Do You Need to Report Study Halls in the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not!)
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room (or, more accurately, the study hall in the hallway). Do you need to report those hallowed halls of quiet contemplation and homework-induced stress on your Common App? The answer, my friends, is a resounding probably not.
Think of it this way: Would you report your lunch period? Your gym class? Your time spent staring wistfully out the window, contemplating the meaning of life and wondering if you should have ordered the fries instead of the onion rings? (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.)
The Common App is about showcasing your academic achievements, and study halls, well, they’re not exactly achievements. They’re more like… opportunities. Opportunities to get your homework done, to escape the chaos of the cafeteria, or to simply zone out and contemplate the existential dread that comes with being a high schooler.
The Key: No Credit, No Report
The simple truth is, study halls don’t appear on your transcript. You don’t get a grade for them, no matter how hard you stare at your textbook. They’re like the free samples at Costco: enjoyable for sure, but not something you’d boast about on your resume.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what if the college wants to know about all my extracurricular activities, even the ones that involve staring at a textbook for an hour?”
Relax, my friend. Colleges are more interested in your actual extracurriculars: the clubs you join, the sports you play, the volunteer work you do, the time you spend trying to understand what exactly “quantum physics” is trying to tell you. They want to see your passion, your commitment, your ability to manage your time.
The Exception: When Study Hall is More Than Just Study Hall
Alright, there’s a slight chance you might need to report study hall, but it’s like finding a five-dollar bill in your pocket: a pleasant surprise, but not something you should count on.
For example, if your study hall is actually a structured class, with assignments, a curriculum, and a grade, then it’s fair game for the Common App. But even then, it might be a good idea to reach out to the college admissions office and clarify.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Look, the Common App is a mountain of paperwork, and it can be overwhelming. Focus on the big picture: your grades, your extracurriculars, your essays. Study halls can wait—they’re not going anywhere.
Remember, colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals, not just academic robots. They want to see your interests, your personality, and your ability to make the most of your time, even if that means spending an hour in a quiet corner with a textbook.
So, breathe a sigh of relief, put down that textbook, and go enjoy your study hall. You’ve earned it.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by the Common App (or life in general), don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community. We’ve got your back, and we’re here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of college applications (and maybe even decipher the mysteries of quantum physics).