<p>Hi, I'm working on my application for Yale SCEA right now. I got to the EC's part of the common app. For the hours and wks/yr section for musical instruments, should I put down personal practice time, or just the times when I'm actually "doing things"? I think I would still have many many hours because I play in the orchestra, local youth symphony, I take lesson in two instruments, and play drums at my church. However, If I put in personal practice times, I would probably double that time or more, because I practice all three instruments A LOT. So am I allowed to do that?</p>
<p>They're looking for the total amount of time you invest in that activity, so personal practice time counts.</p>
<p>Hmm, I didn't put it on my application since I didn't really consider practicing an volunteer/extracurricular activity that directly influenced a community. </p>
<p>But I suppose it would have racked up quite a bit of hours over the years, even if you only count just high school.</p>
<p>I think you are supposed to exclude practice hours.</p>
<p>well I don't see how it can hurt, if you make a clear distinction. for example </p>
<p>Piano - practice (5 hours per week)
Piano - competitions (1 hour per week)</p>
<p>or whatever (I just made up numbers)</p>
<p>Can you do that in the common app?</p>