The Common App Resume Conundrum: To Upload or Not to Upload, That is the Question!
Let’s be honest, applying to college is like navigating a labyrinth of online forms, essays, and the dreaded “Additional Information” section. You’ve probably heard the whispers, the rumors, the college application urban legends: “Can I add a resume to the Common App?”
The answer, my friend, is a resounding maybe. It’s a bit like asking if you should wear a tie to a job interview. It depends.
The Common App’s “Additional Information” Section: A Land of Opportunity (and Potential Disaster)
The Common App, in its infinite wisdom, has created this “Additional Information” section for students to, well, add additional information. Like a blank canvas, it’s your chance to paint a picture of your brilliance, your passion, and your unique contribution to the world. But, like a blank canvas, it’s also where things can go horribly wrong.
Think of it as a double-edged sword:
The Good:
- Extra Space for Extracurriculars: The Common App only allows you to list ten activities. If you’re a Renaissance human, a walking encyclopedia of extracurriculars, this section is your salvation. You can elaborate on an activity that needs further explanation or showcase your hidden talents (like being the world’s best sock-puppet comedian).
- A Chance to Explain: Perhaps a grade isn’t what you’d hoped for. This section allows you to explain the situation, providing context and showing your resilience. It’s like a “Just so you know” section for your academic life.
- A Platform for Your Voice: This is your chance to express yourself! Maybe you have a burning desire to write a poem about the existential dread of college applications, or perhaps you want to share your thoughts on the importance of intergalactic travel. This is your stage, your soapbox, your chance to shine!
The Bad:
- The “Additional Information” Section Can Be a Black Hole: This section is like a bottomless pit. The more you put in, the more you risk losing your reader’s attention. Think of it like a buffet: A little bit of everything can be tempting, but too much can lead to a food coma.
- The “Additional Information” Section Can Be a Minefield: You’re walking a tightrope. One wrong word, one poorly-placed statement, and you could be setting off alarm bells. Remember, admissions officers have seen it all – the overachieving student, the “I’m so humble” student, the “I’m so passionate” student. Be genuine, be concise, and avoid clichés like the plague.
So, what about the resume?
Here’s the thing: Colleges don’t want to see your resume. They’ve already got all the information they need in the activities section, and they’re more interested in your personality, your passions, and your unique perspective.
Think of it this way: A resume is like a boring PowerPoint presentation. It’s all about the facts, the figures, the achievements. But colleges want a story, a narrative, a glimpse into your soul.
The Bottom Line:
Don’t upload a resume to the Common App. It’s unnecessary, and it could even hurt your application. Instead, focus on using the “Additional Information” section to tell your story, to showcase your individuality, and to highlight your unique talents and experiences.
Remember, your application isn’t just about what you’ve done, it’s about who you are.
Need help navigating the treacherous waters of the Common App? Join the JobLoving community, where you can connect with other students and seasoned professionals who can guide you through the college application process.
Just remember, the key to a successful application is to be authentic, to be yourself, and to tell your story in a compelling and engaging way.
Good luck!