Unlike the myth of the “well-rounded” student, colleges continue to reward the applicant with a desired special talent with offers of admission. If you’re a sophomore or a junior with a special talent, you should begin thinking now how to make that skill known to the colleges that interest you.
Athletes should speak with their coaches and ask for assistance in assessing their skill level. Specialized summer sports camps and showcases can help high school athletes catch the eye of college coaches. You can also begin contacting coaches at target colleges via e-mail and by completing athletic information forms for prospective student athletes that are posted on college websites. Be sure that video is taken of you during competition to use in compiling a DVD for recruiting purposes.
Visual artists should prepare a portfolio to showcase their talents. Bring yours to a National Portfolio Day (http://portfolioday.net) to learn ways of improving your portfolio. Another option is to work on portfolio development at a local art center. Individual college websites have information on their portfolio requirements for visual art applicants.
Musicians need to record audio for a CD that can be sent to colleges in lieu of a live audition. Similarly, a performance DVD can enhance the application of theater or dance majors. Any student with an arts talent, visual or performing, should consider including evidence of this talent on the common application. In a similar fashion, writers should save samples of their best work in a variety of genres to submit when possible.
With these supplements in hand, you’ll be ready to showcase your talent for college admissions committees. Check before sending, however, to be sure that Dream U will consider additions to your application.
