<p>will be applying with a visual arts supplement too. my dad used to work for harvard admissions in the 60's and believes that i shouldn't let art overshadow the rest of my application for fear of not appearing well-rounded or liberal arts enough for princeton and other ivies. so he thinks i should submit only "one or two" slides, but i think his views are sort of outdated....do you guys think there might be any reason for submiting less artistic supplement material?</p>
<p>edit...yea, sorry for hijacking your thread too. maybe this applies to a lot of us arts applicants though....sorry about that.</p>
<p>I would definitely submit a portfolio of 10-12 slides, along with an artist's statement. That will go straight to the art department. Then make sure the rest of your application reflects your academic achievements (as well as any art awards, exhibitions, etc). </p>
<p>It is true that Princeton is welcoming excellent applicants in the arts. Students applying might bear in mind that the campus has a thriving arts community with many students who are highly accomplished, having trained and participated in some of the country's (and the world's) top arts organizations. At Princeton -- unlike, say, at Harvard -- they have the opportunity to take a full program of courses in their particular art <em>for credit,</em> and this is very appealing. If you want your artistic achievement to help your chances you need to demonstrate developed talent.</p>
<p>ontolome, yes, I think your father's opinions are a bit outdated. Nowadays it's getting exceptionally hard to stand out based on academics alone, and if you have the artistic talent, you should flaunt it! The trend from wanting "well-rounded" kids has turned to more "well-rounded but also REALLY good at something."
The adcom won't even see your slides probably, they'll just get a review of it from the vis art department (they have a list, kind of like sports recruiting)</p>
<p>Again, as a previous visual arts applicant, I agree with aparent5. Do <em>not</em> only send in one or two slides. 10 or so is a good number. An artist's statment is a good idea. I used the "Is there anything else you would like us to know?" essay option for this. Additionally, I would recommend sending in a resume and letter of rec. from your art teacher (if you take classes) along with your portfolio.</p>
<p>Thanks for the creative writing advice, c_j! I hadn't even thought about putting together a portfolio. I was just thinking I'd send in one or two short stories that I wrote. One of my essays will explain my writing, cuz my writing is weird... lol. I can't really classify it in a genre... it's a healthy mix of fantasy, magical realism, and a lot of other wacky impossible stuff. :)</p>
<p>No prob, koala717. Yeah, with my writing portfolio, I sent in three "short short" stories I'd written (a total of 7 single-spaced pages) along with a resume and letter of rec from a published author. I hear from friends that the writers in the department are tough in their evaluations, but I sincerely believe sending in a portfolio is much better than sending in nothing.</p>
<p>does that letter of recommendation with the art supplement count as one of your two main recs, the supplemental one, or is it a bonus on top of it all? :) thanks so much for your advice...very helpful</p>
<p>You can also use it as a bonus on top of it all, if you have someone else to write a supplemental. Princeton does not react with hostility to a limited amount of extra material. Also, do include an artist's statement.</p>
<p>Would submitting a portfolio/tape get a better aid package as well as getting in? I am planning on being a (female) engineering major, but I play a ton of instruments, am involved in theater, and do creative writing as well. I might have a shot at getting in, but may not be able to afford it. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Princeton only offers need-based financial aid so your grades, ECs, artistic talents will not affect how much money you get. If you are in need of aid though, Princeton is known to be generous. They will not make you take out any loans, so the financial aid package they give you will consist of grants.</p>