Does My Common App Need a Theme? (Spoiler Alert: It Kinda Does)
The Common App is like that awkward first date where you’re trying to impress someone you’ve never met before. You want to show off your best self, but you also want to be authentic and relatable. And that’s where the “theme” of your application comes in.
So, does your Common App need a theme?
In short, yes, but not in the way you might think. You’re not writing a novel with a central plotline, but rather crafting a cohesive story about you. It’s about showcasing your passions, your experiences, and your ambitions in a way that captures the attention of those admissions folks (who, let’s be honest, have probably read a million applications by now).
Think of it like this:
Imagine you’re at a cocktail party, and you’re trying to stand out from the crowd. Do you just blurt out a random string of facts about yourself? Or do you focus on a particular aspect of your personality, like your love for coding or your experience volunteering in a soup kitchen, and weave a compelling narrative around it?
A theme helps you do the latter. It provides a unifying thread that connects all the different elements of your application, from your academic achievements to your extracurricular activities to your essays.
But here’s the catch: You don’t want your theme to feel forced or contrived. It needs to be genuine and authentic—a reflection of your true self.
The Dos and Don’ts of Theme-ing Your Common App
Here’s the lowdown on how to nail this whole theme thing:
Do:
- Identify your passions: What truly excites you? What gets you fired up in the morning? Your theme should emerge from these interests.
- Connect the dots: Look for connections between your academic interests, your extracurriculars, your experiences, and your goals. How do these elements create a cohesive picture of who you are?
- Tell a story: Your theme should create a narrative arc—a journey of growth, discovery, and learning. Don’t just list your accomplishments; show how they’ve shaped you.
- Be yourself: The most important thing is to be authentic. Don’t try to force a theme that doesn’t truly reflect your personality.
Don’t:
- Overthink it: Your theme shouldn’t be a grand, elaborate scheme. It can be a simple, unifying idea that gives your application a sense of direction.
- Force it: If you’re struggling to find a theme, don’t sweat it. It’s more important to write engaging and insightful essays than to have a theme just for the sake of having one.
- Be cliché: Avoid overused themes like “leadership” or “community service.” Find something unique and personal that sets you apart.
- Go overboard: Your theme should be a subtle thread that runs through your application, not a loud, obnoxious banner.
Examples of Common App Themes
Here are a few examples of how you can weave a theme into your Common App:
- Theme: Passion for Sustainability
- Academics: Taking courses in environmental science, joining the school’s environmental club, researching renewable energy.
- Extracurriculars: Volunteering at a local nature preserve, participating in a school-led recycling program, organizing a campus-wide sustainability initiative.
- Essays: Writing about your experiences at the nature preserve, discussing your thoughts on climate change, reflecting on how you plan to make a difference in the future.
- Theme: Love of Storytelling
- Academics: Taking creative writing classes, participating in the school’s literary magazine, researching different forms of storytelling.
- Extracurriculars: Joining the drama club, writing short stories or poetry, volunteering at a local library or bookstore.
- Essays: Writing about your favorite authors or stories, exploring the power of narrative, reflecting on how you use storytelling in your own life.
- Theme: Overcoming Challenges
- Academics: Excelling in your studies despite personal setbacks, seeking out opportunities to learn from your challenges.
- Extracurriculars: Joining a support group, mentoring younger students, volunteering with organizations that help others overcome similar challenges.
- Essays: Writing about your personal struggles, sharing how you’ve learned and grown from adversity, highlighting your resilience and determination.
Remember, Your Theme Is Your Story
Ultimately, your Common App theme should be a reflection of your unique journey. It’s not about impressing the admissions committee with cleverness or creativity; it’s about showcasing your true self—your passions, your struggles, your triumphs, and your aspirations for the future.
So, embrace your individuality, tell your story, and let your theme shine!
Need Help Finding Your Theme?
Don’t worry—we’re here to help! If you’re struggling to find your theme, or if you just need some guidance as you navigate the Common App process, reach out to us at JobLoving. We can provide you with personalized support and resources to help you create a winning application.
Together, let’s make your Common App a masterpiece!