Multiple supplementary materials?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

Hey everyone,

I applied Yale RD in December, and I just received their email regarding supplementary materials recently. I emailed them asking if I can submit multiple materials, and by that I mean materials from three different areas: arts, music, and film. I didn’t get their response until recently so I submitted all of them. However, they responded saying “we recommend you to submit materials from one area of your strongest”. Does that mean they will only review my supplements from one area?

I will just briefly list my accomplishments in the three areas, and you will probably understand my struggle of choosing between the three ares lol.

For arts- 1st place in a National drawing contest, works displayed in the National museum and war memorial museum, and I just received offers from RISD with 3k scholarship and SAIC with presidential entrance scholarship 5.8k. More importantly, two of my artworks correlate with my main essay really really well.

For music- playing piano and organ for 12 years, and has worked with a number of regional and provincial orchestras (yes I’m from Canada><). I have my own band, and I have composed a number of solo works and pieces for the ensemble.

For film- I was awarded 1st place in the provincial student film festival. My film teacher said my category consists works from college students of film majors as well, so the achievement is pretty significant.

So my questions are:

  1. Does anyone have experience of submitting materials to multiple categories? Did they look at all of them?
  2. If they only look at one category, which one of the three do you think are more appealing for Yale? For example, does Yale favour music supplements over arts supplements?
  3. As I mentioned above, two of my artworks are significantly linked to my personal essay, which really demonstrates my views and personalities, so I think it is important for the reviewer to read my essay first before looking at my supplements. (I know that sounds a bit ridiculous lol but do AOs look at supplements?)

I understand there aren’t much things I can do about it at this point. Maybe I should email them the category I prefer them to look at? Also, my cousin will probably have the same problem next year when she apply (Music VS. Arts), so I will ask for her in advance as well. Thanks for any replies!

2

@melody99 - the admissions office first looks at your application, and, if passes muster academically, then sends your supplement(s) off to an appropriate arts dept. for review. In general, it is a good idea not to send admissions officers too much supplementary material. But if you are exceptional in all three areas and are applying as a double-major in fine arts and music, then maybe more supporting material will be helpful.

Of course, if you have shown your art work in galleries and/or have performed with the Toronto Symphony, etc., then you are in a different group of applicants from everyone else. But you don’t have to be a prodigy to get into a school you love. You just have to show why you love the school and why you are a great ‘fit.’