Hey CC! I’ve done some digging on this forum and couldn’t really find a definitive answer, so I thought I’d post. I’m applying into a STEM major to t20s, and music is one of my strongest ECs (I’m probably around the top 15 players in my grade in one of the most competitive states, think CA, TX, NY). I believe my music supplement is good and t10-20 conservatory-worthy, but I don’t really plan on writing about music much in my essays or pursuing any form of music education in college. Is it worth submitting a music supplement here (including two pieces ~10 minutes total, plus music resume, plus strong rec letter from teacher of 10+ years)? I’ve seen some contrasting opinions - some say that it won’t hurt, others say that it clogs up the AO’s time. Thanks for any and all input!
Since your playing is at conservatory level I would send a music supplement and LOR. I would check to see if the colleges you apply to have a preferred format/length for such supplements.
Yes, you should submit a music supplement. However, make sure that it’s within the guidelines, in terms of length. I was told that the committee listened to my kid’s submission, which somehow I think was only 3 minutes long? Maybe I’m not remembering correctly. But I am sure they wouldn’t have listened to 10 min of music! Also, I know that you don’t intend to pursue music in college, but are you interested in playing in chamber music ensembles? Do you have the ability to play keyboard in a pit orchestra, or for a jazz ensemble? Colleges that don’t have conservatories or schools of music, and that don’t offer performance majors, still have need of musicians on campus for ensembles and shows, so unless you have absolutely no interest in playing music in college whatsoever, you should leave open that possibility on your application. Colleges may ask what activities outside the classroom that you are interested in, and may factor this into admissions.
Thanks for the comment! Most colleges I am applying to recommend ~10 minutes as the optimal length of submission. I am interested in continuing music as a hobby in college, so I wifll consider indicating interest in those ensemble groups.
Did you mean top 15 in your state? You wrote top 15 in your grade…
How do you know you are conservatory-level? If you are, the advice would be to definitely submit. You do not have to plan to major or minor in music or even plan on music EC’s at college to benefit from submitting. Participation in music shows discipline and hard work as well as talent.
It sounds like you are already ready to submit a supplement with recording, resume and LOR.
My kid actually cued the best 3 minutes in each of two pieces, so that is an option.
Are you a composer or instrumentalist?
Thanks for the comment! I meant top 15 in my grade, in my state; however, my grade is probably the most competitive, so maybe ~top 30 in my state. I’ve gotten feedback from local music school professors + my music teacher that I would be a good candidate for top music schools, so I’m assuming I’m at a good level to apply to conservatories.
I also can’t believe I didn’t mention this in my posts, I play the piano…
When you wrote “top 15 in my grade” i interpreted it as within your school, but when you mentioned “competitive” states I got it. Just wanted to clarify! Good luck!
Agree with the others here, assuming you’re at conservatory-level it would certainly help!