Do You Put Elective Courses in the Common App Activities Section? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not!)
So, you’re staring at the Common App, that digital beast of college admissions, and you’re wondering: “Should I list my elective courses in the Activities section?” Well, buckle up, because this is a question that could make a high school senior pull their hair out (and maybe their eyebrows, too – those are stressful times!).
The Short Answer: Generally, no, you don’t put elective courses in the Activities section of the Common App. Think of it this way: the Activities section is where you showcase your extracurricular activities, the things you did outside of the classroom that demonstrate your passions, leadership, and commitment. Elective courses, while important, fall under the “academic” category, which is already covered in your Courses and Grades section.
But hold on, let’s dig a little deeper! You might be thinking, “Wait, what about that super cool elective I took on Medieval History, or the one where I learned to code robots? Those were awesome!” And you’re right! They were probably awesome, but the Activities section isn’t the place to brag about them. Here’s why:
- Space is Precious: The Common App Activities section is notoriously short on space, limiting you to a mere 150 characters per activity description. It’s like trying to fit a whole semester of your life into a single tweet. So, use that precious space to highlight the things that truly make you stand out.
- Focus on the Extra: Think of the Activities section as your “resume” for your extracurricular life. It’s about showcasing your passions, leadership, and impact beyond academics. So, instead of listing electives, focus on clubs, sports, volunteer work, internships, research projects, or even unique hobbies that demonstrate your skills and interests.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of listing an elective, consider linking it to a relevant extracurricular activity. For example, if you took a coding elective and also participated in a robotics club, you could mention your coding skills in your robotics club description. This shows colleges that you applied your classroom knowledge to real-world projects.
But What If My Elective WAS REALLY AWESOME?
Okay, okay, we get it! You might have taken an elective that was so mind-blowing it feels like an injustice to ignore it. Maybe you learned to play the ukulele, mastered a new language, or even built a website from scratch. If your elective was truly extraordinary and you feel compelled to mention it, you could use the “Additional Information” section of the Common App. This is your chance to elaborate on anything that doesn’t fit neatly into the other sections.
Just be strategic about it. Focus on the impact and skills you gained, not just the fact that you took the class. For example, instead of saying, “Took a web design elective,” you could say, “Built a website for a local non-profit, applying skills learned in web design elective.” See the difference? You’re showing, not just telling, and demonstrating the practical application of your knowledge.
The Bottom Line
While your elective courses are part of your academic journey, the Activities section is for showcasing the things that make you shine outside of the classroom. So, focus on your extracurriculars, use the Activities section wisely, and don’t be afraid to use the Additional Information section to highlight any exceptional experiences or skills you gained from your electives.
Remember, the Common App is just one part of your college application. Focus on presenting your best self, be authentic, and let your passions shine through!
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