Cappex College Blog

Q: If I have a musical talent should I send a DVD with my application even if I’m not intending to major in music? — Seth, Alpharetta, Ga.

A: If a college will accept additional information, and you have a special talent for music, go ahead and show off. This is your chance to color yourself brightly and make your application stand up and sing. Write a brief description of what you are including with the application. Make sure your DVD works and is clearly labeled with your name and the work you perform. To strengthen this addition, have your music teacher write a recommendation that substantiates your talents and passions. Or, even better, send news clippings of your great reviews. If you don’t have news clippings, call up your local paper and invite the reporter who covers cultural events to attend your next performance. They will write one and you can clip it!

Keep in mind that you’re not the only gifted high school musician in the country, and including a DVD won’t guarantee admission. It may not even get played, but if a DVD of your talent helps paint a more vivid picture of what you offer a college we say go for it!

Also, make sure your performance is suitable for all ears and eyes in the college admissions office. As a general rule colleges will be less impressed with a rock band and more impressed with anything else. The exception would be if your band has a professional recording contract - send the album.

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Special thanks to counselor Mary Beth Kravetz.