<p>I just sent in my application to UNC, which is my first choice school (I'm out of state, unfortunately). My stats are competitive and my college counselor thinks I have a shot, but because out of state is so crazy for this school, I'm trying to make myself stand out a bit..
I've played violin seriously for almost my entire life, and I love it, especially playing in orchestra (which I've also done my entire life). While I won't be a music major, I plan to play in orchestra in college. My question is, will it gain me an edge in admissions if I e-mail the director of the orchestra, let him know I'm applying, maybe ask some questions about the group and just let him know I'd definitely interested? This helped my mom get into Brown, but I'm not sure if it would still help me out.
Opinions please!!</p>
<p>I doubt about it. But if you are very talented one, maybe the person can help.
But that doesn’t get anyone into the admission without the first layer of review - which is your application.</p>
<p>Colleges often ask how you envision yourself getting involved in their community, their ECs, etc. My dau made it clear that music was part of her life, her identity- and that she wanted to join the orchestra and maybe more. At some schools, if you send a cd, they’ll shoot it over to someone in the music dept, often one who plays the same instrument. That person gets to send a note back to the adcom. It does not officially have weight- it’s just one more nice thing to show how you would fit, the sort of kid you are, the sort of self-awareness you have to do this in the first place.
I’d suggest sending an email to music, stating that you will call, asking if there’s a particular person you should talk to. In addn to orchestra, you could ask about chamber opps. If you feel a cd would show well, then you call admissions and ask how to send it to them- all this highlights your interest. My dau is not a music major; but the music at school is her delight. Good luck.</p>
<p>Yes, it would help, as would applying early (they get the vast majority of their applicants early).</p>
<p>Thanks all! (and I am applying early :)</p>