Vocal Talent vs. instrumental talent as a hook?

Applying to College
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<p>Posing a quick question for discussion based on observations I've made all over CC and in my personal experience. </p>

<p>Background on me: I attend an average public school in upstate NY. High stats minority looking to apply to Ivy Leagues. I realize that Ivy admissions are a crapshoot for everyone, but for those with the talent, how much of a hook is vocal talent? </p>

<p>As I have scoured the Acceptance threads looking for helpful tidbits of information, it seems that everyone, accepted or not, has strong some sort of music extracurricular. Everyone had played piano for 10 years, and everyone is first chair in their band or orchestra. However, very few people list vocal extracurriculars, especially any of "merit" (small school organizations, all-state participation, etc.) Even fewer create vocal portfolios to use as supplements, especially among those who do not plan to major in music. </p>

<p>So the question is: how much of an advantage is vocal talent and strong vocal EC commitment if one is quite good? I imagine that it takes a lot of talented singers to fill the various a Capella groups and chamber choirs. I also like to think that although anyone can practice mindless hours playing scales on the piano, singing is much like athletics in that you must be born with the potential, so it is higher regarded if one has the skill. I'm looking for some insightful comments as to how vocal talent helps in the admission process (anecdotal or mere conjecture), as well as just some general discussion as to how singing as a talent is to be judged compared to other extracurriculars or skills. Thanks!</p>

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<p>You are using the wrong definition for a hook. Hooks are:</p>

<ol>
<li>Being a recruited athlete</li>
<li>Being an underrepresented minority (URM)</li>
<li>Being a legacy applicant</li>
<li>Being a developmental case (son/daughter of a big $$$ donor)</li>
</ol>

<p>Anything else is NOT a hook.</p>

<p>What you are asking is “What EC looks best – vocal talent or instrumental music?” Unfortunately, too many students look the same on paper. It’s easier for an Admissions Committee to admit a high school student who ran the NYC marathon while juggling 3 balls in the air for 26.2 miles rather than admit another first violin award winner, debate team captain, school newspaper editor, a Capella group or Chamber Choir member. If your EC list resembles 5,000 or 30,000 other students, it’s much more difficult for you to stand out from the crowd. So, do the activity that brings you more joy and stop worrying about what will look better!</p>

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<p>+1 to gibby!</p>

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<p>“I also like to think that although anyone can practice mindless hours playing scales on the piano, singing is much like athletics in that you must be born with the potential, so it is higher regarded if one has the skill.”</p>

<p>Um… what the heck? Someone born with an innate ability to do something should be regarded higher than someone who practices hours daily? Singing isn’t an uncommon ability either, and neither is athletic ability.</p>