<p>Hey guys, I have a couple of questions. How common is it to be a talented artist in the applicant pool of the top schools (ex. Ivies, Stanford, MIT)?? I know there are a lot of musicians... but I don't know about artists. And also, would it be overkill if I submitted a portfolio, a supplemental recommendation from my art teacher, and an essay about my passion for art? If so, which one(s) should I leave out?</p>
<p>Well, several of the schools I'm applying to, at least, take the common app arts supplement, which asks for a portfolio and additional recommendation from art teacher.</p>
<p>I too am curious about the number of talented artists in applicant pools at top schools.</p>
<p>Oh I know most schools have the option of submitting arts supplements, I'm just not sure how many people actually do it (for visual art at least).</p>
<p>Hi I<3Pi,
My D submitted an arts supplement to Princeton University in '06 and was admitted! We had heard that Princeton was recruiting more artists. She has just completed her freshman year at Princeton.
I don't think it is overkill to submit all that you are thinking of submitting. How will they know about your art otherwise? My D submitted a CD of some of her award winning pieces, an arts resume, and 2 recs - 1 from her art teacher and another rec from her history teacher who praised D's ability to communicate academic topics through art.</p>
<p>I think being a visual artist is an enormous advantage. At elite schools over 50% has done music, but less than 20% has done art. Therefore, a good portfolio is a rarity. Talent in the visual arts is useful in engineering, biology and necessary in architecture and graphic design. This makes visual artists attractive for schools for many disciplines beyond fine arts. Also may kids strong in art go to art school, which is one reason for <20% stat for elite schools. Portfolio is easiest to present on slides or CD.</p>
<p>Alright thanks College Mom and mythmom!! It's very encouraging to hear what you've said :]</p>