What Does Common App Mean by Weeks Spent Per Year? (A Guide to Unlocking the Mystery)
You’re knee-deep in the Common App, diligently filling out every section except one: the “Weeks Spent Per Year” field. It’s staring back at you, a silent judge of your extracurricular commitment. You’re scratching your head, thinking, “What exactly does this mean? Should I just put in 52 weeks for everything?”
Hold your horses, young applicant! This mysterious section is actually a lot less intimidating than it seems. Today, we’re going to decipher the Common App’s “Weeks Spent Per Year” code and make sure you’re ready to impress those admissions officers with your extracurricular prowess.
The Great Weeks Spent Per Year Breakdown
Let’s break it down, shall we? The Common App, in its infinite wisdom, wants a snapshot of how much time you dedicate to each activity. They aren’t looking for a precise, calendar-based calculation (though that’s great if you have it). No, they want a “rough estimate” – a number that reflects your true commitment.
Think of it this way: The Common App wants to know how many weeks out of the year you were actively engaged in your extracurricular activities.
Don’t Overthink It.
The “Weeks Spent Per Year” field is a chance to showcase your commitment, not a mathematical puzzle. If you’re a dedicated member of the debate team who practices for 3 hours a week, you might put 36 weeks (the approximate school year). If you volunteer at the local animal shelter every Saturday during the school year, you might put 30 weeks.
What to Consider
Take a moment to reflect on each activity and ask yourself these questions:
- How frequently did you participate? Was it every week, every other week, or only during specific seasons?
- Were there breaks? Did your activity take a pause during school breaks, summer vacation, or other periods?
- Did your involvement change over time? Did you start out participating more frequently and then gradually reduce your involvement?
The Golden Rule:
If you’re unsure, err on the side of underestimating. It’s better to be conservative than to exaggerate.
The “Significant Involvement” Myth
The Common App often throws around the term “significant involvement.” This doesn’t mean you need to spend every waking moment on a single activity. It means that you should demonstrate genuine interest and consistent effort.
Think of it like this:
Significant involvement is about demonstrating passion and dedication, not necessarily about the number of hours you spend.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Honest
While it’s tempting to inflate your involvement to impress, honesty is always the best policy. Admissions officers can sniff out inconsistencies and exaggerations, so be true to your experiences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Putting 52 weeks for everything: Unless you’re a time traveler, you probably don’t work or participate in extracurriculars for 52 weeks straight.
- Overestimating your involvement: It’s better to be slightly conservative than to overestimate your commitment.
- Focusing solely on the number of weeks: Don’t forget to also highlight the quality of your involvement and the impact you’ve made.
Example Time!
Let’s say you’re a passionate member of the school newspaper. You spend about 10 hours a week writing, editing, and attending meetings, but you take a break during the summer. You might put down:
- Hours Per Week: 10
- Weeks Per Year: 36
The Bottom Line:
The “Weeks Spent Per Year” section is a chance to showcase your dedication and passion for your extracurricular activities. Be honest, be accurate, and don’t be afraid to tell your story. Your involvement is more than just numbers; it’s about the impact you’ve made and the skills you’ve developed.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to decipher the Common App’s “Weeks Spent Per Year” code, don’t worry! You’re not alone. Reach out to our friendly JobLoving community for personalized guidance and support. We’re here to help you navigate this often confusing aspect of the college application process and make sure your extracurricular achievements shine!