How Many Contacts Can You Have on the Common App? (And Why It Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think)
Let’s get real, folks. The Common App can be a real head-scratcher. You’re already wrestling with essays, recommendations, and standardized test scores. And then the Common App throws in a “Contacts” section? What’s that all about?
Firstly, breathe. You’re not alone in your confusion about the “Contacts” section. The Common App, in its infinite wisdom, wants you to show off how much you’ve been wooing your dream colleges. Think of it as a little test to see if you’re truly “committed” to this whole college application process.
But here’s the thing: it’s not a deal-breaker.
Here’s the breakdown of what you need to know about the “Contacts” section, and why it’s not as important as you might think.
What’s the deal with the “Contacts” section?
The Common App wants to know if you’ve been actively engaged with the university in some way. They want to see if you’re a “serious” applicant, and not just someone who’s randomly throwing their hat into the ring.
Here are some examples of “Contacts” that the Common App might want to know about:
- You attended a college fair and chatted with a representative. Boom, contact!
- You went on a campus tour and felt all those good vibes. Contact!
- You emailed the admissions office with a burning question about their amazing [insert major name]. Contact!
But here’s the kicker: the Common App has a limit of 20 colleges. So you’re not going to be able to add every single college you’ve ever visited or emailed to your “Contacts” section.
So, how many contacts should you have?
Honestly, the number of contacts you have is less important than the quality of those contacts. Here’s the thing: if you’ve only interacted with a college once or twice, and you’re just adding them to your “Contacts” list to make it look impressive, it’s not going to do you any favors.
Think about it this way:
You’re trying to impress a potential date. Would you rather have a bunch of superficial “likes” on your social media, or a few genuine conversations with someone who is truly interested in you? The same principle applies to your college applications.
Focus on quality, not quantity.
What really matters is that you’ve taken the time to learn about the colleges you’re interested in. Show them that you’ve done your research, that you’ve made an effort to connect with their community, and that you’re genuinely interested in attending their school.
For example, if you’ve visited a campus, that’s a pretty good sign that you’re serious about attending that college. But it’s even better if you can talk about something specific that you learned during your visit. Did you meet a professor who inspired you? Did you connect with a student who told you about their favorite study spot? Those are the kinds of details that really show the admissions committee that you’re engaged and invested.
The “Contacts” section is a chance to show off your personality and your genuine interest in a college. Don’t worry about hitting some magical number of contacts. Just focus on creating a list that reflects your authentic engagement with the schools you’re applying to.
The Bottom Line
Don’t get too hung up on the “Contacts” section. It’s just a small part of your overall application. Focus on your essays, your grades, and your extracurricular activities. Those are the things that will really make a difference.
Remember, the Common App is just one piece of the college application puzzle. Don’t let it stress you out. Just be yourself, show your passion for learning, and let your personality shine through.
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, remember, you don’t have to go through this alone!
Reach out to your guidance counselor, your teachers, or your friends and family for support. And if you need extra help, there are plenty of resources available online.
And hey, if you’re still feeling lost in the Common App jungle, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate the college application process with a little bit of humor and a lot of support.
Let’s get those college applications in order, once and for all!