Validity of AMV contest wins in a College application?

[Chaobunny12]

I'm currently applying to college, and I'm working on my resume and my essays. I've debated back and forth between including my wins at Connecticon's AMV contests and my finalist videos at Anime Boston as valid "accomplishments" on my resume. I also wanted to mention AMVs and video editing in one of my essays to explain how I became interested in computer science.

One thing I did do was make a video of myself- a sort of "video essay," in which I demonstrate some of my video editing skills, which I'm going to send with my applications. Still, I think my AMVs are much better examples of my editing, and my mom thinks the contest wins are big enough to warrant including on a college resume. I'm still not sure though.

On one hand, everything I put on my resume counts, especially when I'm applying to ivy league schools and trying my best to stand out. Not too many high school kids know video editing.

On the other hand, making AMVs is technically illegal when it all comes down to it. It's plain old copyright infringement. I don't want that to hurt my chances of getting in.

So what do you all think; should I include them or not?

[Code]

I don't see a problem in including them in resumes, especially if the colleges you go to focus on film/editing/computers/software. But I would word them very carefully, AMV making isn't exactly what you'd call a "normal" hobby to put on resumes.

[Minimoto]

Maybe state that you have won various awards for your video editing prowess and tell how big the conventions were or something. I would leave the anime part out because, like CODE said, it's not exactly a "normal" hobby in America and is usually looked down upon.

[Zarxrax]

You don't have to really delve into details. Just say you have won contests for video editing.

[BasharOfTheAges]

Normally, the first thing you'd think of if you're being told that the person you're reviewing won awards is the legitimacy and reputation of the contest itself - especially with the prevalence of boochsack and the "everyone gets a gold star" mindset. That said, i'd think even if you were to be vague, you should be prepared to be questioned about it.

[Vivaldi]

I and my mom thinks the contest wins are big enough to warrant including on a college resume. I'm still not sure though.

My mom wants to put every mep I've been in and every banner I've made on my college resume.

Just sayin', it's possible she's a little biased.

I doubt including amvs or bigger amv wins (like contests) on a resume, I'd balance it out with other things to let them know you're not a one trick poney though. If you put on a contest, be sure to mention things like how many people you won against, how long the contest has been going (Basically just give it legitimacy like Bashar said.)

[Soup]

I and my mom thinks the contest wins are big enough to warrant including on a college resume. I'm still not sure though.

My mom wants to put every mep I've been in and every banner I've made on my college resume.

[Castor Troy]

Maybe state that you have won various awards for your video editing prowess and tell how big the conventions were or something. I would leave the anime part out because, like CODE said, it's not exactly a "normal" hobby in America and is usually looked down upon.

No.

If you won at "Anime Expo" and put "Expo" instead, that would be looked down upon. Employers, colleges, etc WILL look up these conventions to verify them as legitimate sources.

I say put them in your application. Colleges love winners.

[Kitsuner]

I think I remember somebody sent a Beyond the Clouds AMV to the school they were applying for as a video essay to describe themselves or something along those lines.

[LantisEscudo]

I think I remember somebody sent a Beyond the Clouds AMV to the school they were applying for as a video essay to describe themselves or something along those lines.

That was jasper's:

[Bauzi]

Let's say...

You won one of the biggest local contest and you were finalist in Boston (where maybe one of the biggest conventions took place)
You may also were part of "big" international multi editor projects (-> MEPs)

When I talk about amvs to editors I always make sure to say: "Highly focused on the technical parts like synchronisation of music to video" or "from editors for editors"

I think it's a lot about how serious you are about it and how serious and professional you can present your hobby. Should should seam to be convident about what you do.

[Dar]

i'm applying to college for computer science also and i included amvs in my resume.

[JaddziaDax]

A-kon had some college official judging their contest one year O.o
well helping to judge anyways

[Megamom]

I showed "FOTOGRAFIA LA Soledad" to win a contract at a TV company ... and I mention some of my AMVs in my curriculum vitae... besides that I edited AMVs...!!!