So I’ll be applying to Wharton ED this fall and wanted some input as to how valuable a music supplement would really be.
UPenn isn’t really known for being a “music-y” of a school as, say, Yale is. How big do you think a good music supplement will play a factor in the admissions process? Would it really set me apart from all the other (extremely) smart and highly competent Wharton applicants, who, I’m sure have great talents or unique qualities themselves? If it was Yale, this would be a different story. This is Penn, though, and I’m not really sure how the music atmosphere is over there. But in applying to Penn, I would like to show that I could be a valuable addition to their orchestra or as a member of a music organization or ensemble.
The Penn website says this:
“Most students who are admitted to Penn do not submit supplemental materials. All of the information that we feel is crucial in making an admissions decision is contained within our required documents. There are some students for whom some additional information can be beneficial, but we recommend that you think very carefully before sending in supplementary material. If information is already included somewhere in your application, that information does not need to be submitted again in supplemental form. In many cases, too many extra documents can take away from the strengths of an application.”
At this point, I’m just looking for anything to set me apart or give me an edge over the thousands of other ED applicants who have started non-profits, run their own micro-finance clothing companies etc etc.
Send in the music supplement or no? I should mention that like 4/10 of my Common App activities are music (competitions, leadership experience, awards etc). I don’t want to overdo the music aspect of my app and “take away from the strength” of my application
If your supplement is of the quality of students who are accepted by conservatories, you should absolutely include it. If it’s just “very good,” it will detract from your overall application IMO, which follows Penn’s recommendation.
In general, adcoms don’t listen to your music supp. It would go to someone in the music dept- for some schools, only if they think the rest of your record is strong. But in general, it also matters whether you are mentioning a possible music major/minor or somehow convey you expect to be involved in campus music activities a lot. Otherwise, why do they ask addl faculty to stop their own work and review you? This isn’t as simple as just confirming your talent.
So, you need to be focused on how you will come across in your app and what the school looks for. If I had to toss a coin on this one, I’d say send it. But it won’t tip anything if your basic app and supp aren’t on target.
My son was a Fine Arts major, so not sure how relevant his experience is.
The majority of his ECs were related to cello: professional work for theater companies/weddings, etc, tons of community service, solos, high level orchestra, busking, and so forth. He definitely submitted a music arts supplement (as well as an animation supplement).
He also sent a link of his solo w/ orchestra to the Penn orchestra director and got good feedback.
I would say if you are an outstanding musician and would be an asset to the orchestra or to chamber groups, send in the supplement.
@sbjdorlo Thank you for your input. Did your son simply email the director before he submitted his application? What did he say in the email when he sent it?
He emailed the director after he had applied because he didn’t play his solo with the orchestra until mid-February. I think he just asked for feedback-you know, trying to find out if he was good enough to be competitive for their orchestra.
I’m applying to the College of Arts and Sciences, and I had a similar question. When the Penn rep came to my school, I asked her about submitting an arts supplement, and she told me that if you are not applying to a music program they will not review your music supplement. Obviously this seems like reliable information since it came directly from an admissions representative, but I never saw the same information anywhere on the website. Has anyone heard something similar?
@rosewood98 I asked the rep a similar question in regards to Wharton, and she said that they would look at it but wouldn’t be able to evaluate it… but I’m still not sure what that means lol
I think “applying to a music program” could be taken to mean, planning on being involved in music in some way (orchestra, chamber music, etc). My son wrote in his “why Penn” essay that he definitely planned to join a music group/music groups. I still think if you have an exceptional talent, you should submit a supplement.
In a similar position as the OP, but applying to Arts & Sciences at UPenn. I’ve been composing electronic music for the past few years, and would like to send my stuff in. I think my stuff is quality enough, I’ve gotten offers from different small record labels and blogs to release my stuff, but would there even be anyone at UPenn to review electronic music? And if my stuff isn’t actually that good, will it hurt my application?
Go for it! Maybe the music dept. will take a listen. Do you think your stuff is good? I think you should know that based on what others are saying. My son’s cello teacher wrote in his letter of recommendation that my son, should he choose that path, could be a professional cellist. Maybe you can get an extra letter from someone who knows the quality of your music.
