<p>Here is my problem: Pretty much my only "honor" is getting straight A's on my report card since 1st grade. Yeah yeah, whatever.</p>
<p>My school doesn't really bestow honors or awards anyway. The problem is, I have so many passions that I've never really done anything "important" with. My biggest passion is music, and I've gotten 1st chair in my wind ensemble and have done regional ensembles and stuff, but that's nothing spectacular. I just feel like if colleges don't see that I'm winning everything, they'll think that I'm not good at anything. </p>
<p>Most of my time is spent on the things I like doing, stuff that I think I'm good at, but I've never actually entered contests or have been recognized.</p>
<p>If your interests are in the fine arts, then send in a portfolio. If I worked in admissions I would want to see the student's performance for myself rather than base judgment on other people's opinions of the work (awards, that is). If you are a very good flutist then a recording should be worth more than having received an award. List the regional ensembles and being first chair, but remember that as a musician you have an advantage over students who excel in "academic" subjects in that you can send in examples of your work itself.</p>
<p>Your high grades will get you into most colleges in the country. If your scores are strong, you'll also get into top tier colleges. About the only colleges that may be far distant reaches are top 25 colleges, though some public top 25 colleges may be more in reach if you're instate with excellent scorees.</p>
<p>I have the same problem. I also have ran for various psoitions in clubs and such for leadership and just never been elected - it is generally a popularity contest, not something that truly shows leadership. it is my main gripe of the college admissions system.. bleh</p>
<p>MaryCeleste- yeah I am really thinking about making a recording. At many schools, I am auditioning (because I want to be a music minor) as well. </p>
<p>Northstarmom - I have scores/grades that put me on the verge of being ivy-league material, and I figured that honors would put me over the top (if I had any, lol). But yeah, I'm applying to very good public schools that I would love to go to, and I'm relatively confident with those :)</p>
<p>For music (since that is what you mention), definitely send in a CD. </p>
<p>I'm a musician, and I don't play any competitions, so I also don't have any awards. However, my ability is evident on other parts of my application. I sent in a CD, teacher recommendations will mention my playing (think about getting your flute teacher to write one, as well), I listed my gigging under employment, etc. </p>
<p>Try to show your abilities in other ways. If you feel comfortable doing so, definitely ask your teachers to mention them and let them brag about you.</p>
<p>How good do you think you should be to send in a CD of musical performance? I've won a few regional awards, but nothing big. Rather than showcasing exceptional talent, can the CD showcase interest and passion?</p>
<p>It should showcase talent. Many schools send the tapes to music departments, and they can definitely tell a good performance from a poor one. Passion is probably evident on your activities list and maybe your essay. I think sending a CD is a way to sort out who will be a good contributer in a music appreciation class and who will be a good contributer to a high level orchestra. </p>
<p>I think you should feel free to send a piece that is not as technically difficult but shows musicality. My CD had three pieces. The first song is modern and beautiful with a lot of room for interpretation. The second piece is very striking and shows off one particular skill aspect of my playing and was arranged by someone notible. My last piece was written by the most infamous musician on my instrument and was the most technically difficult.</p>
<p>The CD thing is a good idea; I think I'll put three pieces (for clarinet) as well. <em>Brainstorms</em> ...Perhaps a short etude that's fast and shows off my tonguing, then the longer solo I'm working on for regional auditions, and....hmm...maybe something I'll compose myself! Muahaha! <em>excitement nerdily builds</em></p>
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I also have ran for various psoitions in clubs and such for leadership and just never been elected - it is generally a popularity contest, not something that truly shows leadership. it is my main gripe of the college admissions system.. bleh