELL, MAP, MTI, Golden Apple, etc) are applied, tuition will be paid in full for up to one student per year on each of the following instruments: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, piano, guitar, treble vocal, tenor/bass vocal, violin, viola, cello and bass.
*Scholarship recipients are responsible for all housing costs and any fees normally associated with the cost of attendance.
Criteria for Consideration
• Applicants must be high school seniors entering college in the fall with a weighted cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Perform at a high level, as demonstrated by the candidate’s VanderCook audition scores and by the high school director recommendation and/or All-State participation.
Note: VanderCook Scholars may qualify for the Performer’s Certificate Program. Eligible students may choose to concurrently participate in this performance-oriented program, designed to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional performance ability.
• If eligible, complete a FAFSA by the priority deadline of December 31st.
How to Apply
Deadlines for the VanderCook Scholars Program:
• December 1, 2021 - Priority FAFSA Deadline
• December 31, 2021 - Priority Deadline VanderCook Scholars Program. Applications submitted by this date are given priority consideration.
• February 15, 2022 - Final application deadline. All documents must be submitted, including letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.
• February 15, 2022 - Audition deadline.
• March 1, 2022 - Offers sent.
• April 1, 2022 - Enrollment Deposit Due for students commiting to VanderCook Scholars Program.
Criteria for Award Continuance
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Remain in good standing with all departments of the college.
• Participate in major ensembles every semester.
• Meet performance-level criteria to remain in the VanderCook Scholars Program.