Should I Put Year for Recognition on the Common App? (A Guide to Navigating the Labyrinth of Honors)
The Common App is a digital beast. It’s a labyrinth of questions, boxes, and dropdowns, all designed to squeeze your entire high school experience into a single, digestible package. And somehow, they expect you to do it with a smile on your face and an air of effortless confidence.
So, naturally, when you stumble upon the “Year” field for your awards and honors, your brain might short-circuit. “Should I put the year I actually received the award, or the year I was in school?” you ask yourself, your voice echoing in the vast emptiness of your dorm room.
Here’s the deal: You should put the year you were in school when you received the award.
This means if you were a sophomore when you won the prestigious “Most Likely to Become a Meme” award, then you’ll select “10th Grade” in the “Year” dropdown.
Why does this matter? Because admissions committees want to see a timeline of your accomplishments, not a random assortment of accolades from the distant past. They want to know how your achievements progressed throughout your academic journey, showcasing your growth and commitment.
Now, let’s dive a little deeper into the intricacies of the Common App Honors section, because let’s be honest, this is where things get really interesting.
The Honors Section: Your Chance to Shine (or, at Least, Not Be a Total Dud)
Imagine the Honors section as your personal highlight reel, where you get to showcase your achievements in all their glory. But remember, this is a curated highlight reel, not a raw, unedited montage of every time you accidentally won a game of “Twister” in gym class.
Here’s the breakdown of what you should include:
- Academic Honors: Think National Merit Scholar, Honor Roll, Dean’s List, or even a high GPA. Schools love to see you’re a studious type who doesn’t just coast through the curriculum.
- Extracurricular Honors: This is where you get to brag about your artistic talents, athletic prowess, or even your impressive ability to organize bake sales. Think art awards, debate team rankings, or that time you won “Best Dressed” at the school dance. (No, seriously, we’re not judging.)
- Awards and Certifications: Got a certification in graphic design? Awarded a scholarship for your killer essay? These are valuable accomplishments that deserve a place in your Honors section.
What you shouldn’t include:
- Generic Awards: “Most Improved” in gym class? “Best Smile” in your homeroom? Unless you’re applying to a circus school, these probably won’t impress the admissions committee.
- Awards You Received a Long Time Ago: It’s great that you were voted “Most Likely to Become a World-Renowned Scientist” in 6th grade, but it might not be as relevant now. Focus on your recent achievements.
Pro Tip: When listing your awards, follow the “descending order of prestige” rule. National awards should be at the top, followed by state, regional, and then school-wide awards.
Here’s a funny anecdote to illustrate this point: Imagine you’re a chef applying for a Michelin-starred restaurant. Would you lead with the time you won “Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich” at the local county fair, or would you mention that time you won “Chef of the Year” in a national culinary competition? Exactly.
The “Level of Recognition” Field: Don’t Be Afraid to Brag (Within Reason)
The Common App provides four levels of recognition:
- School-Wide: This is for honors you received within your school, like making the Honor Roll or winning the school science fair.
- State/Regional: This is for honors you received within your state or region, like winning a regional debate tournament or being recognized as a state champion in track and field.
- National: These honors are for accolades received on a national scale, like being named a National Merit Scholar or winning a national science competition.
- International: This is for honors that are recognized on a global level, like winning an international art competition or being selected for a prestigious international scholarship.
Remember: Be honest and accurate. Don’t inflate your accomplishments to make yourself seem more impressive. If you won a state-level award, don’t pretend it was national. The admissions committee isn’t stupid, and they can easily check your claims.
The Common App Activities Section: It’s Not Just for Sports and Clubs
The Activities section is your chance to elaborate on the things you’re passionate about. It’s where you can showcase your leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and dedication to both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Should you repeat an award in the Activities section? This depends on your situation. If the award is directly related to an activity (like winning a debate tournament as part of the debate team), then it’s perfectly fine to mention it in both sections.
Pro Tip: Use the Activities section to tell a story about your involvement in an activity. Don’t just list the activity and its time commitment. Share how you grew and learned through your experience.
The Common App: A Journey of Self-Discovery (and a Lot of Stress)
Filling out the Common App is a bit like writing a novel about your life… except you only have a few hundred words to do it. It’s a journey of self-reflection, self-promotion, and a whole lot of stress.
Remember: Take your time, be honest, and showcase your accomplishments in a way that highlights your passions and potential. Don’t be afraid to brag (within reason) and have fun with it.
If you need further help, answer or research resources about the Common App, don’t hesitate to connect with us at JobLoving community!