<p>So, say you play the trumpet. You list that on your application, say you played for 5 years. But you never sent them a recording of you playing, or a recommendation from anyone, or anything to show your skill. Do they just assume how good you are from your years of experience? Same with sports?</p>
<p>I could play an instrument for years . . . and never get past being a beginner. I’m not an AO, but I would assume that if you actually had a strong skill that you would want to document it in some way, either with a recording (of music) or a videotape (of a sport) or a recommendation. If all you had was five years of experience, but nothing to show for it . . . well, I’d figure you were an advanced beginner - like me!</p>
<p>I have no idea how any of this might impact your current application. But, for the future, you need to be aware that most people who are evaluating you (for prep school, for college, or for a job) don’t have the time or inclination to figure out how talented you are. If you want them to know it, you need to show them.</p>
<p>If you are good at your instrument, have someone videotape you playing, put it up on Youtube and send a private link to the music director of the school and CC the admissions officer… we did this but also mailed CD’s straight to admissions. We wanted every T crossed and it seemed to do the trick, the music directors were very happy with what they saw. We hope this works to our favor…</p>