Is this a good idea?

Applying to College
1

<p>So, I've had this really unique experience with marching band: I didn't do it my freshman year, regretted that bitterly, and joined for sophomore and junior year. Then, senior year, I had this amazing opportunity to spend the summer doing research in Israel, so I made a really difficult decision to do that instead of marching band.</p>

<p>Basically, my college app essay tells this story and explains how I feel about marching band (which is that I LOVE it) and what I learned from all these experiences and situations.</p>

<p>Then I had this crazy idea to send along a CD of my marching band's music. I thought it would show how much I love it, and also that we're really good for a high school band. </p>

<p>The rest of my application is strong (excellent grades and scores, lots of other activities that I'm really dedicated to, the research, etc.), but I don't want to seem like I'm sending the CD because I'm hoping that it'll make them accept me, or something. I know that some people send all kinds of weird stuff to college admissions people for that reason.</p>

<p>So, what do you think? Is it a good idea? Will it interest them and show them how much this means to me, or will it make me seem desperate? </p>

<p>Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Well, first, I would contact the school that you are applying to, call their admissions office and ask if that is an appropriate supplement to your application, or if they would even accept it.</p>

<p>For me, I know many small liberal arts colleges might appreciate it, but for schools like UCs who have tens of thousands of applicants, they would probably trash it. It might even take down you down in your "points" system (UC universities base admissions on a point graded system). So, to be safe, call the admissions department to make sure!</p>

<p>Good luck</p>

3

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Just for anybody who reads this next, the school I'm applying to is Northwestern, which does receive a lot of applicants, but I'm applying early decision and to their journalism school, so it's not as much.</p>

4

<p>Northwestern receives hundreds of CDs from students applying to the School of Music. I wouldn't send one since it is unlikely than anyone outside of the school of music would have the time or interest to listen to it.</p>