Frequently Asked Questions

Is BCA accredited?. . .

BCA is an Arts Conservatory in partnership with Visible Music College, offering bachelor's and certificate programs. Our undergraduate programs are accredited by TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) through our collegiate partner, Visible Music College.

Who is Visible Music College?. . .

Visible Music College is a Christian music school based in Memphis, TN, with campuses in Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Germany, Atascadero, CA; and Redding, CA. For more information feel free to visit their website at https://visible.edu

How long are BCA’s programs?. . .

Please refer to each program page for complete information regarding length of study, prerequisites, and course objectives.

How much is tuition at BCA?. . .

Please refer to the “Cost” section of our webpage. These amounts do not include housing, meals, books, supplies or a laptop. Estimated cost of books and supplies may vary per program.

Are financial aid and scholarships available?. . .

Yes, Financial Aid is available for U.S. students. To start the process of receiving financial aid you must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Scholarships, grants, loans, and work study opportunities will be determined based on your FAFSA results. You can find out more information about the types of Financial Aid options available via the Federal Student Aid website. For additional questions regarding financial aid please reach out to our collegiate partner, Visible Music College, at financialaid@visible.edu or call (901) 381-3939 and let them know you are applying to one of Bethel Conservatory’s programs.

Does the Tuition include Room and Board? . . .

No, the tuition cost covers in-class instruction and performances. We do have access to furnished housing with meal plan options through the Redding Revival Community. Please see their website for more information. https://www.reddingrevivalcommunity.com Housing is also available through the BSSM Housing Facebook Page.

When are the application deadlines for 2022-2023?. . .

Because classes at BCA are cumulative and each semester builds on the prior semester’s courses, we only accept incoming students in the Fall semester. Our spaces are limited and applications are currently open, so please apply as soon as you know you are interested in coming. The deadlines for application submissions are:
Early Application Deadline: Dec 12, 2021.
International Application Deadline: March 31, 2022.
U.S. Application Deadline: June 30th, 2022.

Where do I send a copy of my official transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, or FAFSA form? . . .

If you are an international applicant, please reference the section for International FAQs. For mailing official transcripts directly from your school please send it to: Bethel Admissions, 1880 Park Marina Drive, Redding, CA 96001

Official copies of your ACT/SAT scores and your FAFSA information are submitted directly to our collegiate partner, Visible Music College. The following codes might be helpful: FAFSA 039823, SAT 5450, and ACT 6452. If you are requesting an official transcript to be sent to us digitally from your school, please email them to: bca.admissions@bethel.com

What is the dress code?. . .

Our acting and dance students are required to wear all black, modest clothes that allow for mobility.

Will BCA help me to get into the Entertainment Industry? . . .

BCA will prepare you to work towards a sustainable and successful career within the entertainment industry. Graduates of our BA program will develop a professional industry ready acting technique, will participate in professional development courses to build a reel and repertoire, and will have the opportunity to audition for agents and casting directors in a Senior Showcase. Since the entertainment industry is so varied, our primary concern is to equip students to develop as great artists no matter their situation. A big part of college is the finding of one’s calling and preparing to be a leader in the world. Opportunities arise out of God’s timing, hard work, prayer, purpose, and Godly counsel. We believe BCA will help equip you whatever form that takes.

When in the application process should I audition?. . .

Here are the steps for when in the application process you should audition:
1) Contact admissions, by filling out the form: here
2) Admissions will send an application & you will will send Admissions transcripts
3) Audition (online submission or in-person. You can prep your audition in advance if you want).

What is the Academic Admission Criteria?. . .

Students must have A professed Christian faith and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Students under 24 must have an ACT score of 18 or higher, or old SAT combined score of 940 or higher, or 1020 or higher on the new SAT, unless student has previous college credit (6 credit hours minimum).
The ACT or SAT test must have been taken within 5 years of the academic term for which the student is applying.

Is there a student performance fact sheet?. . .

Yes, here is the most recent Student Performance Fact sheet for Bethel Conservatory of the Arts.

Will the schedule allow me time to get a part-time job?. . .

Yes, some of our students have evening and weekend jobs. However, we strongly recommend that students plan on working no more than 20 hours a week. We ask that students carefully budget their time in order to devote the needed amount of attention to homework and rehearsal time.

Will you be introducing other art forms? . . .

We are actively developing new programs in the performing arts, such as music theater for Fall 2022. Over time, we would love to offer additional programs in producing, musical composition, filmmaking, screenwriting, costume and set design, and more. Our heart is to see the school grow into all that God has called it to be so stay tuned.

I’d like to visit the school. Is this possible?. . .

Of course! We love to have visitors. We have designated events throughout the school year where you can meet with staff and students and check out certain classes. There is an Audition Day Dec 10th, where you can come experience BCA and take a tour. There will be both in person and online options. Contact admissions for more information: bca.admissions@bethel.com

What is the application process and how is it different for international students?. . .

1. Apply: Complete and fully submit the BCA Application through our website. Be sure to upload your Audition or Submission Material to your application according to the program requirements.

2. Transcripts: We use SPANTRAN (see below) as a third party transcript evaluation service. You will need to create a log in and submit your official transcripts following the instructions based on your country. All non-English transcripts must be translated by your institution or a certified translation agency such as University Language Services (ULS). When filling out the SPANTRAN form you will select the Course Analysis (not the General Analysis). The cost varies. Please have SPANTRAN send the evaluated transcript report directly to BCA's Admissions office (1880 Park Marina Drive, Redding CA 96003). Once SPANTRAN has completed their evaluation, they will send it directly to us and it will attach it to your BCA application.

3. SEVIS Fee & Document Preparation: After being granted admission, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee and will receive a mailed I-20 form through Visible Music College.

4. Visa Appointment: Once you receive your I-20, you will need to make a visa appointment with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country before arranging travel to the U.S. Be prepared to provide proof of your financial support and any required documents as well as paying any associated visa fees. More information about student visas, the visa application/issuing process, wait time for embassies, and visa fees amounts for your country can be found here.

What is SPANTRAN??. . .

It is what International Students will use to get their transcripts sent to admissions. For more information visit: https://spantran.com/web/

Where do I get my official documents translated?. . .

SPANTRAN requires precise, word-for-word English translations when your academic documents are not issued in English. Your documents can be translated directly by your institution and sent to SPANTRAN or you can have them translated through a certified translation agency such as University Language Services (ULS). Translation may require additional fees, so please ask your institution what the cost would be or you can ask for a quote through ULS.

Can International students work?. . .

International students may be eligible to work on campus through work study opportunities, but most student visa types do not allow international students to work while studying abroad in the U.S.

What kind of visa will I need to apply for?. . .

International Students accepted to our programs will need to apply for a F1 type student visa. More information about visa types for students and the visa application/issuing process can be found here.

Are the tuition costs different for International students?. . .

Tuition costs are the same for both international and domestic students. However international students will incur additional costs as follows:

• Transcript Translation (cost varies)
• WES Evaluation (approximately $200)
• SEVIS Fee (please refer to the SEVIS website here).
• Visa Application (varies by country and visa type - find out more specific info here.)

Are there any scholarships or discounts that I might be eligible for?. . .

Yes, there are scholarship options you can look at here: https://www.bethelconservatory.com/finances
There is also an Early Application Discount of $500 if you are able to complete your application, submit transcripts, audition is submitted or in review by Dec 12th.

Are the deadlines different for International students?. . .

Yes. The deadline for international applications is March 31st, 2022.

International applicants have a lengthier process including transcript translation and evaluation, document preparation, and the time you will need to make travel, housing, and visa arrangements. We recommend completing your application as soon as possible.Are there scholarships or financial aid available for International Students?Federal Financial Aid is only available to students who are United States citizens. However, we encourage our international applicants to reach out to their own government study abroad programs to research qualifying scholarships and aid available for students studying in the U.S. There is a free search tool available from WES that may help you find these for your specific country. We also encourage our students to consider raising funds if needed, as there are often people around you who would be interested in investing into your future if they know of your need and passion.

Does the Tuition include Room and Board?. . .

No, the tuition cost covers in class instruction and performances. We do have access to furnished housing with meal plan options through the Redding Revival Community. Please see their website for more information. https://www.reddingrevivalcommunity.com Housing is also available through the BSSM Housing Facebook Page.

Is BCA connected to BSSM?. . .

BCA and BSSM are both schools connected to Bethel Church in Redding, California. BSSM is a non-accredited ministry training school founded by the leaders of Bethel Church. BCA is an accredited college in partnership with Visible Music College and offers bachelor’s degrees and accredited certificate programs in the performing arts and film.