<p>I've played piano for ten years now, and have won numerous, even several prestigious, awards for my piano competitions. I consider my self a strong pianist. My quesiton is, what kind of advantage am I looking at for my abilities? Also, I know I should send video tapes of myself playing the piano, but, other than that, what should I do when applying to college?</p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>Send an arts supplement on your application. You can list some of the awards and honors you have received in piano. </p>
<p>In response to your last question: make sure your essays are good. They matter a lot. You could write an essay related to your piano studies and performances, or about anything else.</p>
<p>This is your advantage relative to other applicants:</p>
<p>average student < pianist < tragic life story that you overcame < sports prodigy < famous person (actor/bestselling novelist)</p>
<p>Being an excellent pianist is only helpful if you have everything else where it needs to be (gpa, SATs, essays), if those things aren’t up to par being a pianist won’t help you (unless you are applying for a music major/department). However if a college is trying decide you and another student with the same stats (hypothetically) you should get the spot.</p>
<p>Just my opinion/experience.</p>
<p>Nolan, there alot of information here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/738525-how-strong-music-ec.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/738525-how-strong-music-ec.html</a>, including links to numerous posts addressing supplements.</p>
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<p>You will need to check the submission parameters at each school both for suggest/recommended repertoire, as well as submission media.</p>
<p>Also, do a search within this forum <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/common-application/[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/common-application/</a> on either my user name or using “supplement” as the keyword.</p>