While serving as "Dean of the Day" on Monday, I got quite a few calls about arts supplements. The Early Action arts supplement deadline is October 1st, so I imagine most callers were hoping to submit portfolios in the next week or so. Here are the most frequent questions I received and how I answered them:
Who should submit an arts supplement?
Anyone who intends to major, minor, or be significantly involved in the arts at UVa should think about submitting an arts supplement. Submission is not required for anyone.
I don't think I'm going to be involved in the arts. Can a supplement help my application anyway?
I guess you could submit a supplement, but consider the fact that your supplement will be reviewed alongside those of students who are going to major/minor. Submission alone doesn't help you. The review by faculty is what could help you.
Can I submit ________ as part of my supplement?
Each type of arts supplement has specific instructions regarding format, length, and submission. There are forms for visual art, dance, drama, music, and marching band. Follow the directions on the form that corresponds to your discipline.
Can I combine a few areas into one supplement?
The supplements go to different departments for distribution and review, so if you want to submit a music and marching band supplement, you need to submit two supplements. One will get sent to the Marching Band Office and the other will go to the Department of Music.
The October 1st deadline is really early. Can I submit late?
Yes, October 1st is early because faculty need to review the supplements and send their notes to the Office of Admission in time for our Early Action review. I don't think late submission will help an Early Action application.
What about the Common App Arts Supplement form?
For now, we want you to use our forms. We don't want recommendations (those are mentioned on the Common App's Arts Supplement form). Just follow the directions on the UVa forms.
What questions do you have about arts supplements?
There will inevitably be another stretch of calls closer to the regular decision arts supplement deadline (December 1st), so I might have to write an "Arts Supplements 201" post.
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