<p>Was wondering if anyone knew if it would be good or a waste of time to send something in with your application regarding an EC that you are passionate about-picture of a painting, audio tape of a singing performance, photograph or something like that. S is not necessarily applying to the music dept or majoring in music, but has been actively involved in a singing organization and has been in All State for two years. He is not majoring in Voice but wants to continue with it in college as a recreational thing. Would it be a waste to submit an audio CD or would it be something that might set him apart from the other 16,000 applicants? Was told yes, send it and was also told not to bother, they won't listen to it. Has anyone ever sent in anything and felt it hurt or helped their application?</p>
<p>At some schools, it's forwarded to the school where it would apply, or the department and then they send word to the adcoms if the person is truly talented or just okay, but these things vary by school.</p>
<p>So, in general, is it a waste of time or something to pursue? We were planning on compiling a CD with several different selections-jazz, broadway, etc so it would involve some time and expense to edit and make this CD. S is applying ED to a school so it would have to be done very soon. He is not considering majoring in music but loves it and is respected in his talent for it-so is it worth the time and money to make the CD or is it a waste? Thanks</p>
<p>Actually, most colleges consider it a waste of time if your S isn't super-good (as in, a world-class quality musician). If he's absolutely brilliant and stunning (perhaps the next Richard Clayderman or Maksim Mrvica), then do send it in. But if he's just "okay" or "above average", I don't think it will provide any significant boost in your S's chances, especially as he's not going to major in music.</p>
<p>I just think it is unrealistic of a college to assume that a 16,17 year old should be a "world class musician" (or painter, photographer, basketball player or whatever). Many have a natural ability but they should realize that some kids want more training and honing through college and some kids just want to continue doing things they love. While I think my S is above average (he has won many awards and titles for his performances), he has chosen to pursue other interests in college (he could ultimately change his mind and decide to pursue singing and performing). I hear what you are saying johnlee, its just that I think kids should be able to provide a supplement which shows the ADCOMS a little more about them. I understand the ADCOMS may not be qualified to judge the given talent, it just seems like a worthy endeavor since there are so many applicants vying for a small number of spots. It seems so ridiculous to me that they expect these kids to be "world class musicians, Mother Theresa or Jonas Salk at such a young age, or it won't mean a thing to them". Just a thought on my part.</p>
<p>Of course they are not expecting finely polished talent. But you must remember, there are many, many people out there with an "above average" capability in music. Unless your son is head and shoulders one of the best musicians his teachers have ever seen, or clearly a musical prodigy, I'm afraid it's the truth that colleges will not be very interested in the musical side of him when it comes to judging him for admission.</p>
<p>AFAIK, most colleges do send audition tapes to members of the music faculty, so if your S does submit one, he will be heard by a man/woman who knows his/her stuff. If your S is an above average musician, go ahead and put it on the app. I'm just not sure it's the right thing to send in an audition tape. Rest assured, even if he doesn't send one in, I believe the extra-curricular opportunities available at most colleges will ensure he can continue practicing his talents at college.</p>
<p>If they ask for a supplement - take advantage of it! I honestly can't see a school rejecting a qualified student because he or she has a passion for something. </p>
<p>I'm going to be sending in a few of my newspaper pages; I was entertainment editor of the school paper last year. So I'm sending in three or four or my pages- I'm even contemplating on sending a few that I didn't write for. I'll be accompanying the pages with a cover letter (explaining how much I enjoyed my position and that I loved finding new and exciting ways to present the material) and a recommendation from my adviser. I'm not the BEST writer ever, and I'm sure if they look hard enough there'll be a typo that I missed. However, I loved my experience as an editor and I want to share that.</p>
<p>You should be very careful about supplemental information and make this decision on a school-by-school basis. Some schools are very clear that they do not accept extraneous submissions, so they will not be pleased if you send it. Some schools are happy to take a look at something reasonably brief.</p>