I am not a musician and music is not the biggest part of my application at all. I am a researcher and applying in STEM; i have some intel awards and other research awards. However, I have played piano all my life and have some state and was accepted to an international summer piano festival. I am nowhere near a prodigy at all, but should I submit a piano supplement to HP and other Ivies, or would it hurt/not matter because my main EC and my career path is not piano? Would it look odd that I have some awards in piano and one international award, but I didn’t submit a music supplement? I am torn.
Here’s my take on supplements to top research universities and LACs: consider the quality of supplements that others will submit. Even for HYP, music supplements would be of the quality to a top conservatory, art supplements to a top art school, and research supplements are ready (or almost ready) to be published (if they have not been already).
As an example, here is what Yale says:
https://admissions.yale.edu/supplementary
When it comes to college applications, more ≠ better. At some point, the old adage applies: the thicker the file, the thicker the kid.
I think it makes sense to submit a piano video only if you plan to contribute your musical talents to the colleges you are applying to. Do you plan to minor in music, play chamber music, or play as an accompanist for college productions? If you are an outstanding pianist, there is no program for piano performance majors, and you want to contribute your talents, then submit the video and make your intentions known in your applications.
It won’t get to faculty unless your app itself is that competitive. That’s more than Intel and research awards. Be careful you understand what matters, in toto.
@skieurope Ok, thanks! I don’t think I’ll submit the music supplement.