Mount Mercy Special Talent Scholarships are open to new, first-year students entering the University from high school. The scholarships may be renewed each year for a total four-year value of $12,000. Applications received by February 15 receive priority consideration. Scholarships will be awarded until funds are depleted, so get started early! Applicants must be admitted to Mount Mercy as full-time, degree-seeking students.
During the application process, you will be asked to provide:
- A personal statement that speaks to your creative interests and experiences,
- Contact information for a reference (a teacher, coach, or instructor who is familiar with your work), and
- A demonstration of your skill and achievement, as indicated below:
| Talent Area | Area-specific application requirements |
| Art & Design | Interview session to review your portfolio of 10-12 artworks (any medium) plus any sketchbooks. Digital images of artworks may substitute for actual artworks. |
| Instrumental Music | In-person audition or a recording of your performances. |
| Theatre Arts | In-person audition or a recording for performers; interview/portfolio review for technicians and designers. |
| Vocal Music | In-person audition or a recording of your performances. |
| Writing |
Submit three to 10 pages of sample work. May include more than one piece, and the samples may be from different categories of writing (fiction, editorials, poetry, features, essays about literature, etc.). |
An interview session or audition is required for Art & Design, Instrumental Music, Theatre Arts, and Vocal Music. These sessions may be conducted via individually-scheduled appointments or during a Special Talent Scholarship event in March (prior to the anticipated fall start term). Telephone interviews, Skype exchanges, and similar electronic venues can also be used to accommodate busy schedules and travel complications. Don't be nervous - you share similar interests and passions with your reviewers, so no worries! Please know, however, that these are competitive scholarships. All students are encouraged to participate in clubs and organizations on campus that relate to these special talent areas, regardless of whether or not they have received a scholarship. Athletic scholarships are also considered Special Talent Scholarships and, as such, students cannot receive an award for both a sport and a talent area listed above.
Renewal criteria are set by the program coordinators and participation is reviewed annually, so be sure to discuss and understand how you will be contributing to these activities. Recipients need to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.30 for renewal, meet standard requirements for University financial aid awards, and successfully meet participation requirements.
| Talent Area | Area-specific renewal requirements |
| Art & Design | Be an active member of the Art Club and participate in Art Club events and receptions. Take at least one class per year that focuses on fine arts, graphic design, or art education. |
| Instrumental Music | Be a member of the University Band and participate in ensembles every semester. |
| Theatre Arts | Be an active member of the Drama Club and participate in at least two theatrical activities a year. |
| Vocal Music | Be a member of the University Choir and participate in ensembles every semester. |
| Writing |
Serve on, and contribute to, at least one student publication each year (creative writing magazine, literary journal, newspaper); take at least one writing or literature class per year beyond composition; participate in at least two Visiting Writer Series events per year. |
Questions? Contact us!
| Art & Design | Kathryn Hagy Associate Professor of Art |
khagy@mtmercy.edu | 319-363-1323 ext. 1225 |
| Instrumental Music | Gerald Kreitzer Coordinator of Campus Music |
gkreitzer@mtmercy.edu | 319-363-1323 ext. 1226 |
| Theatre Arts | Nich Radcliffe Drama Coordinator |
nradcliffe@mtmercy.edu | 319-363-1323 ext. 1258 |
| Vocal Music | Daniel Kleinknecht Associate Professor of Music |
dkleink@mtmercy.edu | 319-363-1323 ext. 1309 |
| Writing | Carol Tyx Associate Professor of English |
ctyx@mtmercy.edu | 319-363-1323 ext. 1201 |
| General Questions | Office of Admissions | admission@mtmercy.edu | 319-368-6460 |