<p>I don’t believe you need awards to demonstrate passion in an activity.</p>
<p>And I disagree. Top schools are known to be more subjective in admissions than objective. That’s why it’s called “holistic.” They look at everything. Sure, you might have sold out a solo viola performance at Carnegie Hall, but will that alone propel you to Stanford admission? Does one have to dedicate their life to an activity for it to be considered a viable EC? And why Stanford if you’re an award winning musician before the age of 18? It’s not known for music, after all.</p>
<p>Believe me, if the admissions process was objective, I’d be all set for any top 20 school, with my academics and all. However, I realize that a lot more goes into the decisions than grades and AP classes and SAT scores and all. My hope is that doing an art supplement will fill in a few blanks concerning my application and validate my passion for music composition, which I’ll be doing essays about.</p>
<p>“You have to ask yourself can my musical talent stand on its OWN to be admitted to one of the major/minor conservatories”
This is a hobby of mine. I’m not looking to turn this into a full fledged career. Although that would be really cool. Also, I’m applying to Stanford, not Julliard.</p>
<p>“I am sure you have met or heard of students your age who have dominated their instruments whether it be violin, piano, cello, conducting, and maybe even in the area of electronic or classical composition as we speak”
If you look at famous electronic music producers out there, by and large they are young, often only a few years after 20. I’m inspired by their stories, even if their stuff isn’t particularly to my tastes. None of them have or need degrees in music. I don’t either. Same with “dominating” young violinists, pianists, conductors.</p>
<p>I do see where you’re coming from though. I ask the same questions to myself. 'Is my stuff really going to sound that good to them, or should I just write about it in the essays and hope they get what I’m saying?"</p>
<p>I understand it’s tough to get into Stanford. But I find it hard to believe that all admissions looks for is the people with the most awards under their belts. From what I’ve heard, they look for interesting people. And while those qualifications may make for a unique and standout applicant indeed, I don’t think you need to be in the top 1% of violinists or basketball players in the nation to show that you have a passion in those areas.</p>