Is It Okay to Answer “No Basis” on the Common App? A Guide for the Perplexed
The Common App is a godsend for college applicants. It’s like a one-stop shop for applying to hundreds of universities, saving you the hassle of filling out individual applications for each one. But amidst the flurry of essays, transcripts, and test scores, there’s one question that often sends shivers down the spines of applicants and their recommenders: “No basis for judgment.”
What does it mean “no basis for judgment”? You’re probably thinking, “Wait, what? I’m supposed to judge a student’s character and abilities without knowing them? What kind of witchcraft is this?”
The truth is, sometimes, “no basis for judgment” is the most honest answer, even if it sounds like you’re throwing shade at the applicant. It’s a catch-all phrase used when a recommender genuinely cannot provide a meaningful evaluation of a student’s skills or qualities.
So when is it OK to answer “no basis”?
- You haven’t had enough interaction with the student. If you only had the student for a short period, or if you’ve never had a chance to observe their work or personality in depth, it’s perfectly acceptable to say “no basis.”
- The student’s skills or qualities are outside your area of expertise. For example, if you’re a math teacher and the student is applying to a music program, you wouldn’t have the expertise to judge their musical abilities.
- The question is irrelevant to the student’s application. For instance, if the Common App asks about the student’s extracurricular activities, and the student hasn’t participated in any, you can mark “no basis” for that particular question.
But is there a downside to using “no basis”?
Yes, there can be. Some colleges may interpret a “no basis” answer as a negative reflection on the applicant. It’s like saying, “I can’t really tell you anything about this student.” It’s not exactly the glowing recommendation every applicant dreams of.
What can you do if you’re worried about how “no basis” might be perceived?
- Talk to the student. Explain the situation to them and let them know why you’re choosing to answer “no basis.” You could suggest that they get a recommendation from someone who knows them better in the area they’re applying for.
- Provide a brief explanation. In the “comments section” of the Common App, you can add a short explanation of why you chose to answer “no basis.” For example, you could say, “I only had [student’s name] for one semester and haven’t had the opportunity to observe their work closely.”
The Common App: A Potential Pitfall?
Let’s face it, the Common App can feel like a bit of a bureaucratic monster. It’s full of questions designed to quantify everything from your extracurricular activities to your SAT scores. But is it really that bad?
The Common App: Is it really the best choice?
Well, it’s definitely the most widely used, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for every applicant.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The Common App is a great tool for applying to a wide range of colleges. It’s convenient, standardized, and saves you a lot of time.
- But some colleges don’t accept the Common App. If you’re applying to a few colleges that don’t use the Common App, you’ll need to fill out their individual applications.
- There’s a potential downside: the “common” factor can make your application feel a bit generic. You’ll need to make sure your essays and other materials stand out to showcase your unique strengths.
The Common App and Recommendations: A Balancing Act
One of the most crucial aspects of the Common App is the recommendation section.
Here’s the deal:
- You can submit your application before your recommenders submit their letters. This is great news if your teachers are notorious for procrastinating.
- But it also means you can’t use your teachers’ procrastination as an excuse for your own. Make sure you give your recommenders plenty of time to write their letters and submit them before the application deadline.
Common App and Rankings: A Question of Choice
The Common App also asks whether you provide ratings and rankings.
Here’s the breakdown:
- If you say “no,” those ratings become optional. You can leave them blank, and the college will not use them in their decision.
- If you say “yes,” the college may use those ratings and rankings. This can be a double-edged sword. Some colleges may see your high ranking as a positive, while others may view it with skepticism.
The Common App and Transfer Students: A Special Case
If you’re a transfer student, the Common App can still be a useful tool.
Here’s the scoop:
- The Common App is often accepted by universities for transfer applications. However, some colleges may have their own specific transfer application process.
- Even if you’re transferring from a community college, you still need to be prepared. Colleges want to see that you’ve been successful in your previous academic program and are ready for the challenges of a four-year university.
The “No Basis” Mystery: Decoding the “No Basis” Answer
For many students, the “no basis” answer on the Common App is a source of confusion and anxiety.
Here’s the thing:
- “No basis” doesn’t always mean something bad. It simply means that the recommender couldn’t provide a meaningful evaluation.
- If you’re worried about how “no basis” might be perceived, talk to your recommender. They may be able to provide more context or clarity.
The Common App: Your Path to College Success?
Navigating the Common App can be a bit like traversing a minefield. But remember, you’re not alone.
Here are some tips to help you ace the Common App:
- Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to start your applications.
- Read the instructions carefully. Make sure you understand what each question is asking.
- Proofread everything. Typos and grammatical errors can make your application look unprofessional.
Need more help?
If you’re still feeling lost or confused about the Common App, or if you have any other questions about the college application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community. We’re here to help!