For music supplements, can I submit more 'modern' piano performances to colleges? Will it hurt?

I’ve played the piano for about 3 years, though I’m not exactly the best at it. Right now I’m preparing two pieces for my repertoire to submit to MIT in particular (along with an art portfolio), as I feel it’d show another side of me that loves the arts and music aside from robotics and engineering.

And I noticed that past piano submissions all involved performances of classical composers from the 19th century, which sort of scares me, as I’m not quite at that level yet, but with some hard work I can play some difficult pieces.

Which leads me to consider if I could instead submit video game/movie covers or medleys. It hasn’t been done much in terms of college supplements, from what I’ve seen and researched, and it’s one of my specialities in playing piano. I can do a Chopin performance, but I’d also like to add some flair and throw in something from perhaps Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli) or the Kingdom Hearts soundtrack. I feel it’d be more me and more personal, but at the same time I wonder if it’d also put me as ‘mediocre’ and not skilled enough. Should I go along with this or just do two classical performances like everyone else? Thanks.

You are really asking the wrong question. The question you should ask is :Should I submit a music supplement? You answered your own question.

If it’s not adding to the application package, then, IMO, it’s more stuff. If it’s not putting your best foot forward, I’d suggest considering the old adage: the thicker the file, the thicker the kid.

Agree with the above. I would not suggest sending a music supplement unless your playing is of an extremely high (almost conservatory level) quality. Same with an art portfolio (I’m saying this with no idea of your quality of artwork). IMO would be far better off making you music and art activities/interest known on the written part of your application and not sending supplements unless your work is truly outstanding. You need to recognize that admissions officers are swamped and are absolutely not looking for extra things to review. I think below standard supplements can, in some cases, be a detriment to an application as it takes time/focus away from more important parts of the application (remember applications are reviewed fairly quickly).

As an example, my D played violin for ten years, was assistant concertmaster in her orchestra and played solo pieces as well. She was very good but certainly not conservatory level. She didn’t even consider sending a music supplement with her college applications – but she included her participation in the orchestra, private lessons, music competitions on her application. And FWIW she also played violin all four years in her college orchestra.

Of course it is your application and ultimately your choice.