MAD Scholars Program 2027-28
The Department of Media and Visual Arts at West Liberty University is excited to announce the MAD Scholars Program — a competitive four-year scholarship opportunity for graduating high school seniors. Submission Deadline: December 2, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Incoming Freshman
Scholarship Competition
For graduating high school seniors planning to pursue an Art & Design degree in:
- Studio Art
- Art Education
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Digital Media & Film
This competition is open to all graduating high school seniors, regardless of residency. Applicants must also submit an application for admission to West Liberty University.
Students must submit a portfolio of at least eight (8) pieces of original artwork. As determined by the art faculty, the winner will receive a four-year renewable art scholarship and a Housing Grant to study art, art education, graphic design, illustration, or digital media & film at West Liberty University. Housing grants cover at least 80% of the total room cost and pay nothing to the board. Second and third-place awards of tuition scholarships and housing waivers may be granted if available and appropriate.
Scholarship
Overview
- Four-Year Renewable Scholarship → Awarded to the top applicant as determined by the art faculty.
- Housing Grant → Covers at least 80% of on-campus housing costs (meal plans not included).
- Additional Awards → Second- and third-place awards may include tuition scholarships and/or housing waivers, if available.
- Annual Scholarship Value → Awards typically range from $1,000 to $4,700 per year, renewable for up to four years, based on continued academic and creative excellence.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a graduating high school senior entering college in Fall 2027
- Must apply for admission to West Liberty University
- Must submit a portfolio by the stated deadline
Portfolio Submission
Schedule
- Submission Period: The submission form opens November 30, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern and closes December 2, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. Please prepare your information and portfolio before the form opens.
- Submission Deadline: All portfolios must be submitted by December 2, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.
- Submission Process: Use the form below to submit your portfolio. PDF portfolios should be submitted as one combined PDF file. Students may also provide links to their work, including websites or videos.
Review and Judging:
- Finalist Notification: Finalists will be notified by the end of Friday, December 4, 2026, and receive their assigned interview time and meeting link.
Finalist Interviews:
- Interview Dates: Finalists must be available for an online Microsoft Teams interview on Wednesday, December 9, or Thursday, December 10, 2026, between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
Note: Not all applicants are guaranteed interviews. Finalists are selected based on the initial portfolio review.
Final Decision:
- The judges’ decision will be announced by Wednesday, December 16, 2026.
Portfolio Submission
Guidlines
- Presentation Matters Treat your portfolio like a personal interview—make a strong, professional impression.
- Content & Mediums Your portfolio should represent your strongest creative work. We welcome a variety of mediums and concepts:
- Traditional Art → painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics
- Digital Work → animation, video, websites, motion graphics
- Graphic Design → posters, branding, logos, layouts
- Illustration → traditional, digital, character design, concept art
Commercial and experimental projects are equally encouraged.
- Labeling Requirements First slide: Include your full name, high school, phone number, and email address. Each artwork slide: Include the title, medium, year, and size of the work.
- Quality Documentation Submit high-quality images of your work. Pay close attention to lighting, cropping, and color accuracy.
- Best Work Only Include your most recent and strongest pieces. Unfinished works showing potential are acceptable.
- Sketchbook & Process Work Applicants must include evidence of their creative process. This could be shown through:
- Sketchbook pages
- In-progress screenshots
- Moodboards and iterations
- Storyboards, scripts, or original photography
- Any material that demonstrates how you think and create.
You don’t need to submit work from every area—choose the categories that best highlight your strengths:
- Graphic Design → posters, branding, logos, layouts
- Digital Media → video, animation, motion graphics, interactive/web
- Studio Arts → painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics
- Illustration → traditional, digital, character design, concept art
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.