Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Who is eligible? The brightest and most talented 10th and 11th graders currently enrolled in Tennessee’s public, private and home-schools are eligible. In other words, students who will be juniors and seniors in the 2024-2025 academic year. To be eligible, students should rank in the top of their high school class in performance/capability or highly talented in the arts.

Application Instructions:

Applications must be submitted through our online application system. Paper applications will not be accepted.

**Please note that the paper application listed on the TN Governor’s School Page is for reference only. All students should apply using the online system.

Please contact gsfta@mtsu.edu if you have questions.

Step 1: Student Application
The student must complete the online application. Parents must complete and sign the appropriate release sections on the application.

Step 2: Teacher Recommendations
Included in the application is a section to indicate two teacher recommenders. Students must include the email address of the teacher recommenders. One teacher should be in the student’s arts area. The second can be a teacher of the student’s choosing. The system will automatically notify the teacher to complete the online recommendation. Once these forms are submitted, they are automatically sent to GSFTA.

Step 3: Guidance Counselor Student Achievement Form
Students must include the email address of their guidance counselor. The system will notify the counselor to complete the the Student Achievement Form.
Once this form is submitted, it is automatically sent to GSFTA.

Applications are not complete until all forms have been submitted.

Financial Information and Program Cost:

Accepted students may be awarded either
1.  Full program fee scholarship
2.  Partial program fee scholarship
OR permitted to attend with no scholarship

Program Fee: $2,850.00
Activity Fee: $350.00

Financial aid is available on a need-basis.

Directions to the School: Here

How will the students be selected? Selections for visual art, music, theatre, dance, and filmmaking are made as a result of an audition. Selections for art are made as a result of a portfolio review. Every student who submits an application by the deadline date is granted an audition and/or portfolio review.

May I apply for more than one School? Yes, however you will only be able to attend one Governor’s School since the dates of the programs overlap. If you are accepted to more than one school, please notify each school of your decision to attend or not.

How will I know when to come for my audition/portfolio review? Go to the Governor’s School for the Arts website to find information on audition and portfolio review appointment times.

If I accept to one Governor’s School, will I have a chance to accept another one later if vacancies occur?
No. You need to make sure you are going to attend before you accept.

Do I earn any special credits? Yes. Each student successfully completing a Governor’s School summer session will receive three hours college credit. Each student will also receive a certificate of merit signed by the Governor.

Does an up-to-date transcript need to be included? Yes. Please provide the most recent grades available at the time of application.

Can students with disabilities apply? Yes, any rising 11th and 12th grader can apply if they meet the criteria. .

Do I stay for the entire three weeks? Yes. The program is intensive and highly individualized. Classes and special activities will be planned for the entire duration, INCLUDING WEEKENDS. Absences from scheduled activities will not be permitted except in the case of emergencies with permission from the Director. You will not be excused to attend other camps or seminars, to take family vacations, attend weddings, have senior pictures taken, etc.

When will students be notified of selections? All students will receive a letter via email notifying them whether they have been accepted or not, or if they are an alternate. Emails will be sent by March 3, 2025. Students will receive separate notification letters from each of the schools to which they applied.

Is the application confidential? Yes. Personally identifiable information will not be released.

For more information about the TN Governor’s Schools, click here.