arts supplements: to submit or not to submit?Answered
I'm currently trying to decide whether to send in an arts supplement to Williams.
I haven't sent a supplement to most of my universities simply because I'm an international student and we approach art differently- I have fewer 'finished' pieces and a lot more unpolished sketchbook work. I also have more 'applied' work like graphic design and photography than US art students seem to have, and many schools don't accept that type of submission. I'd consider myself a decent artist though- I've won some school awards and a 'national' competition for fine art (probably equivalent to a state/regional US competition since it's really just schools from the 2-3 major cities participating).
I'm a bit unsure about sending a supplement, mostly because I've seen so many Youtube videos of accepted arts supplements and they're MUCH better than my stuff. I don't intend to pursue an art-related major but I think a supplement might help my chances and show well-roundedness. Do colleges mark you down if you have a portfolio that is below their standards, even if your interest is in a different field?
Basically: could submitting an arts supplement hurt my application, and how good do you have to be for your supplement to boost your chances?
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2 answers
I submitted a supplement to a college I later got accepted into. It would be wise to contact some admissions officers to see if supplements hurt your application or not. For my college (connecticut college) they told me it would not hurt my chances. Trust me, I watched those videos too. The way those art teachers critiqued the students' work was something that was scary to me, but I submitted mine anyways. I cannot answer for every school, but in my opinion, adding art to my application showed the school I was willing to look at what they had to offer in academics and the visual arts. TLDR: Ask your admissions counselor for the college, and if it doesn't hurt, submit submit submit :)
Hi @safaryi!
I would recommend sending it. Since you're not applying for an arts-related major, the point of the supplement is less to showcase your abilities vis-a-vis other students, and more to give admissions officers a glimpse into your hobbies and expression. You'll also probably do better than you think, considering you've already won some regional awards (and are therefore not a total beginner).
I would, however, spend some time to improve your pieces the best you can if they're not as "finished" as the school recommends. If you need help figuring out the format, I would contact the school directly or see if you can find information on their website.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
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