<p>There's a great discussion going on with a top 10 college admissions officer.</p>
<p>Here's an excerpt and link to the full (Ask me Anything interview).</p>
<p>Q: How important is it for strong applicants to have competed in their areas of talent. I'm talking not about sports but the arts. For example is it enough to have played the piano for 13 years or does a strong applicant need to have won competitions. Similarly can a strong candidate have taken dance for 15 years without having been on a dance team? Also, how important is community service - is it a must have?</p>
<p>A: Excellent question Stephanie! Perhaps because we recently mailed decision letters, or because I'm feeling nostalgic about all the applications our office reviewed this year, I'm going to give you the cold, hard facts. The truth is - we (highly selective/Ivy/Ivy+ institutions) need something to help distinguish the "standard strong" applicant from the exceptional applicant. Very often, that difference comes down to the distinctions the student has earned. Don't get me wrong - I'm not suggesting you send your son or daughter to every piano recital in the state, or that you hire a private dance coach to take her to thew next level. You may do that, but our hope is that it's because the student has a passion for it. </p>
<p>That being said, imagine being in our shoes. One student indicates that they, "practiced dance, solo, 15 hours a week, 40 weeks per year." Not bad - serious commitment and maybe some talent too. The next candidate, however, indicates that they, "practiced with Twyla Tharp at ABT, did a summer intensive with the Kirov Ballet, and attended the Juilliard pre-college program." The latter may sound hyperbolic, but students with resumes like that exist (they're rare, to be sure, but they're out there). </p>
<p>Bottom line, solo pursuits are fine, but we have no way of knowing the level of talent unless we have some external confirmation.</p>
<p>Full Interview with other Q&A here: <a href="https://yabbly.com/ama/rghjsrrp">https://yabbly.com/ama/rghjsrrp</a></p>