<p>have you looked at schools like Rice, or Vanderbilt?</p>
<p>I do not have any Cs, but I do have a couple Bs, mainly due to issues with a sudden move and what not. As boysx3 suggested, I think I really am searching for a measure of how much piano helps, even though I am aware that obviously is not feasible. I basically just want my piano accomplishments to make me stand out more than “oh look, another Asian girl who plays piano.” I am writing a quite different college essay about piano/classical music, so hopefully that will help a lot. Would “unique” circumstances like playing for congressmen and senators help distinguish me better? Also, would my writing strengths stand out cause I’m Asian and Asians are usually more science/math oriented? One more q: should I discuss the fact that I was diagnosed with minor depression and had to get counseling in soph year or will adcoms label me as whiny/sympathy seeking?</p>
<p>With regards to schools/location, I may decide to apply to schools outside my desired geographical range, because I have nothing to lose. However, I do have personal reasons for my locations and I have done extensive college research to come up with my 18-school list. Many of the schools you guys mention are wonderful, but not entirely for me. In terms of financial restraints, my parents are very willing and able to support for my education wherever I go. Restraints are minimal. </p>
<p>My opinion: mentioning a depression, diagnosis even minor, would be more negative than positive. </p>
<p>If location is a non-negotiable factor then you’ll have to make trade-offs in other areas. Only you can decide which trade offs are worthwhile. A test of this would be to answer honestly (to yourself) how would you feel about attending your safety? </p>
<p>There are plenty of Asians who excel at arts and humanities. That alone wouldn’t be a point of differentiation.</p>
<p>PS, I hope Barnard’s on your list. Even though it’s all women, it’s connection to Columbia and location in Manhattan gives it special status.</p>
<p>If you have your list then fine. Why are you posting? I feel that you are asking such questions that only the admissions office will be able to answer after they see your application and the rest of the pool. Go over to the Chances thread to play guessing games. I guess I feel impatient that you aren’t using your brain. You will have to take your best shot just like everyone and see where the chips fall. That’s why you should be thinking about your safety instead of worrying about things out of your control–like other people’s accomplishments. Don’t you have a GC to advise you?</p>
<p>Why do you want to mention depression in your essay? Are you thinking that will make you an attractive candidate? Again, please use your brain. Also, take the time to browse the College Essay forum for posts on this topic.</p>
<p>Of course I wouldn’t mention depression in my essay! That’s a waste of space. My essay is already 99% written. I was going to add depression to the additional info section, if at all. I would talk to my GC, but he’s only been in the business for 2 years (not very knowledgeable). In my original post, I never even asked for college suggestions. I never asked for it, people just recommended, which is great and I appreciate that. All I was merely asking from this thread is how my accomplishments would stand compared to those of other applicants, and if they are able to “somewhat” compensate for my not-so-great GPA. I think it’s a very natural thing to wonder, especially as a junior who just wants her hard work over the years to pay off by attending a dream school. I obviously understand that my question cannot be answered concretely, but I just wanted to read others’ thoughts. </p>
<p>Momrath- which of the Ivies would you consider more “arts-friendly”? I think I have an idea, but just making sure. And I never considered any women’s colleges in the first place, but perhaps if I visit Barnard in May I will add it to my list.</p>
<p>Just to clarify: an arts supplement will definitely benefit me, even though they see the awards and accomplishments, correct? I don’t want to spend too much time on stuff that will have so minimal of an impact.</p>
<p>Among the Ivies I think of Brown and Yale as being the most “arts-friendly”; however, I’m sure you could make a case for each of the others as well. In fact, being less well known for music may even be a plus in competitive admissions. They all have respectable music departments and they all admit talented musicians.</p>
<p>At small LACs, like Williams or Wesleyan, an arts supplement will be noticed especially if you indicate that you’re interested in continuing your involvement at college, either as an EC or as a major. The music department will evaluate your talent and your potential contribution to the campus community. This isn’t a guarantee of admission, but it is a boost.</p>
<p>At larger schools, it depends. My suggestion would be to devote the time to put together a polished recording. Not submitting one would seem, to me, risky as other talented students will do so. </p>
<p>Since this is your primary EC, I would put together a music package – including the recording, the essay that you mention, an additional recommendation from an instructor or mentor, a resume that lists courses, achievements and awards, performances, courses etc. </p>
<p>No way to quantify the impact but in applying to selective colleges in a crowded field, why leave anything to chance?</p>
<p>Since you’re a full pay, did you apply early anywhere? With or without supplement? What was the outcome? The answers may help you calibrate your list.</p>
<p>The Ivies will be fierce competition. Be aware of that. This isn’t just about the volume of applicants but also the fact so many are high performing. Yes, send the music supp, if you are truly good. Don’t mention depression- it doesn’t tip. And, you shouldn’t be 99% done with your essay. Good to have ideas, but there is a lot of growing in the next 6 months. And, here’s a tip: don’t take the essay prompts literally. Try to make your writing relevant to an adcom looking for your college readiness, your fit there. “Show, not tell.”</p>
<p>Momrath- do smaller LACs like Williams and Wesleyan have less musical applicants? I think I will submit the “music package” you suggested. I didn’t even know you could submit a resume for just EC accomplishments, so that is good to know. On the resume, should I include info from my pre-HS years as well?
Lookingforward- my English teacher asked us to write our college essays as an assignment two months ago. She made suggestions and handed it back, but I haven’t made the corrections. However, I did get a 98 on it and I also gave it to another English teacher to read. I think I will definitely use it because I have an experience that is personal and not so generic. If there are other significant events between now and the fall, I might write about those in my supplement essays. </p>
<p>OP, congrats on you high level of achievement in piano! Music supplement won’t hurt but how much it helps, no one knows. I hope you understands that there are many great pianists applying to these selective colleges, and to be honest, at your performance level, almost all have performed at Carnegie Hall in their high school career. Also there are just so many national and international piano competitions, and the folks who will listen to your recordings understand the competitiveness and particularly look for major comps (not many actually) and performances (like From the Top, etc). I spoke with a few music faculties about this and what I was told was that they value more of musicians who not only have achieved a high level of performance, but also demonstrated their passion in music, studying music theory, composition, and chamber music, participating in music festivals, etc. So in order to stand out using music, somehow you need to show that music is an important part of your life, and that you have sought opportunities to grow in every aspect. I hope this helps.</p>
<p>Bearsgarden- that was extremely helpful! Thanks for the info. I am aware that many have performed at Carnegie, which is why I am worried that I won’t stand out even though the Hall is prestigious. What faculties specifically did you talk to? I took AP music theory and got a 5, and use what I learned in that class to compose and sell my music. I perform unpaid at least 2 hours weekly at events and I really just play as much as I can whenever I can. Piano is something really important and meaningful to me, and I hope my application can communicate that. </p>
<p>I was reading the arts supplement requirements for some of the Ivies and many of them seem to actually discourage the submission of extra supplements…Penn went so much as to say that it might “take away from the strengths of an application.” Some schools also say that they can’t guarantee the review of all submissions. Why is this, and should I rethink doing a supplement? </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>If your overall application is not within the general range of an admitted student, adcom will not forward the supplement. Admissions is not going to inundate the music faculty with supplements for applicants with no chance of admission.</p>
<p>That makes sense. But why do they seem to have such a disinclination towards the supplements? Should I reconsider submitting? (3.75ish UW, 4.5~W, 2330)</p>
<p>The disinclination, I’m guessing,is that they have received more mediocre supplements than truly distinctive ones. Some high school students are more impressed with their own abilities than other would be.</p>
<p>That said, if you have a demonstrated music talent that is extraordinary, send in the supplement. If it is not high-caliber, don’t. </p>