Should I send in a Arts Supplement?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Electronic music production is something I'm very passionate about, and I'd love to have that on my application. However, taking a look at the requirements for the Arts Supplement for Stanford, I'm not sure I can fulfill them all. I mean, I'm not sure what a musical resume is. I guess I could put my many years of violin experience on there, but as for the composition side of things I don't have much to go on, seeing as it's a hobby, not an official thing I do. I guess I could get a letter of rec from my Music Theory teacher in Junior year, although I haven't shown her any of my outside work and she doesn't know me super well.</p>

<p>I've only been doing electronic music production for a while, but I feel like my application wouldn't be complete without a few of the tracks I've worked on. I'm probably going to do an essay or two on how I get a ton of inspiration from my music, and I feel as if the way I could truly show, not tell that, is by doing a supplement. The thing is, it being a "fine arts" thing feels like it's more suited for classical or jazz music, not the type of stuff I'm doing. Has anyone submitted their own compositions and songs before to Stanford? How did it go?</p>

<p>Sorry if I'm being rather vague here, I'm just kind of lost in the whole application process right now.</p>

2

<p>“I’ve only been doing electronic music production for a while, but I feel like my application wouldn’t be complete without a few of the tracks I’ve worked on. I’m probably going to do an essay or two on how I get a ton of inspiration from my music, and I feel as if the way I could truly show, not tell that, is by doing a supplement.”</p>

<p>It seems as if submitting a supplement would be the path of least regrets for you. </p>

<p>But before you decide to submit one, you should know two things:

  1. The application deadlines will be substantially earlier if you opt to submit a music supplement than if you opt not to (Oct. 15 v. Nov. 1 for REA; Dec. 1 v. Jan. 1 for RD)
  2. The admission office doesn’t actually listen to music supplements; they send them to the music faculty, and the faculty both scores it using a numerical rubric and writes an evaluation of it; the rubric and the evaluation become part of your folder. </p>

<p>“Sorry if I’m being rather vague here, I’m just kind of lost in the whole application process right now.”</p>

<p>Just relax. Focus not on getting in but rather on representing yourself authentically. Have fun when writing your applications. View this process as a journey of self-discovery.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, I’m going to do SCEA for Stanford. Am I correct in assuming that I can only apply early to Stanford, and I have to wait until January to do MIT and Princeton and Harvard and every other super reach school?</p>

<p>So if the music faculty is going to go over it, are they going to be equipped for reviewing electronic music? What if it is not to their taste? I mean, I see that Stanford has a Music, Science and Technology major, meaning they at least have some faculty in computer music. In my opinion, my stuff is instantly recognizable as amateur. I’m not a total expert with the software and all, and I don’t have top of the line plug-ins and hardware. However, I have tried to create a sound that is uniquely mine, and hopefully it shows to them.</p>

<p>Can the Arts Supplement actually hurt in decisions? And the inverse, how much can it help? What’s this “folder” about? Does it mean they take time to review and re-review each applicant’s files, all 30,000 of them? </p>

<p>I feel like I’ve given it my all at this point, and having to submit 2 weeks early is something I’ll have to do. I don’t have a ton of ECs or leadership positions at all, but I do have a passion in electronic music, and I want to show that to Stanford as much as I can. This is something I’ll definitely keep on doing in whatever college I get into.</p>

4

<p>Your are correct in assuming that if you do apply REA to Stanford then that’ll be your only early application with some exceptions for public universities (more info here: [Restrictive</a> Early Action : Stanford University](<a href=“http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/application/decision_process/restrictive.html]Restrictive”>http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/application/decision_process/restrictive.html)). You’d have to wait until regular to apply to Princeton, MIT, and Harvard. May I ask why you’re planning to apply early to Stanford out of all these schools? </p>

<p>Regarding music supplements, see this portion of Stanford’s website:
[Arts</a> Supplement : Stanford University](<a href=“Page Not Found : Stanford University”>Arts Portfolio : Stanford University)</p>

<p>Pay careful attention to this piece of info: “Applicants with extraordinary talent in the fine or performing arts may submit supplementary materials for review.”</p>

<p>In your case, I’m not sure I’d submit a supplement. Supplements are used to identify kids who’d be able to really contribute at the collegiate level. I don’t believe there’s an electronic music group at Stanford. But then again, I’m not the person to ask about this. Perhaps you should contact the admission office itself? I can’t answer your questions about whether a crappy supplement will hurt your app. I’m inclined to say don’t submit it if it’s going to waste the music faculty’s and admission officers’ time…both of those groups of people have LOTS of work to do, and any unnecessary reading for them may make them dislike you. On the other hand, I definitely know that an extremely positive music supplement can (assuming that you’re qualified academically) get you admitted. </p>

<p>But having said that, I’d highly recommend writing essays that showcase your passion for electronic music. Stanford loves people who’re passionate about what they do. </p>

<p>Regarding your file–this contains your Common Application, teacher and counselor reports, Stanford Supplement, transcript, interview report, music supplement report (if you submit one), and admission officers’ comment cards. All 38,828 files (last year’s pool size) are read by a full-time admission officer. That officer eliminate the ones who are clearly incapable of doing the work at Stanford (about 20% of the pool). The remaining 80% go on to second and third readers. All readers comment at length about every portion of your application. Your regional admission officer will then present your application as well as the comments made by all the readers to the entire admission committee. They’ll discuss you for up to an hour. Then they’ll take a simple vote. Majority is needed for admission. </p>

<p>This is how it works at almost all the highly selective universities (HYPSM), though there are some small differences. You seem a bit surprised by the fact that they actually read all of them…well, they care very deeply about their classes, and they also have deep respect for everyone who applies. As Harvard’s Dean of Admission says, “The process is meant to be deliberate, meticulous, and fair.”</p>

5

<p>Well, to answer your “Why Stanford over other schools” question, there’s a few reasons. I simply feel like it is the best environment for me to be in for the next four years. I’m not discounting other schools, and I’m sure I’ll do fine anywhere I attend, but I love the general atmosphere (from what I’ve heard) of Stanford. Where everyone wants to make a startup, where everyone has aspirations, where everyone is immersed in the Silicon Valley environment. The most clear cut goal in my life I have at this point is to create a indie video game from the ground up. Everything I’m doing right now is geared toward this, and to that extent, I’m working on my music composition, computer programming, art design, and other skills. And I can’t think of a better place to start that than at Stanford. (Hopefully I can make that into a somewhat coherent essay).</p>

<p>“Applicants with extraordinary talent in the fine or performing arts may submit supplementary materials for review.”
Ha, now I’m beginning to second doubt myself. I haven’t put out any masterpieces yet, but I have a few hopefuls coming up. In any case, the supplement information comes out on the 15th, and then I have a month or two to assemble a working portfolio. Or not.</p>

<p>Thanks for the information on how the process works. Looks I’ll at least make it into the second round, assuming the 20% that are removed are based on academics (my definite strongest suit).</p>

6

<p>basicspace: If indeed Stanford is your top choice then apply REA…and you have until 10/15/13 deadline if you are applying with Arts Supplement as discussed above…</p>

<p>…having said that, you mentioned that you have longstanding background in violin versus your recent passion for electronic music production…at what level is your violin talent versus your electronic music? I can’t tell by what you have written…You have to ask yourself can my musical talent stand on its OWN to be admitted to one of the major/minor conservatories…excluding my academic record…have you won any awards or recognition for your talents locally, regionally, state, national, international? You have to be HONEST with yourself…because I am sure you have met or heard of students your age who have dominated their instruments whether it be violin, piano, cello, conducting, and maybe even in the area of electronic or classical composition as we speak…I know the musical world with its talented prodigies/stars is well-known in many of the sophisticated communities in the bay-area, LA, NY-northeast area, Chicago area, Seattle area, Salt-Lake area, Europe, Asia…</p>

<p>…when Stanford means “extraordinary” talent in the Arts…they mean it. As you know Stanford seeks athletic talent at the HIGHEST level (usually national or international)…so, when they seek future artists, musicians, composers,etc…they must also be, by and large, at the HIGHEST level (usually national or international winners)…they don’t have to compromise…</p>

<p>…as you know, about 80% or more high school students play an instrument on a regular basis (many for several years beginning in middle school) and many play in their local school orchestras, bands, community orchestras, etc…the majority of students at this level DO NOT submit any music supplements because they know who they are up against…similarly, over 80% of students are involved in some type of athletic team or individual sports while in high school…but, the majority of these students are NOT recruited for their sport…even at the DIV-III level schools…</p>

<p>…this is why all TOP schools look for OBJECTIVE measures like state, national, international competition RESULTS besides what a student states or their teacher/maestro writes about them…you can understand why…</p>

<p>…having this in mind, you have to make a decision…will my supplement HELP me or HURT me in my application to Stanford…because Stanford’s music department will either CORROBORATE your HONEST assessment of your talent or REFUTE your BIASED assessment of your talent…you can only answer this question since I am not privy to your ACTUAL talent…</p>

<p>…hope this helps…</p>

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<p>I don’t believe you need awards to demonstrate passion in an activity.</p>

<p>And I disagree. Top schools are known to be more subjective in admissions than objective. That’s why it’s called “holistic.” They look at everything. Sure, you might have sold out a solo viola performance at Carnegie Hall, but will that alone propel you to Stanford admission? Does one have to dedicate their life to an activity for it to be considered a viable EC? And why Stanford if you’re an award winning musician before the age of 18? It’s not known for music, after all.</p>

<p>Believe me, if the admissions process was objective, I’d be all set for any top 20 school, with my academics and all. However, I realize that a lot more goes into the decisions than grades and AP classes and SAT scores and all. My hope is that doing an art supplement will fill in a few blanks concerning my application and validate my passion for music composition, which I’ll be doing essays about.</p>

<p>“You have to ask yourself can my musical talent stand on its OWN to be admitted to one of the major/minor conservatories”
This is a hobby of mine. I’m not looking to turn this into a full fledged career. Although that would be really cool. Also, I’m applying to Stanford, not Julliard.</p>

<p>“I am sure you have met or heard of students your age who have dominated their instruments whether it be violin, piano, cello, conducting, and maybe even in the area of electronic or classical composition as we speak”
If you look at famous electronic music producers out there, by and large they are young, often only a few years after 20. I’m inspired by their stories, even if their stuff isn’t particularly to my tastes. None of them have or need degrees in music. I don’t either. Same with “dominating” young violinists, pianists, conductors.</p>

<p>I do see where you’re coming from though. I ask the same questions to myself. 'Is my stuff really going to sound that good to them, or should I just write about it in the essays and hope they get what I’m saying?"</p>

<p>I understand it’s tough to get into Stanford. But I find it hard to believe that all admissions looks for is the people with the most awards under their belts. From what I’ve heard, they look for interesting people. And while those qualifications may make for a unique and standout applicant indeed, I don’t think you need to be in the top 1% of violinists or basketball players in the nation to show that you have a passion in those areas.</p>

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<p>^^you are correct…one does not necessarily NEED to have won awards to demonstrate PASSION…but, is your arts supplement EXTRAORDINARY: 1.very unusual or remarkable 2. unusually great or highly exceptional…</p>

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</p>

<p>…they will be COMPARING your SUBMISSION with the other students who are talented enough to get into Juilliard…</p>

<p>…and, you are correct, many of these students are applying to Stanford and its academic peers (not known for being conservatories)…because many of these students DO NOT necessarily want to become concert violinists, pianists, cellists, or composers (despite being gifted)…rather, most of these students happen to be ACADEMIC stars as well who want to become doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, etc…</p>

<p>…these “extraordinarily” talented students in the arts seek a great LIBERAL ARTS and SCIENCES education that is not limited to the “arts”…that is why so many of the top musicians and artists ATTEND Stanford, Harvard, Yale, etc…</p>

<p>…it is the same reason why many of the TOP athletes attend Stanford over other schools that are MAINLY known for their athletic programs…because these students aren’t stupid…they know that most high school TOP athletes like TOP musicians will be pursuing successful careers outside of their EXTRACURRICULAR activity…</p>

<p>…there is nothing wrong about just writing about your “passion” in your essay without submitting a music supplement (that will be potentially hyper-analyzed and compared with other submissions)…there is a lot to be said about keeping things a “mystery” when it comes to revealing one’s true talent level…think about it…</p>

<p>…I am just trying to be objective and help…since you did pose the original question…‘Should I send in a Arts Supplement?’…you can take it or leave it…</p>

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<p>Sorry for mega-bumping my old thread. I didn’t want to clutter the forum by making another one on the same topic.</p>

<p>So the Arts Supplement deadline is fast approaching. In fact, there’s 6 days left. Here’s the deal. Much of my essays make reference to music production. The what matters to me and why is entirely based around it. I feel like it’s the only thing differentiating me from a sea of other Asian males going into CS.</p>

<p>But I’m not ready to meet the deadline. I have only 1 work right now that Stanford would like (the rest is amateur dance stuff which I don’t even like that much), and it takes me at least 12-24 hours of solid work for a song, time which I don’t have right now, with school and all the revision I have to do on my essays.</p>

<p>Would it be detrimental to my application if I based most of it around music, and yet not show for it when they provide a place to do so? Like, would they think that I might be hiding something? It really worries me.</p>

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<p>If you have an art supplement, give it to your teacher(s) and ask for feedback. If you get great comments, then go for it. Just remember they are looking for something extraordinary not just to show you may do something better than average people. I know someone submitted the REA already and did not bother to add art supplement even she was nominated outstanding piano soloist of the state. It is that competitive.</p>

11

<p>Alright, I figure the extra 2 weeks to edit my essays is better than squeezing in an Arts Supplement. I’d imagine that while certainly my stuff would be unique, it definitely isn’t extraordinary in any case, and probably wouldn’t gel well with Stanford’s music department either.</p>

<p>Thanks for everyone’s input.</p>