<p>I'm applying to HYPS, and music is a pretty big part of my application and my life, but I'm not a prodigy or anything. (ie, I haven't won any big contests or been a soloist for an orchestra or anything like that) and I'm not planning on majoring in music. However, I am the principle violist of my local youth symphony and I have played in All-State orchestra, so I am definitely well above the average. </p>
<p>So my question is
a) if the admissions people would expect to see a music supplement, given the level of music involvement I've had (in other words, would my musical achievements still help me even if I couldn't show that I was a prodigy at music?)
b) whether the supplement would help me if it were very good, but not "OMG NEXT WILLIAM PRIMROSE" perfect</p>
<p>From what I've read, they don't want a supplement unless it's VERY GOOD. However, if you think you're that good, go for it. It could definitely show them your skill and how your hard work has translated into ability.</p>
<p>"If youve made a substantial commitment of time and energy to one or more of the arts and you wish to have that considered as part of your application" - this is exactly what it says on the Common App arts supplement.</p>
<p>Especially since music has been a big part of your life, I think you should send a supplement. The purpose of the supplement is to give admissions officers more information about you, something that is hard to do within the confines of the regular application, except for in your essays. Any information is good information! You do NOT have to be planning to major in your arts area.</p>
<p>I'll have to disagree with SJTH for HYPS. Search the forum for past threads. There have been many.</p>
<p>The quality of musicianship at Yale and Princeton is exceptional, with Harvard and Stanford high, but a bit less so. We are talking a number of undergrads at the conservatory talent level pursuing academic undergrad degrees in non-music disciplines. A number of these are actually playing professionally; an additional number have studied with major name teachers for years. A number of these students will go into masters levels conservatory programs after completing undergrad studies to persue performance careers.</p>
<p>Allstate, principal may not cut it at these programs as a supplement. The level of talent is just VERY high. If you've bagged a competition placement, played pro or semi-professionally, have professional assessment from active former performing musicians or consider yourself conservatory level ability and potential, by all means submit.</p>
<p>If you don't fall within these parameters, my honest assessment as the parent of a performing musician who has played professionally with and known a number of Ivy students and grads is don't bother at HYPS. It may well be worth a shot at many other fine programs, but the bar is incredibly high here with a broad depth of performance and academic talent within the applicant pool and student bodies.</p>
<p>Sorry to potentially burst your bubble, but the average talent is easily lost from a supplement standpoint. You will have many opportunities at most of the Ivys to enhance and refine your musical skills alongside some world class talent should you wish to, but it have will no impact on an admissions decision unless you can honestly place yourself in that peer group. If you can, by all means submit.</p>