<p>S is applying ED2 to a small, selective LAC. The app is due in less than 48 hours. The college supplement says it wants music supplements uploaded to a website (like youtube) where they can listen at their convenience (no cds). </p>
<p>S is having recording troubles now. If he uploaded an inferior recording (hissing sounds) today and replaced it with a clearer version next week (shortly after the deadline), is this a problem? Is it ethical? Would anyone know? </p>
<p>His other alternative is to wait and submit his application regular decision. He is not a music major.</p>
<p>I would say to have him upload the inferior recording now and then call the Admissions Office on Monday when they’re open, explain that he realized there’s a hissing sound and ask them if he can “reload” with the same recording minus the interference. I’m sure they’d say yes. I wouldn’t risk missing the ED2 deadline over something like this.</p>
<p>So, this school has a deadline before 12/31? Pretty unusual.</p>
<p>momof3sons’ suggestion is a good one, but I’m not sure about uploading a less perfect version now, and replacing it in a day or two, as what’s to say it may not be reviewed (in whole or in part) as soon as it’s uploaded, unless the school gives you a formal ok to do so. </p>
<p>The supplement may or may not make a difference in admissions in terms of data points. It’s contingent upon his talent, the specific institution, possibly the instrument. It may have little or no part in an admissions decision.</p>
<p>There is nothing unethical about replacing a recording for submissions purposes prior to submission for technical (read as reproduction issues, not technical instrumental skills problems) provided that you are re-recording the submission, and not using electronic/software means to “clean-up” or enhance the poorer version. The standard boilerplate for music school admissions is that recordings are to represent the essence of the live event, and not be enhanced by edits, track combining, overdubs, etc.; there is a broader range of philosophy regarding technical clean-ups of “noise”, but the majority are in the “redo it if necessary” category. The same parameters should apply to competition, scholarship, summer program, festival, audition recordings and prescreens. Trained ears can spot electronic enhancements fairly easily. </p>
<p>The best advice might be to call the school, and get either informed advice directly from an admissions counselor familiar with music/supp submissions. They might grant a reasonable delay to you in terms of uploading the supp. </p>
<p>Getting an adequate recording for uploading/submissions purposes varies considerably based on the parents/students equipment and skill levels. The best advice is to leave yourself enough time to re-record if necessary.</p>
<p>For those looking down the road, there’s plenty of advice in the music major forum.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your suggestions. violadad, a question for you…S does not plan to be a music major and may not wow folk with over the top talent. That said, wouldn’t it look weird to have a resume with tons of music ECs, but NOT submit submit a music supplement to back up these efforts? FWIW, S’s real talent is music (contemporary, modern music, folk-rolk-reggae kind of thing) and lyric writing.</p>
<p>Again, how the supp is viewed, and what effect if any on how or if it will give an admissions boost is really school contingent. It can mean nothing to a small scholarship (even for a non-music major) but it’s so school contingent that generalities do not apply. Without knowing the school, I can’t say and might not have insight even if I knew the institution. Maybe a little late to help your situation, but for potential future use, I’ll direct you here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/738525-how-strong-music-ec.html?highlight=music[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/738525-how-strong-music-ec.html?highlight=music</a> both for the thread itself, and the supplement links I’ve previously posted there.</p>
<p>Some of the best advice can be to meet with the music department/faculty when visiting and selecting choices even as a non-major, as they are in the best position to advise prospective students on the impact/effect of supps, specific needs, wants, scholarship opportunities, and potentially the amount of “like-minds” musically within the general student population.</p>
<p>Supps can be submitted (or not) for any number of reasons, and poor quality or lack of time may be one of the big reasons not to. Typically, an app with music heavy EC’s, awards, etc. will show a high level of committment, and there are schools that won’t accept a supp under any circumstance. The hardest part of determining how or if to submit is establishing a benchmark of a student’s talent and accomplishment within a national (and international) applicant pool. This is where the assessment of a high level instructor or performing musicians can be very helpful in guiding an applicant. Most gcs and many high school music instructors/educators don’t have the expertise or experience to guide a student as to whether they should submit.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>MomofGK: My older D, now a college soph, did not submit a music supplement but was very active in music activities in high school (and has continued to participate as a nonmajor in college)…didn’t seem to be an issue in her case.</p>
<p>Thanks all. In reading over the common app, it really seemed like it would be inappropriate to change the recording after the fact without consulting with the school. So, DS did the best he could and then submitted it. The recording isn’t ideal, but its not bad. In fact, it has a tiny bit of home-made flavor that some people might like. (He wrote, played, sang, and recorded the music he submitted. ) Who knows how this all will play out!</p>