USING Music to Get Into a School

Applying to College
1

I’m a little confused on how the college music supplement process goes. I’ve read all over the site and have found that yes, people do use music supplements as ways of getting into top colleges (Princeton, Yale, Georgetown, Williams).

Do you apply to the school normally and then audition for the orchestra? If this is the case, then how can a music supplement help as much as people make it seem? If the admissions office sees you as a strong candidate and then sends the application over to the music department/orchestra dept ( this is what I’ve read happens), is there a higher chance of being admitted into that school?

From what I’ve gathered, I have the best shot at schools with no music conservatory/music programs (Yale, Princeton, UPenn, etc.) just because they won’t shut out non-music majors

I hope to be able to use my musical achievements to my advantage in applying to colleges this year just because my academic stats aren’t stellar; just average for the schools I’m looking at (33 ACT, 3.83 GPA)

Concertmistress of a state orchestra (Oakland Youth Orchestra)
Second co-principal of another community orchestra (Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic)
Winner of the 2014-2015 Michigan American String Teachers’ Association Concerto Competition
2013-14 OYO Symphony Concerto Competition
2 Place BBSO Young Artist Competition
1st Place 2011-2012 OYO Solo Competition
1st Place 2008-2009 DSO Youth Competition
Theresa Schuster Memorial Award 2012-2013
Southern Great Lakes Symphony Finalist 2012-2013

I’ve also played in chamber groups, with professional orchestras and youth orchestras.

Any advice, input, answers regarding the admissions process - anything is appreciated!

2

If you’re not auditioning for a music program, you generally record a supplement based on the specifications provided by individual colleges. The supplement is then sent to the music department, where they provide feedback and give it to admissions (or possibly don’t if it’s bad, I’m a bit unsure on whether they will send negative feedback to admissions). If they’re impressed, then yes it can positively impact your application. Most college websites walk you through the process for submitting music supplement. You generally audition for orchestras after you are accepted to the university. From what you’ve listed, submitting a supplement would almost definitely give you an edge in the admissions process. However, there are also some uncontrollable factors that you should be aware of such as how many other applicants that play your instrument are applying and how accomplished they are. If you apply anywhere with rolling admissions, do it early as they may still be searching for people playing your instrument.