<p>I have been dancing since I was three (ballet, tap, and jazz for the most part) at a private studio and for the past year have been taking ballet at a community college. On my applications this fall, do I mention that I plan to continue doing this in college? In Fiske's Guide to Getting Into the Right College, there's a list of major universities that are strong in dance. I am applying to three of these universities in state. Will it matter more to them that I dance than a college that has a weak dance program? Or vice versa?</p>
<p>If you plan on doing it in college, mention it. It probably will matter more to a college that has strong dance programs IF you’re planning on majoring in dance/dancing there. If you’re majoring in biomedical engineering and you dance, they’ll view it as dedication to an extracurricular.</p>
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<p>No, actually. (We have experience with this.) For a college with strong dance programs, a dancer is important to them simply because the dancer <em>may</em> continue dancing (even if not stated), and secondly because the college is acquainted with how much discipline & commitment is involved in dance, & thus values dance in itself, as an e.c.</p>
<p>Thus, if the OP may possibly or will definitely continue dancing, specifically mention that, but if she does not think she will continue, simply referring to how much dance she has done is still very important to such colleges. (Obviously you don’t need to say, 'I don’t plan on continuing in college, if you don’t.)</p>
<p>Mention it. Even colleges that don’t have strong dance programs will consider the discipline and passion you bring. Schools want to know what you will bring to the community. If it’s continuation as a trained dancer, tell them.</p>
<p>OP, I was a ‘likely’ admit to Stanford a couple of years back and believe in hindsight
that my supplemental material (Dance) and sincere statement that I was interested
in minoring in dance helped my application (even more so than my academics).</p>
<p>Do send in a dance supplement (DVD with you dancing + Repetoire resume +
dance teacher recc) on top of whatever indication you may give about your
dance pursuits in college. In any case you will enjoy yourself making the DVD!</p>
<p>Do they really want to see a repertoire/letter of rec if I only plan on minoring in dance? I mean, I feel like dance shouldn’t be my focus in college, as I don’t plan on having a career in dance. But then again, dance has always been a big part of my life.</p>
<p>Also, how do I mention that I want to minor in dance? Do I throw it in under my extracurriculars?</p>
<p>My daughter’s school doesn’t have a strong dance program, but surprisingly the school has many dance clubs. My daughter is in a dance club with many pre-professional dancers. When they put a recital together it is always well received. She also teaches at a local ballet company. Even if a school doesn’t have strong dance program, a dancer could add a lot to the community. My daughter did send a dvd as a supplement.</p>
<p>waitingforcal, the colleges want to see anything that will help them get to know you; anything that might make you stand out or be memorable in some way. Getting a letter of rec from a dance teacher is perfectly reasonable, even if you don’t want to major in it. It shows dedication, passion, commitment, ability to work hard, etc. A good recommendation can highlight these aspects of your personality.</p>
<p>There’s no reason not to send it.</p>
<p>Chedva, that is so true. I am definitely getting my ballet teacher to write me one. =]</p>