<p>I'm a bit confused. Must you declare music as a first choice major in order to submit an arts supplement? </p>
<p>Does an arts supplement only matter for those declaring music as their first choice major? And does it have any influence on merit scholarships? </p>
<p>Basically, neuroscience is my first choice, but I realized there was not an option for music as a second choice major...Ideally I would like to double major, but I realized I probably would have to negotiate that once I get there (if I'm accepted and go).</p>
<p>I'm a bit hesitant on reversing the choice of my majors just to send in a music supplement, since I would not be pursuing a career in music.</p>
<p>lucy, if you intend to list your choice of majors as #1 neuro and #2 music, you need to fulfill all the application reqs for each major. Each School (Dornsife for neuro and Thornton for music) will review your application materials and will make a decision whether to admit. If it should turn out that both want to admit you (yay!), you’ll never know because they will only notify you of your TOP choice admission. </p>
<p>In your example, the Dornsife major may put more weight on traditional academic criteria, including gpa and test scores, along with all the other items like essay, ECs, etc. There are many competitive applicants each year, so it’s always possible they will pass. However, Thornton gives extra weight to the audition/talent portion of your application. Perhaps they find you completely wonderful and they decide to admit. Listing both majors gives you a second shot at admission, and using slightly different criteria.</p>
<p>Of course, once admitted to USC, there is usually no difficulty declaring a second major in Dornsife if you wish. To be admitted to Thornton for a second major is more restricted and will require additional material. Should you be in that scenario in April (and admission to USC for neuro) you can always talk to the people at Thornton to get advice on how to include music. I believe declaring a minor in music has no such hurdles.</p>