Trying to figure out what qualifies as art supplemental, especially for non-art major. I am obviously biased when I say that my daughter is artistically gifted - I have no proof other than private art teacher’s words and wows from everyone who sees D’s work (and I am 100% sure they are biased, too). D refuses to take her artwork seriously, participate in any competitions, take AP art at school (since it would mean one less class she truly wants to take) etc, so at the end of the day there is no way to assess how good she is. Last few months, she has taken to pottery painting - she says she likes it better than oil on canvas because it requires more imagination and concentration to picture the end product after it comes out from the kiln.
We all treat it as a hobby - it is a great de-stresser for D, and IMHO a wonderful use of 3-5 hours a week.
Sorry for the preamble, here comes the real question - can this be considered an EC (she’ll be doing it whether or not it is), and would it be worthy to submit as an art supplement, and what would it involve - just pictures or actual pottery pieces? Again, right now she treats it simply as a hobby and since she doesn’t think she is “good enough”, she gives away most pieces as gifts to relatives, friends, etc.
On one hand, I want this to remain a pure relaxing/joyous hobby it is now, but if it may give her a boost in admission (humanities, foreign language major), should I do anything, and if yes, what exactly would that be? Thanks in advance!
So notice the qualifiers “extraordinary” “significant” etc.
Generally, my advice is if the portfolio is something an applicant would submit to an art school/music conservatory, etc., then submit it. If not, don’t - it will just be distracting “stuff.”
A word about the logistics of the arts portfolio: they require photos of ten pieces, preferably in a single medium, as well as an “arts resume”. They specifically nix “ceramics” so I don’t know where that puts you with regard to painted pottery. In my D’s case, it was helpful to have had some awards and other concrete validation for entry into the resume portion. I have no idea if my D’s portfolio helped get her in, but her art was a huge focus for her in HS that she pursued largely independently and spent an enormous amount of time doing. She tried to convey that in the EC portion, as well as in the additional information section of the Common App, and submitting the Supplement was a way to further underline its importance. Having said that, if you go the Supplement route, the work should be very high level and the portfolio should be carefully assembled/professional quality. Also note that it will move up your D’s admission deadlines. I don’t think a weak portfolio will hurt anyone, but as @skieurope says, it’s potentially a needless distraction. Only your D can decide…
Just keep in mind that any art supplement should by Stanford’s own words be showing “extraordinary talent.” If your D’s artwork does not meet that very high standard then she would be best off not submitting a supplement and simply including it as an EC.