chance a worried Californian

JHS
Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:12:43 +0000

The thing is, the “cursory overview” doesn’t give meaningful information. And you are deliberately vague about any kind of details that would let some sense of who you are show through. “Humanitarian and social issues”. “I translated a book from my native language”. What issues? What book? Why did you translate it?

It’s not just a question of your essays. If this is your resume, change it immediately, before you use it again. Add color, detail, so it gives a sense of who you are, not just a list of notches on your belt.

A word about music. I’m sure being a good oboist will be a plus at Chicago. But before you write a lot about your passion for music, think a bit. Chicago has lots of opportunities for skilled amateur playing, and good (if small) music theory and music history programs. But there are lots of better choices than Chicago for someone whose life really centers around music, and musicians (and other artists) who go to Chicago go there because they are looking for something beyond music, or in addition to it. (And don’t say, “Yeah, an economics major and a job.” Even if it’s true.) The fact is, if you are applying to Chicago you are relegating your oboe to hobby status. What does that mean to you? How will all the time you have spent on the oboe (and English horn) play into the next phase of your life?