<p>I am first year applicant to Tufts, who has heavy extracirricular emphasis on music and wishes to send in a recording to show my nonacademic skill. However, I am aware that admission office do not physically listen to recordings, and will simply ignore it and dispose the CD if I send it along with my application. So one of my music teacher highly suggests that I email a faculty in the musice department and ask her or him what I can do in this situation. But I am not sure about this because I do not wish to major in music, but I wish to continue music as an extracirricular (play in recreational club or music group, that is) I am also aware of the audition that needs to take place if one wants to join certain music group. So it kind of becomes confusing for me...</p>
<p>So I don't know what to do: if I get lucky and send in a recording (that means a faculty member wishes to listen to it), it still isn't helping in terms of getting into the school because the music department has no connection with the admission office (unless I stress that "if you want me in your music group, then ask the admission office to accept me, which is, hahaha plausible?) Yet, not sending it in makes my application so much weaker (or at least it feels alot weaker) because I have dedicated so much time (2000+ hours) into this activity. </p>
<p>Any suggestion?</p>
<p>If you’re not going to major in music, then take a break and relax. There’s no need to send anything additional. If you’re admitted to Tufts, you’ll have access to the full range of activities. Nothing at Tufts is “major-only” and although there are some audition only group, there are a wide range of programs that don’t require auditions, too. Plus, if you’re proficient enough to be inclined to send a CD, you likely don’t need to worry a ton about auditions. </p>
<p>Your application isn’t made weaker by not sending a CD in. And believe me, the time you’ve put into music will find other ways of making an impact. Either your recs, or your own essays, will draw on the talents and perspective you’ve gained; it’s virtually impossible to play that much music without it affecting your personality and since so much of our admissions process is about personality and perspective your music will be meaningful, even if we can’t hear you play. </p>
<p>And besides, you didn’t put in all that time just for a college app, I hope. You did it because you genuinely like what you do.</p>
<p>okay, so you think the recommendations and the essays along will be able to show my work? Isn’t it only going to benefit me if I send a CD (meaning it won’t hurt to send one?) </p>
<p>And with that being said, has anyone ever encounter a case where certain department decides to talk to the admission office about this student’s work? I appreciate your post by the way.</p>
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<p>What I’m saying is a little different from that. I’m saying that in our admissions process, the perspective you gain from your activities and pursuits (in this case, music) is often more relevant than the precise proficiency level you can demonstrate. Of course, we’re thrilled to admit students with exceptional abilities and talents, but that isn’t where I’d focus my energy when putting together an application for Tufts. </p>
<p>Take a look at our supplemental essays, and perhaps you’ll see how much of our application is about understanding the personality and perspective of our applicants. We don’t ask, “Tell us about an area where you excel.” Instead we ask you to tell us about your voice, your life, and your interests.</p>
<p>DanAdmiss, at commonapp.org it is indicated that Tufts accepts the common app arts supplement. Do I understand from your answer here that if a CD is submitted, it will be tossed out and no one will listen to it? I am asking because my son has already made the CD and had his music instructor write him a recommendation, following the instructions in the common app arts supplement. However, if Tufts will not listen to the CD, there’s no point in me packaging it up and mailing it off. :)</p>