The Great “Gifted and Talented” Conundrum: Navigating the Common App Maze
So, you’re a high school student, you’ve been labeled “gifted and talented,” and now you’re staring down the barrel of the Common App. You’re probably thinking, “How the heck do I put this ‘Gifted and Talented’ thing on this application? Do I just write ‘I’m smart’ and hope for the best?”
Fear not, my young scholar, for I, your humble guide through the labyrinthine world of college applications, will spill the secrets of the “Gifted and Talented” enigma.
The Truth: Colleges Don’t Really Care About “Gifted and Talented” Labels
Let’s get real for a second. Colleges don’t have a “Gifted and Talented” section on the Common App. It’s not like you can check a box and say, “Yup, I’m a genius! Award me a scholarship!” They’re more interested in what you do with your “giftedness,” not just the label itself.
Think of it this way: Would you rather hire a person who just says they’re “talented” or someone who shows you their work and achievements? Exactly. Colleges are looking for the same thing.
The “Gifted and Talented” Code: Unlocking the Secrets
So, if colleges don’t care about the label, how do you showcase your “giftedness”? There are two main ways:
- The “Honors Section”: This is your showcase for awards, distinctions, and recognitions. Think of it as your trophy cabinet for academic achievements. Here’s where you can flex those “Gifted and Talented” muscles:
- Honor Roll: Yes, you can put it there! It shows consistent academic effort and performance.
- AP Scholar: Another good one! This demonstrates your commitment to challenging coursework and your ability to excel in advanced academic areas.
- National Honors Society: Membership in itself is considered an extracurricular, but if you received a specific award or recognition from the society, that’s a perfect addition to the Honors section.
- The “Activities Section”: This is where you can detail your extracurriculars, volunteer work, leadership positions, and any other activities that showcase your interests and talents. This is where “Gifted and Talented” shines truly:
- Specialized Classes: Did you take advanced math, science, or language courses because you were in a “Gifted and Talented” program? Include them in the “Coursework” section of the Common App.
- School Clubs and Groups: Were you part of a debate team, a science club, or a robotics team because of your “Gifted and Talented” designation? Describe your involvement and accomplishments in the Activities section.
- Projects and Competitions: Did your “Gifted and Talented” program lead you to participate in science fairs, writing competitions, or other academic challenges? Showcase your achievements and the skills you developed.
The “Gifted and Talented” Don’t’s
Remember, the goal is to demonstrate your abilities and achievements, not just throw around labels. Here’s what you should avoid:
- Exaggerating or Fabricating: Never put anything on your application that you didn’t actually do. Colleges are good at sniffing out lies and it’ll backfire in a big way.
- Being Vague: Don’t just say “I was in a Gifted and Talented program.” Explain what you did, what you learned, and what you accomplished.
- Leaving the Honors Section Empty: If you have legitimate school-based awards or recognitions, don’t leave this section blank. It shows you’re not highlighting your achievements.
The Bottom Line: Show, Don’t Tell
The key to showing off your “Gifted and Talented” side is to showcase your achievements and skills through concrete examples. Don’t just tell them you’re smart; show them what you can do.
Need Extra Help? Reach Out to the JobLoving Community
Navigating the Common App can be tricky, especially when it comes to showcasing your unique talents. If you need further guidance or have any questions about how to highlight your “Gifted and Talented” experiences, the JobLoving community is here to help. Connect with us and we’ll provide the support and resources you need to make your application shine!