Electives on the Common App: A Comedy of Errors (or, How to Avoid a Grade-Point Meltdown)
So, you’re staring down the barrel of the Common App, and you’re faced with a question that’s more confusing than your algebra homework: “What do I do about my electives?” The Common App, that digital beast designed to either launch you into your dream college or send you spiraling into a pit of rejection letters, is notorious for its baffling instructions. And when it comes to electives, things get particularly murky.
The Electives Conundrum: A Tale of Two Types
You see, the Common App is a bit of a stickler for details. It wants to know exactly what you’ve been up to in those hallowed halls of high school. But when it comes to those courses outside the core curriculum, those electives that range from “Intro to Robotics” to “The Art of Baking Bread” (yes, that’s a real course!), it throws you a curveball.
The Common App’s Electives Dilemma: A Case of “You’re On Your Own”
You’re probably thinking, “Okay, so I’m supposed to list these classes, right?” And you’d be mostly right… but here’s the catch. The Common App doesn’t give you a clear-cut guide for categorizing your beloved electives. It’s like saying, “Go forth, young scholar, and decipher the mysteries of elective classification!”
The “Standard” Mystery: Is it Regular or Just Really Boring?
Let’s break down the Common App’s terminology. They use the terms “Standard” and “Regular” to describe courses that are, well, standard. Think of it as the baseline level – your typical, run-of-the-mill high school class. But here’s where it gets tricky. “Standard” doesn’t necessarily mean “easy” or “uninteresting.” It just means that it’s not advanced.
So, your “Intro to Robotics” course, the one where you built a robot that could solve a Rubik’s Cube, could be considered “Standard” as long as it’s not offered at a higher level, like “Advanced Robotics.” Imagine the Common App saying, “Hey, that robot you built is pretty cool, but did you use any calculus in your programming? Nope? Then it’s just ‘Standard.'”
The “Other/Elective” Escape Hatch: A Safe Haven for Your Quirky Choices
The Common App, in its infinite wisdom, does offer a “Other/Elective” category. This is your go-to solution for those courses that don’t fit neatly into the “Standard” or “Advanced” boxes. But here’s the thing: even the “Other/Elective” category has its own set of rules.
The “Other/Elective” Rules: Don’t Go Off the Deep End
The Common App wants to make sure you’re not just filling your schedule with random courses. They want to see that you’ve chosen electives that are meaningful and challenging, even if they’re not part of the traditional academic track.
So, while your “Baking Bread” class might not be “Standard” or “Advanced,” it could still be considered a “Other/Elective” as long as it’s a legitimate course offered by your school. Just make sure it’s not a “Baking Bread for Beginners” class that you took for an easy A. The Common App will see right through that.
The Electives Endgame: Mastering the Art of the Common App
The key to navigating the Common App’s electives minefield is to be honest and transparent. List your courses accurately, and don’t try to hide your unique choices. Remember: colleges want to see that you’re well-rounded, and that means showing them your diverse interests and talents.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Unique:
- Embrace your quirks: If you’ve taken a class that’s a bit out there, like “Intro to Juggling” or “The History of Pop Music,” don’t be afraid to list it! These classes show that you’re curious, creative, and willing to try new things.
- Highlight the skills you’ve learned: Even if the class doesn’t fit neatly into a “Standard” or “Advanced” category, you can still highlight the skills you’ve acquired. For example, if you took a “Baking Bread” class, you could mention that you learned about the science of fermentation, the importance of precision, and the art of creating delicious pastries.
- Explain your choices: If you have a course that doesn’t fit into a typical category, you can always provide a brief explanation in the “Additional Information” section of the Common App. This is your chance to tell the admissions committee about your passion for the subject, your goals, and what you learned from the course.
Remember: The Common App is just one piece of the puzzle. Your grades, essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation all play a role in your college application. So don’t stress too much about your electives. Just be yourself, be honest, and let your personality shine through.
A Final Word of Advice:
If you’re still feeling lost in the Common App’s labyrinth of electives, don’t fret! Reach out to your guidance counselor or a college admissions advisor for help. They can provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate this tricky terrain.
And remember: College is a place where you can explore new interests and discover your passions. So don’t be afraid to take a chance on a class that’s outside your comfort zone. You might just surprise yourself!
Need Further Guidance?
If you’re still unsure about how to handle electives on the Common App, or if you’re struggling with any other part of the college application process, don’t hesitate to connect with the JobLoving community! We’re here to help you navigate the confusing world of college applications and make sure you’re prepared for your future successes.