<p>I have a decision to make as of now. The early with arts deadline was too early for me, so now I'm torn between applying EA w/o arts (Nov 1) and regular w/ arts (Dec 1). My dilemma comes from comparing the advantages of early action and arts supplement.
Checking the statistics for my high school, Stanford has accepted an incredible 29% from my school EA, and only 6% from my school Regular, resulting in 9% overall. My immediate reaction was that the early applicants from my school are extremely outstanding (I personally knew a Robotics captain, a highly qualified black musician, insanely smart people all around, etc.) But part of me wonders if these statistics are the result of merely the students or something special about applying EA from my school. After all, 29% for EA is much higher than the nationwide 10% EA, which is still a very competitive pool. </p>
<p>In the contrary, there's not much statistics on arts supplements and its benefit. I've been playing the piano for 11 years and I've put a lot of time into my pieces (I think my interpretation and technique will be impressive), but then again I'm Asian and I'm not sure how much I'll stand out, especially given they're looking for "exceptional talent". Does anyone know how much arts can factor into the admissions process? </p>
<p>Basically, I really want to show my musical ability, but I'm wondering if Early Action would be more beneficial, especially with my school's exceptional admission rate (again, any input on whether it's due to solely the applicants, or maybe my high school in general?)
Thanks!</p>
<p>I think you should apply regular with supplement. I believe that my supplement (live theater audition) was super helpful in getting me admitted to Stanford - my regional officer even mentioned that the department had specifically pushed for me after the audition. Stanford’s really trying to boost up the arts and humanities, and if you will be an asset to that, it’s best to show it off. Best of luck, hope to see you on the Farm next year!!</p>
<p>I second regular with supplement. I went through the exact same dilemma. In the end, I decided that I would rather put my best foot forward (with the supplement) than apply early but feel rushed. Thankfully I was succesful. I’m pretty sure my application benefited greatly from my supplement. </p>
<p>Thanks so much guys! I’ll definitely consider it and not feel bad if I miss the early deadline (haha). If I may, can I voice a concern?
I’m an asian male applying to computer science and planning to submit a Piano supplement. That’s about the most generic applicant I can think of. I’m not really sure where I’m going with this, but I’m just conflicted over how much submitting one would help. I could presumably link you guys to my recordings, but I’m not sure how I feel about that just yet haha. </p>
<p>Just my $0.02 as the parent of a non-Asian piano playing student who applied REA last year with a supplement (he went from deferred to accepted, btw): If you are playing conservatory level rep at a competitive level, I think you should definitely submit a supplement. I believe it can absolutely help, and it certainly can’t hurt, especially if your pieces are already recorded and ready to submit. </p>
<p>@ProvocativePanda - forgot to add: My ds has made <em>many</em> new piano playing friends at Stanford, and many of them are Asian. In fact, I just sent him some four-hand piano duet sheet music! </p>
<p>I know of a student who, several years ago, applied Regular Decision to Stanford from a top-ranked private day school with an excellent track record of getting students into Stanford and other top-tier colleges. This student was half Asian and intending to major in Computer Science but also very accomplished (years of study and performance) on a particular instrument. The student submitted an Arts Supplement and was admitted. I recommend doing the same–don’t send in a “lesser” application just because the odds of getting accepted in the early round may be higher.</p>