Can I Put Hyperlinks in a Common App? The Devious Truth About College Admissions
So, you’ve got this awesome website, portfolio, or maybe even a YouTube channel showcasing your mad coding skills. You’re thinking, “This is going to blow the admissions committee’s socks off!” But then a nagging question pops up: “Can I actually put a hyperlink in the Common App?”
Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, you can add hyperlinks in the Common App. The Common App isn’t some ancient, digital relic stuck in the stone age. It allows for basic HTML formatting, including bold, italics, underlining, bullets, and yes, even hyperlinks.
But here’s the thing: Should you?
That’s where the fun, and maybe a little bit of a reality check, begins.
The Link-Clicking Dilemma: Are Admissions Officers Really Browsing Your Website?
Remember those college admissions officers you imagine poring over your application, eyes wide with awe at your achievements? Well, let’s just say they’re probably more likely to be staring at a spreadsheet of applicant scores than clicking your URL.
Think about it: An admissions officer is likely reviewing hundreds, maybe even thousands, of applications. They’re looking for specific things: grades, extracurriculars, essay quality, and the overall “fit” of the candidate with the college. They’re not exactly sitting there with a cup of coffee and a leisurely afternoon to peruse your website.
In short, it’s not a guarantee that your link will be clicked.
The Case For (And Against) Hyperlinks In Your Common App
Let’s break down the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Showcasing Your Work: If you’ve got a portfolio, a blog, or a project that truly highlights your skills, adding a link can give the admissions committee a glimpse into your abilities that go beyond what you can write in a few paragraphs.
- Making Your Application More Engaging: A strategically placed link can add a touch of interactivity to your application, making it stand out from the sea of text. Imagine an admissions officer scrolling through an application and suddenly, BAM! A link to a video of you conducting a symphony orchestra. That’s guaranteed to grab their attention.
Cons:
- The Link Might Not Get Clicked: Like we mentioned before, it’s a gamble. The admissions officer might be short on time, or they might just not be interested in clicking through to your website.
- It Might Come Across As Spammy: If you’re spamming every section with links to your social media accounts or your personal blog, it might look like you’re more interested in promoting yourself than getting into college.
The Bottom Line: Use Hyperlinks Strategically
If you do decide to include a link, use it wisely. Choose one or two key pieces of work that truly showcase your skills and passions. Make sure the link is relevant to your application and adds value to your story.
What to Link To (And What to Avoid)
Here’s a guide to help you choose the right things to link to:
Do Link To:
- A Portfolio: If you’re an artist, designer, writer, or have any kind of creative work, link to your portfolio.
- A Website: If you have a website that showcases your work, research, or personal projects, feel free to include a link.
- A Publication: If you’ve been published in a magazine, newspaper, or online publication, link to your work.
- A Project Repository: If you’re a coder or developer, link to your GitHub or Bitbucket repository.
Don’t Link To:
- Social Media Profiles: Unless you have a professional social media account specifically related to your application (like a LinkedIn profile), skip the links. Admissions officers are probably not going to spend their time scrolling through your Instagram feed.
- Personal Blog Posts: Unless your blog is directly relevant to your application (like a blog about your research), it’s best to avoid linking to it.
- Anything That Seems Obvious or Redundant: If you’ve already mentioned something in your application, don’t just link to it for the sake of linking.
Additional Information: Your Secret Weapon (Or Potential Downfall)
Now, let’s talk about the infamous “Additional Information” section in the Common App. This is where you can add extra details that don’t fit neatly into any other section. And yes, you can certainly add links here.
But be careful! The Additional Information section is like a double-edged sword. If used correctly, it can strengthen your application, but if used poorly, it can weaken it.
Here’s the deal: The Additional Information section is your chance to provide context, clarify details, or address any potential red flags that might be raised by your application. Think of it as your opportunity to tell your story in your own voice.
Here are some scenarios where you might use the Additional Information section with a link:
- Explaining a Low Grade: If you have a low grade in a particular class, you can use this section to explain the circumstances and how it doesn’t reflect your overall academic abilities. You might link to a document explaining your situation or a website that showcases your commitment to that subject.
- Highlighting a Unique Achievement: If you’ve accomplished something extraordinary that isn’t captured in your other application materials, this is the place to tell the story. You might link to a website, a publication, or a project that demonstrates your achievement.
- Addressing a Gap in Your Resume: If you have a gap in your work or academic history, you can use this section to explain what you were doing during that time. You might link to a website or document that shows how you were still developing your skills during that period.
Remember: The Additional Information section is not meant to be a substitute for a strong application. It’s just a chance to add a little extra flavor.
The Bottom Line: It’s All About Context
The decision to add hyperlinks in your Common App is ultimately up to you. Think carefully about what you want to achieve and whether a link will actually help you achieve it.
Always remember, the Common App is just one part of the college admissions process. Your grades, extracurricular activities, and essays are all equally important. Focus on creating a well-rounded application that showcases your strengths and your potential.
Need Help with Your Common App?
If you’re still not sure whether or not to add hyperlinks to your Common App, or if you need help with any other aspect of your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate the complex world of college admissions and create an application that truly reflects your unique talents and aspirations.
We’re just a click away!