The Common App Grade Game: How to Capture Those Extra College Credits (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Let’s face it, the Common App is a beast. It’s like a digital jungle gym designed to test your patience and sanity. But fear not, my fellow college hopefuls, because today we’re going to tackle one of its most confusing features: “Courses & Grades.” We’re diving deep into the murky waters of how to capture those elusive college credits on your Common App, because let’s be real, every extra point counts when you’re trying to impress those picky admissions committees.
The Big Question: How do you capture those sweet, sweet college credits on the Common App?
Well, dear reader, the answer is a bit like trying to find a good parking spot in a city: it’s a bit of a hassle, but with the right strategy, you can make it happen.
First, Let’s Talk About What Counts
The Common App is pretty clear on this: only courses receiving high school credit are meant to be reported. Think of it like this: if it’s not on your official high school transcript, then it’s not going on the Common App.
But what about those summer college courses or the AP classes you took independently?
Now you’re getting into the tricky stuff. The Common App wants you to be upfront about your academic journey, but it doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by a bunch of extraneous information.
Here’s the deal: if you’ve taken a college course (even if it’s at a community college or online) that your high school awarded credit for, you gotta report it. Think of it as giving the admissions committee a more complete picture of your academic achievements. This is especially important if the course is relevant to your intended major or showcases your interest in a particular field.
The Common App Grade Reporting Process (A Step-by-Step Guide)
- Log in to the Common App. (You’re already familiar with this process, right? You’ve been doing this for months, haven’t you? No? Okay, maybe we’ll go over that later.)
- Navigate to the “Courses & Grades” section. You’ll find this under the “Academics” tab. (Oh, the irony, right? We’re all about academics now, after months of procrastinating and binge-watching Netflix.)
- For each course, select the appropriate subject category. (This is where things can get a little messy. They have specific categories, like “English,” “Math,” “Science,” etc. Don’t get too creative and try to shoehorn your “Introduction to Juggling” course into the “Arts” category just because you think it’s cool. It’s not.)
- Enter the course name EXACTLY as it appears on your transcript. (No typos! You’re already fighting an uphill battle against the Common App, don’t add unnecessary obstacles.)
- Add your year-end grade and credits earned. (This is where you get to show off your stellar academic prowess. Or, you know, just try to remember what you actually got in that class. We’ve all been there.)
But what if I took a college course that my high school didn’t give me credit for?
Okay, this is where things get dicey. The Common App doesn’t have a specific section for this type of course, but it encourages you to use the “Additional Information” section. Think of it as your chance to tell a little story about your academic journey.
Remember, the “Additional Information” section is like a freebie. It’s not required, so don’t feel pressured to fill it up with every single detail of your academic life. Think of it as a strategic move to explain things that don’t fit neatly into the Common App’s rigid format.
The “Additional Information” section is a valuable tool for explaining:
- Courses you took outside of your high school curriculum that didn’t earn you high school credit. (Remember, the Common App wants to know about your academic achievements, but only those that are relevant to your application. So, if you took a course in underwater basket weaving at the local community college, it’s probably not worth mentioning unless it’s directly related to your intended major or a passion you want to highlight.)
- Extracurricular activities that you want to showcase. (Remember, this section is for explaining, not just listing. Use it to share something unique about your experience or to explain how a particular activity shaped your growth.)
- Any unique circumstances that might impact your application. (If you had a challenging personal experience that affected your grades or extracurricular involvement, this is where you can acknowledge it and explain how you overcame it.)
The “Additional Information” section is not a free pass for rambling or complaining. Keep it concise, clear, and focused. Admissions officers are busy people, so make your points quickly and efficiently. Think of it like a well-crafted elevator pitch for your academic achievements.
The Common App: A Digital Jungle Gym of Academic Shenanigans
Navigating the Common App is like trying to navigate a jungle gym designed by a team of mischievous monkeys. It’s full of hidden pathways, unexpected turns, and the occasional surprise that can leave you feeling completely lost.
But don’t despair! With a little bit of patience, a healthy dose of humor, and a willingness to ask for help, you can conquer the Common App and emerge victorious, ready to tell tales of your academic adventures.
Need more help?
If you’re still feeling lost in the jungle gym of the Common App, don’t panic! We’re here to help. Join our community at JobLoving and connect with experienced mentors and resources who can help you navigate the application process. We’ll guide you through the twists and turns, ensuring you make the best possible impression on those admissions committees. Because even though the Common App can feel like a game, it’s a game you can win!