The Great Common App Honors Section: A Guide to Award-Winning Shenanigans
So, you’ve got your Common App open, you’ve filled out the activities section (hopefully with more than just “Netflix enthusiast”), and now you’re staring at the “Honors” section. It’s like that one awkward relative at a family gathering – you know it’s there, but you’re not quite sure what to do with it. Don’t worry, fellow applicant, I’m here to guide you through the glorious (and sometimes confusing) world of Common App honors.
Let’s be honest, you’re probably thinking: “Awards? I got a participation trophy for winning ‘most enthusiastic cheerleader’ in kindergarten. Does that count?” Well, my friend, you might be surprised. The Common App Honors section isn’t just for Nobel Prize winners (though, if you *are* a Nobel Prize winner, go ahead and brag a little). It’s a chance to showcase the achievements that make you stand out, the things that demonstrate your passion and dedication, the things that scream, “I’m not just another teenager with a smartphone!”
Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s bust some common myths about the Honors section:
Common App Honors Section Myths:
- Myth #1: Only *major* awards count. False! Honor roll, AP Scholar, National Honors Society – they all deserve a spot on your application. Think of it as a “greatest hits” compilation of your academic achievements. Don’t be shy!
- Myth #2: The Honors section is just for “academic” stuff. You got a national award for your amazing poetry slam performance? Awarded “Best Dressed” at your school’s prom? Go for it! The Common App knows that success comes in all forms. Think of it as showcasing your well-rounded personality.
- Myth #3: The Honors section is a popularity contest. Seriously? Don’t worry about comparing your awards to others. Focus on showcasing your unique accomplishments and passions. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality.
Now that we’ve cleared the air, let’s get down to the business of strategically showcasing your awesomeness:
The Golden Rules of the Common App Honors Section:
- National, State, Local, School – That’s the Order! Think of it as a hierarchical pyramid of awards. Those national accolades should reign supreme, followed by state, local, and finally, school-based awards. This not only makes your list look organized but also showcases the scope of your achievements.
- Don’t Be a Wordy Warrior! Keep your descriptions concise and impactful. Remember, you’ve got a mere 100 characters per award. That’s like a tweet from a Kardashian – short, sweet, and to the point. Focus on the award’s name, its significance, and the year you received it. Avoid unnecessary details like “I worked really hard” or “This award makes me happy.” We get it, you’re amazing. Just show it, don’t tell it.
- Embrace the “Extracurricular” Life. Academic awards are great, but don’t forget about those extracurricular accomplishments! Think debate team awards, art competitions, community service recognition, or even that time you won a pie-eating contest at the county fair. (Okay, maybe not the pie-eating contest, unless it’s a national pie-eating contest, then, by all means, brag!) Remember, colleges want well-rounded individuals, not just textbook nerds (though, there’s nothing wrong with being a textbook nerd!).
- Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative. The Common App Honors section is your opportunity to showcase your unique talents and passions. Did you invent a revolutionary new method for making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? Did you train your pet hamster to do parkour? (Okay, maybe not that last one.) The point is, if it’s something you worked hard on and are proud of, it deserves a spot on your application!
Now, remember, the Honors section is just one piece of the college application puzzle. It’s not a magic bullet to instant acceptance, but it’s a valuable tool for showcasing your potential. Use it wisely, and don’t be afraid to let your achievements shine!
And remember, if you’re still feeling lost in the world of Common App honors, or if you have any other college-related questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the amazing community at JobLoving. We’re here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of college admissions and emerge victorious, one award at a time!