<p>I have been playing viola since I was in 5th grade, and it's really become a passion for me in the past few years. I'm currently taking private lessons, and I'm the principal violist in our regional orchestra. I'm also in a string quartet. I've never tried out for all-states because I've been busy with other commitments, but I've dropped those and I plan on trying out this year (I'm going to be a junior). I'm also going to try out for a precollege program for senior year.</p>
<p>I know this is a shallow question, but do you think I will have a better chance of getting into college given the above information? I don't plan on going to a conservatory, but I am interested in either double-majoring or minoring in music (or even just playing in the school's symphony orchestra).</p>
<p>I have a 4.22 unweighted GPA on a 4.5 scale, and I got a 200 (out of 240) on my PSAT when I took it sophomore year (I'm hoping to improve this for junior-year PSATs and SATs). So far I've taken all-honors core classes, and I'm taking 3 APs next year. I was wondering if playing viola could be the factor that sets me aside from other applicants and puts me in a better position for getting into upper-level colleges. Any ideas?</p>
<p>Thank you in advance for your help.</p>
<p>Colleges like seeing students who are passionate about an activity and viola sounds like it would be the thing for you. Just understand that it isn’t going to make stand out, it’s more like meeting the minimum requirements for such competitive schools.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you. I know that there’s really no surefire way to get into the more competitive schools, but it’s good to know that it will at least help me to be considered.</p>
<p>Many school music departments will be eager to have an accomplished violist, especially if you enjoy chamber music and orchestra. Have you considered submitting an arts supplement?</p>
<p>If you’re not academically qualified, it won’t help.</p>
<p>If you are academically qualified, then I think it will probably help more than playing Xbox, but less than playing left tackle.</p>
<p>Yes. It will indeed help. </p>
<p>Being a musician is a VERY good EC.</p>
<p>You might even take a look at a school like Oberlin, which is half liberal arts, 1/2 music.</p>
<p>Actually, playing viola can help immensely! It’s not technically a “hook” but it’s pretty darn close. Viola is one of those instruments that are rarer and therefore more sought after than others. Viola, oboe, stringed base, etc. </p>
<p>You should do an arts supplement for all your schools regardless of whether or not you plan on playing at all in school.</p>
<p>Being a great musician is great. Understand that lots of applicants, more than you can imagine, will have the years of music commitment you have. Strings are not usually the orchestra seat-filling edge that other instruments can be. Why drop regional and chamber (which makes them seem less significat to you) for a shot at All-State? It’s always better to keep up with commitments, not pare back unless there’s a darned good reason. Why not wait until after 12/31 to decide? (In my area, A/S is a winter thing.)</p>
<p>@lookingforward: While most strings aren’t exactly sought after instruments, viola is one of the few that is considered an “endangered instrument.” The strings that are the “orchestra seat-filling edge” are usually viola and stringed bass. </p>
<p>As far as All-State goes, you should try out. If you can’t do it because of commitments then you can state on your resume “Auditioned into All-State Honor Orchestra 2012” whether you go or not. I wouldn’t drop other things for All-State. Audition regardless, participation isn’t mandatory.</p>
<p>If I get into the All-State orchestra, I wouldn’t drop the regional orchestra or the quartet. As far as I know, All-States are only one weekend during the winter (obviously I would have to practice a lot during the weeks prior though).</p>
<p>Also, thank you everyone for your help. I’ll definitely look into the arts supplement.</p>
<p>Have a related question here. Unless you submit the arts supplement, would the admissions board not consider your talent ? In other words, is an arts supplement required ?</p>