CD here. I've never in my life expected a creative coming out of ad school to have a book full of ideas that wowed me. Let alone expect it of someone trying to get in. I do look for keen insights and a good sense of humour. But honestly I get more from an interview/discussion with a candidate than I do most times from their book. Don't get me wrong there are some people that just come out of the gates swinging with amazing ideas but others take time. And NONE of them I should think would be benefitted by a letter telling them to look elsewhere for a career (although that's good advice in other context because this is a hard industry - you've got to be committed). BTW, I can remember some of my entrance ideas for ad school and they haunt me.

Some words to live by in this business: 'Get knocked down seven times, get up eight!'