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<p>I have photo prints that I want to supplement to my application. I don’t have copies to send to all schools. What is the best format to send supplemental visual art work in? I also have of architecture models I created from a summer architecture program I attended, again what is the best format? Also how much weight does admissions place on this subject in the admissions process?</p>
<p>My understanding at Amherst is that it's worth it to submit an Art Supplemental if that is an outstanding feature of your application, an essential focus of your high school career. If it's just a throw-off, or you're doing it since it's there and can be created, then don't bother.</p>
<p>I'm not suggesting yours is one thing or the other. I couldn't tell from your posting how important it is to you and how good you think the work is.</p>
<p>I know from the Theater Department, for example, they'll send over the supplements and have faculty read them. If they are outstanding and add to the application, that would be indicated when sent back to the regular admissions process. </p>
<p>It can't hurt your application, but could help if it's really excellent work.</p>
<p>S-1 (Amh '05) thought he wanted to major in Theater or LJST, but didn't feel when he applied that he had anything remarkable, although he had been in every school production and some community theater. He chose not to work up an Arts Supplement but put all his heart and soul into his general application essays. He ended up a double major in Theater and Music, and is now a hardworking actor in NYC. He discovered excellent training and education in theater and music, all within Amherst's fine academic environment, but didn't come in with a shiny arts portfolio at age 18. They are happiest with majors who incorporate an understanding of theater within a Liberal Arts education. It's not a B.F.A. kind of place.</p>
<p>S-2 (Chapman U/Dodge College of Film '11) lived for playwriting, had an outstanding portfolio, and sent it off to be reviewed as an Arts Supplement. He hoped it might overcome some weaknesses in the Math/Science part of his academics. It did not. </p>
<p>I'm declaring his portfolio "outstanding" only because he WAS accepted by two extremely competitive film schools, one in NYC and in So.California with the same portfolio and theatrical resume (12% admission rate in film; 25% in screenwriting admit rates). </p>
<p>I think this is interesting evidence that even a fine Arts Portfolio won't pole-vault a person into Amherst if there are issues with his academic qualifications. I'm not saying you have issues in academics but I'm sharing that S-2 did, and he wasted his time applying, hoping the Arts Portfolio would carry the day at Amherst. </p>
<p>We later learned that S-2's combined SAT scores, very weak in Math, were below the level of consideration even for legacy (older brother a recent graduate). We didn't realize this and basically wasted an application. Amherst was right to take S-1 but reject S-2. S-2's demonstrated skill and talent in screenwriting will take him far, but not via Amherst. </p>
<p>There is justice and wisdom in the above story, don't you think?</p>
<p>I hope this gives you some indicators about whether it's worth your time to work on the Arts Supplement.</p>
<p>Conclusion: If it's "knock your socks off" work to show them, then prepare an Arts Supplement for Amherst. Otherwise, just work those interests, or what they mean for you, into your essays.</p>
<p>Thanks, excellent analysis and advice.I am very good student, not outstanding, very good ice hockey player, not outstanding, very good artist, writer, photographer and designer, not outstanding. I am passionate and dedicated at all three. Amherst seemed a fit when I visited so I will take your advice</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amherst.edu/admission/2008_applications/FirstYearSupp2012.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.amherst.edu/admission/2008_applications/FirstYearSupp2012.pdf</a>
Scroll down to page 7 for instructions on how to submit a visual arts supplement. Actually my son followed the Amherst format even though he ended up applying ED to another school and never did send it to Amherst.</p>
<p>Some other less selective LACs that value artistic talent and might be a similar fit would be Conn College, Hamilton, Wesleyan and Kenyon. Williams also, but it's as selective as Amherst. In my opinion artist+athlete is a good hook for any of these schools.</p>
<p>Excellent advice from above posters who are always wise. H is professional photographer, and he does slides for arts supplements. He has a very good track record for getting kids into schools. Haha. Slides are definitely the way to go.</p>
<p>Vassar might be a good choice. They might feel a male athlete something they really want, and the arts are strong at Vassar.</p>
<p>A word about arts supplements. In my experience they are more influential than music supplements (and my kids are musicians not artists.) Over 50% of kids applying to selective schools are musicians, but less than 20% are artists so artists are in shorter supply. Supply and demand mandates they are more attractive.</p>
<p>Musicians are important to fill ensembles, but artists are important to keep art departments going. If you don't think your work is that impressive, but all means, spend tomorrow creating something really spectacular. Eight slides is a good number.</p>
<p>Edit: oops. I realize that I made an assumption that you are male.</p>