5 tips to make a better work sample

Are you, like many others, wondering how to write an awesome work sample to have the chance to get into one of AP Academy's full-time programs? In this article, we have gathered 5 tips to help you write your best work samples for this year's application! 

1. start on time

Creative work is rarely a straight line from start to finish. Expect to redo several parts of the work sample several times. This is not something to be worried about, but rather a good thing that will make the whole thing better and better. But to be able to go back and change, or even completely redo, you need time of course. So start in time and give yourself good conditions to come up with even better ideas than the first one you had.

2. Plan your process

Sooner or later, the deadline will approach and it will be time to complete the work sample. To make sure you are on track, it is good to have a plan for when which parts of the work sample should be completely finished. Start from how much time you want to and can spend on the work sample, and then see when it is reasonable for specific parts to be completed. A plan can certainly be changed and adjusted, but if you have something to work from, you have a better chance of having most of it in place when the deadline approaches and you don't have to rush important parts.

3. Test your ideas on others

When you've been working on an idea for a work sample for a long time, it's easy to get a little speed-blind. What is even good? Am I getting my own sound and style? Am I on the right track with my idea? Instead of trying to find the answers to these questions on your own, it's usually much better to ask others. And the person you ask doesn't have to be someone who knows everything about school or your work sample. For an idea to work and be understandable, it can be at least as important that your grandmother understands as a friend who works with music or sound. So ask several people, test your ideas on many and don't be afraid of feedback. That said, don't forget that the solutions should be your own and that it is perfectly okay to choose not to act on any feedback you receive.

4. Have fun! 

The work samples largely reflect the type of tasks and challenges you may encounter if you enter a full-time program at AP Academy. It's intense and often challenging, but if you're the right fit for the program, you should also find much of it enjoyable. So try to find the fun and enjoyment in the tasks! 

5. Don't make a solution that you think we want to see

We are often asked questions related to what we are looking for in the work samples. What works, what doesn't and how can you improve your chances of getting an interview? The truth is, we want to see you and your ability to take on the job test - nothing else. So do the job test the way you feel is best, not according to what you think the listener wants to hear.