<p>@laodicean - it sounds like you have not had any formal composition instruction. Before thinking of college & submitting a symphony to a publisher (which really makes no sense - that’s not how the composition world works - very different than book publishing) I recommend you get a teacher asap - you can find advice about how to find one over at the Music Major Forum - and you should apply for a summer program in composition for this coming summer. Many deadlines have already passed, but there are some that are still open.</p>
<p>Yale College (and not the School of Music which is strictly graduate level and has NOTHING to do with the College’s composition department except sending professors to speak occasionally at the composers’ Colloquium) attracts some of the top composition students in the country - many of whom have won national awards and had many pieces performed, often by professional ensembles. They are the ones you will be competing against with your supplement. That is not to say Yale is the best or only place for a composition student to attend - just one of many good choices if it’s the right fit.</p>
<p>If you are planning to pursue an undergrad composition degree there are many factors you need to consider - again - the Music Major Forum has multiple threads discussing these things. If you just want to compose on the side, the majority of colleges in the country will offer a composition class and music theory in their music departments - usually available to take as an elective.</p>