How To Describe Yearbook On Common App

How to Describe Yearbook on Common App: Don’t Just “Member” Your Way to College!

Let’s be honest, the Common App is a bit like a high-pressure job interview for your future. They want to know about your achievements, your passions, and your ability to make a difference. And guess what? Yearbook can be your secret weapon to impress those college admissions folks. Think of it as the “Yearbook Advantage.”

So, you’re the Editor-In-Chief of your school’s yearbook. You’re the one who makes sure everyone looks their best (or at least their most presentable) for posterity. You’ve got the skills, the experience, the stories – but how do you translate all that into a memorable Common App description?

Think Beyond “Member”

“Member” is a word that screams “I was there, I paid dues, I ate the pizza.” It’s like saying you were a “participant” in life. Not exactly the kind of description that makes colleges swoon. So, let’s ditch the bland and embrace the extraordinary.

Tell Your Yearbook Story

The Common App gives you a small window to showcase your yearbook experience. Use it wisely. Instead of focusing on the “what,” focus on the “how” and the “why.”

Here’s how to make your yearbook description sing:

1. Start with a Bang: Grab their attention from the get-go. Don’t be afraid to use a strong opening sentence that highlights your passion and leadership.
2. Example: “As Editor-In-Chief of our school’s yearbook, I didn’t just lay out pages; I crafted stories that captured the spirit of our diverse community.”
3. Showcase Your Skills: Yearbook is more than just pasting photos. You’ve honed valuable skills that colleges value.
4. Example: “From managing a team of over 20 students to designing spreads that reflected our school’s unique character, I honed my leadership, communication, and design skills.”
5. Highlight Your Impact: Don’t just list your responsibilities – show how you made a difference.
6. Example: “I led the initiative to create a more inclusive yearbook, ensuring that every student felt represented and celebrated. This involved collaborating with student groups and faculty to incorporate diverse perspectives and stories.”
7. Embrace the Challenges: Yearbook is not always smooth sailing. Highlight how you overcame obstacles and learned from them.
8. Example: “When the printer malfunctioned a week before deadline, I rallied my team, improvising solutions and working late nights to ensure the yearbook was printed on time.”
9. Connect it to Your Goals: Explain how your yearbook experience shaped your aspirations for the future.
10. Example: “Yearbook taught me the importance of storytelling and visual communication. These skills are invaluable as I pursue a career in journalism, where I hope to use my voice to make a positive impact on the world.”

Beyond the Description: The “Yearbook Advantage”

Yearbook isn’t just a fun activity – it’s a resume builder. Here’s why:

• Leadership: Yearbook often involves managing a team, delegating tasks, and collaborating. Show those leadership skills!
• Communication: You’re constantly interacting with students, teachers, and vendors. That communication experience is valuable.
• Creativity: Yearbook is a creative medium. You’ve learned to design layouts, write compelling captions, and tell stories visually.
• Time Management: Meeting deadlines, juggling multiple projects, and working under pressure are all part of the yearbook game. Colleges want students who can handle the workload.

Yearbook as a Class? No Problem!

If your school offers yearbook as a class, you can still showcase its importance on your Common App. Here’s how:

• Highlight the Coursework: Mention the specific skills you learned in the class, like photography, graphic design, or writing.
• Focus on Projects: Describe projects you completed that showcase your skills and creativity.
• Connect it to Your Future: Explain how the coursework and projects prepared you for your future goals.

Yearbook is Your Story

Remember, the Common App is about you – your skills, your passions, and your journey. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your yearbook description. Tell your story, showcase your strengths, and make a lasting impression.

Need More Help?

If you need further help on how to describe yearbook on the Common App, you can join the JobLoving community. We have a team of experts who can provide personalized advice and guidance.

So, get out there, tell your story, and make your yearbook experience work for you!