Dance video for MIT?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

I’ve been doing Ballet for 11 years but spent about 5 hours per week. I didn’t spend more time in it since I’ve got STEM activities and contests to work on. So should I include a dancing video in my application? Clearly it won’t be spectacular from a professional view but good enough to surpass casual, recreational dancers. My thought process is that, for MIT, everyone has STEM commitment so Ballet would probably separate me apart from other applicants? Also I will probably write my essay on it so a video might help legitimate it?

2

It’s great to write about ballet in an essay but a video is unnecessary.

3

thanks for suggestions!

4

There is an art portfolio for MIT where you can submit pics/video, I’d look at it and consider submitting your ballet video. 11 years is a long time to be doing something and I’m sure admissions would love to see you dance and talk more about it.
I did a Maker Portfolio and it wasn’t that time consuming and I really think it added to my application because of the questions in the portfolio and media you can submit. It really can’t hurt your application, it’s just a question of how much it can help it.
Portfolio info for MIT: http://mitadmissions.org/apply/freshman/supplements
Good luck! :slight_smile:

5

@2015Comp Did you see where MIT (and many other colleges) use the words “exceptional talent”?

Just because someone does something for 11 years does not mean they have developed “exceptional talent”.

6

@JustOneDad that’s very true and a good point, but I think if it’s an important activity to them they should at least consider a portfolio, because it’s not just about the dance caliber, but the commitment. You can always do one and show a guidance counselor or teacher for other opinions.

But yes, that is important to keep in mind and something I didn’t address, so thanks for doing so :slight_smile:

Good luck! :slight_smile:

7

I think you can talk about the commitment all you want in the essays, interviews, etc. However, the admissions committees and their proxies do not want to sit through video after video of mediocre performers showing the results of 11 years of “commitment”.