Is It Bad Not to Submit a Resume with the Common App? (Spoiler: It’s Not a Crime, But It Might Be a Missed Opportunity)
The Common Application, that glorious beast of a form that every high school senior loves to hate, has a curious omission: a resume section. It’s like a fancy dinner party that forgot the bread basket – you’re left wondering, “Is this a deliberate snub, or just a severe lack of foresight?”
So, should you submit a resume with your Common App? The answer, as with most things in life, is a resounding “it depends.” Let’s break down the pros, cons, and the inherent silliness of the whole situation.
The Great Resume Debate: Why Colleges Aren’t Asking for Your Resume (But Maybe They Should)
The Common App, in its infinite wisdom, decided to stick with a simple activities list. They figure, “Hey, we’ve got your grades, your extracurriculars, your essays, and your grandma’s recipe for the best apple pie – what more do you need?”
Well, let’s be honest, the Common App is like a stuffy high school dance where everyone is trying to fit in. It’s great for the essentials, but it doesn’t exactly scream “individuality” or “let’s see what you’re really made of.”
A resume, on the other hand, is your chance to shine. It’s your own personal highlight reel, where you can showcase your skills, accomplishments, and those quirky little hobbies that make you stand out from the pack.
Why Submitting a Resume Can Be a Genius Move:
- Resume = More Space to Brag (In a Good Way): The Common App’s activities list is about as roomy as a sardine can. You’ve got 10 precious slots to cram in your entire high school career. A resume? It’s your own personal kingdom where you can list every single extracurricular, internship, and summer job, even those that involve babysitting your annoying little cousin.
- Resume = A Chance to Show Your “Stuff” (And Not Just Your Grades): Colleges want to know you’re more than just a walking GPA. They want to see your passion, your grit, your willingness to take initiative. A resume lets you do just that. Instead of just saying you “volunteered at the animal shelter,” you can talk about how you spearheaded a fundraising campaign or designed a new website for them.
- Resume = Interview Prep On Steroids: Think of your resume as your personal cheat sheet for college interviews. You’ll have a clear, concise record of your experiences, making it easy to answer those tricky questions about your skills and passions.
Why You Can Get Away With Not Submitting a Resume (But Only Sometimes):
- The Common App Is (Usually) Enough: If your activities list is filled with stellar accomplishments and your essays are captivating, you might not need a resume. The Common App is designed to provide a comprehensive picture of your academic and extracurricular life.
- Not All Colleges Require Resumes: Some colleges don’t even have a space for resumes on their applications. So, if they aren’t asking for it, there’s no need to go the extra mile.
- Resume Overload: Admissions officers are drowning in applications. Adding a resume might just add to the pile, making it harder for yours to stand out.
Here’s the Bottom Line: It’s About Strategy, Not Rules.
You’re not obligated to submit a resume with your Common App. However, think of it as a strategic decision. If you want to make a strong impression, a resume can be a powerful tool.
Should YOU Submit a Resume? Here’s a Quick Checklist:
- Do you have a resume already? If you’ve been building one for college applications or job hunting, it’s a no-brainer.
- Are you applying to colleges that specifically request resumes? Check the application requirements carefully.
- Do you have some amazing achievements that don’t fit in the Common App’s activities list? If so, a resume can give them the spotlight they deserve.
- Are you applying to highly competitive colleges? A resume can give you an edge.
Remember, the key is to make sure your resume adds value to your application, not just clutter. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to reach out to admissions officers at your target colleges for guidance.
The Takeaway:
Don’t stress about the resume. It’s just a tiny piece of the college application puzzle. Focus on crafting strong essays, highlighting your achievements in the Common App, and crafting a resume that showcases your unique talents. And most importantly, relax, breathe, and remember that getting into college is not a life-or-death situation. (Okay, maybe it feels that way sometimes, but trust us, it’s not.)
Still Need Help?
If you’re still scratching your head about resumes and the Common App, or you need help with any other aspect of the college application process, reach out to the JobLoving community. We’ve got a team of experts ready to help you navigate the crazy world of college applications and make sure you find the perfect fit for your future.
Remember: You’ve Got This! (And maybe, just maybe, a resume can help you get there.)