So I have heard from a few students that it is possible to send a recording of you playing a music piece as a supplement to your college application. Is this true? Have you heard of this? And if so, what kind of music are colleges looking to hear?
FYI I’m a junior right now.
For example, my application will be centered around foreign languages, why I love them, and why I wish to study more in college. I take two foreign languages in school, speak three at home, am taking a summer course this summer for another, and most of my extracurriculars focus around languages and culture. I especially love Spanish, and my application shows that (I don’t want to get into the details). As a supplement, I want to play a spanish music piece which I have perfected over the years. Is there any possible way to send a music piece through the common app, or other applications?
Depends on the school but some do allow you to send in what’s commonly referred to as an “Arts Supplement.” Generally schools say the supplement can help your application or do nothing for it depending on the displayed talent and need of the class, but that it shouldn’t hurt your application. Usually you submit this as part of a supplemental application. Generally more selective schools are the ones who allow these supplements.
The type of music (or any art, again it’s an arts supplement) depends on what YOU do. If you’re a jazz saxophone player and that’s what your resume shows then they would probably expect jazz. If you’re a classical cellist then they would probably expect that. If you love Spanish culture/music then they would probably expect (and enjoy) a piece that shows that. Keep in mind that in recent years more schools require the supplement to be a video rather than just an audio recording. You can search for a specific school and arts supplement to see their requirements.