BlueSky Application Information

How to Apply:

1. Complete the ETSU application process.
   1. Fill out the ETSU application for admission to the university.  Make sure to select Computing as your major and check the box indicating your interest in the BlueSky Institute.
   2. Send all transcripts from High School or previous colleges attended.
   3. ACT/SAT scores are optional for admissions but students are encouraged to submit them for placement purposes. If they are not submitted, students will need to take placement exams once admitted.
      1. Students with a 2.29 high school GPA or below are required to submit ACT or SAT scores.
2. Complete the BlueSky Tennessee Institute application.
   1. Complete the BlueSky Institute application.
      1. You can view more information below about the essay questions on the application.
      2. 
         The application will require 3 references. Please have permission from your references before completing your application.
   2. 
      If invited, participate in the interview days.
      1. References will be contacted if invited to the interview by BlueSky staff
3. 
   Fill out the FAFSA for the 2026-2027 year (after January 1, 2026). 

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Application Questions & Required Qualities/Skills

When you fill out the BlueSky application, you will be asked to answer three questions. The questions along with the personal qualities and skills we are looking for in an applicant are shown below. 

Application Questions

1. Why do you want to pursue an accelerated degree in computing through the BlueSky Institute? (1-2 paragraphs)
2. Tell us about a time you overcame a challenge -- how did you identify and address the issue/situation? What was the outcome and what did you learn from the experience? (1-2 paragraphs)
3. Why should we choose you? (1-2 paragraphs)

For each of these questions, please keep in mind the personal qualities and skills mentioned below. 

Qualities and Skills

• Professional Maturity

  Because this is an accelerated work-based learning program that can end with a job offer, students must demonstrated advanced maturity for someone their age.
• Ability to Self-Assess and Seek Support

  Students must be self-reflective and have strong instincts on when they need to seek support. Though we will have indicators to assess how a student is doing in the program, we will not always have a lens into how a student is feeling; students need to illustrate that they can/will seek help when needed. 
• Enthusiasm for the Field

  We are asking students to make a career decision relatively early in their lives; as such, they need to demonstrate significant enthusiasm for the field.
• Interpersonal Skills / Relationship Building

  Because the BlueSky Institute program will follow a cohort model where teamwork will be valued/necessary, we need students to demonstrate an ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Demonstrated Interest in and Ability to Lead

  We want a BlueSky Institute student to, one day, contribute to and lead projects and programs as needed. As such, students must have an interest in leading others.
• Persistence Through Adversity

  Students will be asked to complete four years of coursework in 24-27 months; we anticipate this to be incredibly challenging and, as such, students must have a record of persistence through adversity (pushing through / successfully navigating challenges to reach goals). 

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Application Deadlines

Fall Deadline

• 
  All application items due by Friday, 11/06/2026.
  • Interviews conducted at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee 11/30/2026 - 12/04/2026.
  • 
    Decision notifications by January 30th.

Spring Deadline

• 
  All application items due by Friday, 01/29/2027.
  • Dates for the interviews and decision notifications are currently pending evaluation. 

After the Deadlines

• 
  If there are still slots available, additional applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
• Applicants may receive one of two decisions – Admitted or Denied.

Please note that you will receive TWO decisions from this process- one from ETSU and one from the BlueSky Institute.  Admittance to ETSU does NOT guarantee participation in the BlueSky Tennessee Institute.