<p>My parents and my counselor seem to think it'd be a good idea for me to send some kind of arts supplement to my colleges. The general wisdom among adcoms, though, seems to be "the thicker the file, the thicker the student" and, frankly, I don't think I'm a good enough artist to merit adding a supplement. I mean, I'm pretty good at guitar and songwriting and I've been in a couple of bands, but I'm not at, like, Carnegie Hall level (though I have played in a pretty famous nightclub). I'm pretty good at piano/keyboards, but at rock music, not classical, which is what I'd assume they're looking for. I'm also pretty good at drawing and other visual art, but only at the level of being, say, one of the top three students in my art classes, maybe. The most important issue, though, is that I think it might take away from the overall theme of my application. At this point, I'm trying to scale back any "jack of all trades" appearance I might have, to show adcoms that I really am focused on a couple of things, and I'm afraid that sending a supplement might compromise that, but it might strike a chord with them in some way. I don't know. Thoughts? If you think it's a bad idea, how should I phrase this to my parents?</p>
<p>Colleges want arts supplements only if you are extraordinary. From your description, you seem to be the perfect candidate NOT to send an arts supplement.</p>
<p>THE perfect candidate not to send one? Gee, thanks… Anyway, I just ended up telling them nicely to do their research on the subject.</p>
<p>I’m the same, even though I am a ‘classical’ pianist. I’ve taken piano lessons for so long, but at most I have one state award, and no solo-performances or anything. I’m still submitting mine, though. I hope it just doesn’t hurt.</p>
<p>Many colleges won’t review an art supp, if you are not planning to major in that direction. These would usually be reviewed by an art dept person, ime, and adcoms may not call on that staff unless it’s an important part of your app. You could include a link, to a few of your best pieces or some that won some attention or award. Where that sometimes helps is if you are trying to show you’ll pursue multiple interests in college. Good luck.</p>
<p>I agree with lookingforward. An art supplement gets sent to the appropriate dept. for evaluation - and makes sense only if you are planning to major or at least minor in that area. As an aside, if you were a potential music major, type of music you perform is irrelevant - and supplement would be appropriate.</p>
<p>Yep, I’d love to start up a quartet that performs gigs for money on the side. I also thought that since I made music such a big deal in my essays, it would seem weird if I didn’t even try to send an art supplement, which was an option.</p>
<p>Well, thank you so much for your replies!</p>