Hi everyone.
I’m wondering if the inclusion of a music supplement to my application will assist in the admissions process for me. I am planning on majoring in International Relations and potentially minoring in music depending on the school. The two schools I’m most interested in are Georgetown and Brown.
Three of my ten EC’s are music-related (in which I hold leadership positions and have been presented awards, etc.). I don’t want to overdo the musical aspect of my application, but if submitting a supplement will give me an edge over other applicants then I want to submit it.
I’d love to hear any comments, advice, or experience about this.
If you’re a talented musician then do the supplement. At elite schools they know that most people who submit a supplement will not end up majoring in music. If you play a very common instrument (sorry violins and pianos) then the potential boost will likely be slimmer. But either way, all admissions officers I talked to were firm that a supplement was the right idea especially if your ECs revolve around music and you have some honors/awards.
As a side note, when I was applying for colleges I also met with people from the music departments at all the schools I was interested in. I would highly recommend meeting with the director of whatever group you’re interested in (orchestra, choir, etc) and also with the specific private teacher at the school. Sit in on a rehearsal if you can or even a class on theory. Or both. I just sent off some emails to professors and directors and most were incredibly willing to meet, discuss their work, etc.
While I ended up committing early to another school, Brown was among my favorite music department meetings. Alternatively, meeting with the department of certain other schools convinced me to never apply.
@Lagging Thank you so much for your input. Would you be able to provide me with any information as to how to go about creating/submitting the supplement?
Thank you very much.
It has been a few years since I applied, so supplemental requirements may have changed. Check with each school and also check the deadlines. Sometimes the deadline for an app is earlier than the normal app deadline if you’re choosing to do a supplement. Also note that generally in-person auditions are considered preferable to supplemental recordings.
If you don’t want to spend money to create the supplement I’ve found that music teachers at high schools often have decent recording equipment and mine were always more than willing to help record for auditions. You could probably also go to a professional studio although it seems highly unnecessary. Alternatively ask your private instructor for help/advice.
If you submit a resume as part of the supplement then make sure to include your private instructor in addition to the groups/awards/leadership roles. Section leader, principal positions, etc.
If you’re submitting to multiple schools I’d pick a fairly safe piece that’s standard for your instrument and performed well. You don’t want to risk choosing some modern piece that will turn off a more conservative professor.
I created my entire supplement in one day (the day it was due) and it was very stressful and not the quality I would have wanted. I’d encourage you to start early and have it done well in advance.