Hi, I am a current high school junior interested in applying to some very selective schools (ie Princeton, among other ivies). I am strong academically (honors, APs, mostly A+s throughout HS) and extracurricularly (very involved in school and community, some leadership and music awards). I am trying to find my “stand out” factor and am considering using my artistic skills to my advantage. I’ve only taken one basic art class in high school (didn’t take any more because I wasn’t learning anything new in the class, it was kinda useless in my case lol) so I’m worried that if I don’t submit an arts supplement, selective colleges will frown upon me having taken such an ‘easy’ elective class, as well as since I am no longer involved in my school’s art department, I haven’t been able to receive any art-related honors or awards. I guess my question is, is it worth it to submit a visual arts supplement? I by no means have an official portfolio outside of what I completed in the basic art class (a number of realistic drawings in charcoal, graphite, colored pencil…) but I could put one together/draw more things if needed. Also, I don’t plan in majoring in the visual arts, probably not even architecture (I’m thinking about something else engineering or business related). Would a visual arts supplement still be a wise decision to help me stand out/suffice to boost my admission chances?
Oh, and I will gladly show you my work in a private message if that would help in giving advice.
Thank you so much, I value any and all of your input!
Based on what I’ve read, I’d really recommend against it. There are countless posts here that you could look through that stress the fact that you should submit supplementary materials only if the work is exceptional. For art, this would be works that would be considered competitive at schools like RISD. Although you may have a talent in the arts, since you have not taken any other classes to further this practice, I think it would be safe to assume that you shouldn’t submit this work as you haven’t had a chance to refine and hone your skills (basic arts class will most likely not do this).
If you don’t believe it from me, at least take note of what Yale’s website says: “Please consider sending visual art materials only if your accomplishments are truly outstanding for a high school artist, and if your work is a strong and important part of your application. Submissions that demonstrate an average or merely competent level of ability for a high school artist will not help your application.”
In fact, it could even hurt you: “There are cases in which too many submissions, or submissions that do not reflect a high level of talent, can actually work against a candidate.”
The best way to gauge whether your art is exceptional or, in Yale’s words, “truly outstanding” is to submit it to national art competitions and proceed only if you receive awards for it. I chose to submit my art portfolio to places like Yale and Princeton because it helped demonstrate my passion for something that I love. To give you an idea though, this was the same work for which I received 3 National Scholastic Art Awards for.
Don’t underestimate yourself. I’m sure you have a way that makes you truly unique and the college that’s right for you will notice that. You don’t have to try to find ways to give you an “edge”, though. Best of luck bud!!!