Can You Use “&” in the Common App? A Guide for the Desperate (and Word-Limited)
So you’re staring at the Common App, your brain overflowing with the epic tale of your extracurriculars, but the character limit is staring back, judging your every word. You’re desperate, you’re stressed, and you’re wondering, “Can I just use an ampersand (&) instead of ‘and’ to save some precious characters?”
The answer, dear reader, is a resounding YES!
And let’s be honest, we’re all about finding those shortcuts when battling the Common App’s character limits, right? It’s like trying to fit your entire life story into a tiny, cramped elevator. And just like that elevator, you’re going to need to make some strategic sacrifices.
But before you go wild with the ampersands, let’s talk about some strategic ways to use them, because let’s face it, a little subtlety goes a long way, especially when dealing with those all-knowing admissions officers.
The “&” Strategy: Conquering the Character Limit
Think of the “&” as your secret weapon, your escape hatch from the character limit prison. Here are some ways you can deploy it:
1. The “And” Replacement:
This is the most straightforward use of the ampersand. It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of character saving. Instead of writing “and,” simply write “&.” But remember, use this wisely. Too many ampersands can make your application look like a cryptic message from a pirate.
2. The “And” + “Other” Combo:
Let’s say you are listing multiple things within your Common App activities section. Instead of writing “and other,” you can use “& other.” It’s a subtle change, but it can save you those crucial characters.
3. The “Double Duty” “&”:
Now, here’s where you can really get creative. You can use the ampersand to connect two words or phrases within a single sentence. Think of it as a bridge connecting two ideas. This can be a great way to save space and create a more concise statement.
4. The “Code Word” “&”:
This is for the bold and the creative. If you’re feeling particularly daring, you can use an ampersand as a code word within your activities description. This can be especially useful if you have a specific skill or accomplishment that you want to highlight. For example:
“Led the school’s robotics team to victory at the regional competition & developed a new AI algorithm for object recognition.”
5. The “Don’t Forget the Context” Rule:
Remember, the “&” is your tool, not your master. Make sure that your writing is still clear and understandable. Don’t use the ampersand in a way that makes your application look like a jumbled mess. Keep in mind that admissions officers are reading hundreds of applications, and they don’t have time to decode your cryptic messages.
Beyond the “&”: Other Ways to Conquer the Character Limit
Remember, the ampersand is just one tool in your arsenal. Here are some other ways to make your Common App activities section shine without sacrificing clarity:
1. The “Master of the Comma” Technique:
Use commas to separate items in your list, especially if you have more than two items. This can be a more elegant way to reduce word count than using ampersands.
2. The “Active Voice” Power Move:
Use active voice whenever possible. It makes your writing more concise and impactful. For example, instead of writing “I was awarded the National Science Award,” write “I received the National Science Award.”
3. The “Bullet Point” Strategy:
Bullet points are your friend. Use them to create a concise and easy-to-read list of your activities.
4. The “Verb Power” Trick:
Don’t be afraid to use strong verbs to describe your activities. Instead of writing “I volunteered at the local soup kitchen,” write “I served over 200 meals at the local soup kitchen.”
5. The “Less is More” Mantra:
Remember, you don’t have to list every single activity you’ve ever participated in. Focus on the activities that are most relevant to your interests and goals. Choose the ones that showcase your skills, passions, and leadership potential.
The Common App: The Great Character Limit Challenge
The Common App character limit is like a marathon. It tests your endurance, your creativity, and your ability to communicate effectively. But it’s also an opportunity to showcase your skills and personality. Use the “&” wisely, and don’t be afraid to get creative in your quest for conciseness.
And remember, if you need further help navigating the Common App or have any questions about the character limit, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you conquer the Common App, one character at a time.