Have a creative streak? Tell us about it.
If you’re passionate about music, theater, film, or visual art and plan to pursue those interests at Occidental, we encourage you to submit an arts supplement as part of your application. While your academic qualifications are the most important factor in admission, a strong artistic submission can help us better understand your talents and interests.
Arts Supplement Basics
- Submitting a supplement is optional. You do not need to submit one to be considered for any arts program, major, or minor.
- You may submit a fine arts resume, portfolio, or performance sample.
- Submissions must be uploaded through SlideRoom via the Common Application by your chosen application deadline.
- We recommend that students submitting an arts supplement use the Common App instead of the Coalition App.
- Admission officers will always have access to your arts submission during the application review process.
Guidelines for Music Submissions
- Vocalists and instrumentalists: Submit video of at least two works of contrasting style or historical period
- Composers: Include video or audio recordings of two contrasting compositions.
- Jazz musicians: Submit a video of a slow jazz ballad and an up-tempo jazz standard.
- All music students: Include a music-specific resumé in addition to video recordings.
Music submissions will be evaluated by faculty in the Music Department. Evaluations are based on applicant’s skill and capacity to contribute to Occidental’s music program. Submissions indicate an intention to participate in the music programs at Occidental.
Guidelines for Theater Submissions
- Actors: Submit a short video.
- Designers/Technicians: Upload a digital portfolio (photos, models, work in progress, finished projects, design drawings, technical drawings, etc.).
- Playwrights: Submit writing samples.
- Directors/Stage Managers: Include concept statements, blocking notes, samples from prompt books, or other means of showing your work.
- All theater students: Include a theater resumé.
Theater submissions will be evaluated by faculty in the Theater & Performance Studies Department. Each fall, the department hosts a workshop for prospective high school seniors. Contact the Theater & Performance Studies department to learn more.
Guidelines for Visual Art Submissions
- All art students: Upload up to five recent images of your original work.
Visual art supplements are reviewed by faculty in the Art & Art History Department.