Can You Put Music Festivals on the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Tricky)
Let’s face it, music festivals are the epitome of awesome. You’re surrounded by fellow music lovers, the air is thick with the sweet scent of freedom (and maybe a little bit of patchouli), and the music? Oh, the music! It’s like a sonic baptism, washing away all your worries with every beat.
But hold on a second, young aspiring college student. Before you start dreaming of trading your festival wristband for a college ID, there’s a little something called the Common App, a digital beast that demands you list your extracurricular activities. And let me tell you, those Common App folks can be sticklers for detail.
So, can you put your music festival experiences on the Common App? The answer is a resounding… maybe.
Here’s the deal: the Common App wants to know about your consistent, structured, and impactful extracurriculars. They want to see how you’ve used your time outside of school to grow, learn, and contribute to something bigger than yourself.
Now, a one-off trip to Coachella (no matter how epic) might not quite cut it. But if you’ve consistently attended music festivals, maybe even volunteered or worked at them, then you might have a case.
The Key to Cracking the Code
Think of it this way: the Common App is like a super serious college admissions party. You’ve got your usual suspects: the star athletes, the debate team champions, the student government presidents. They’re all there with their perfectly curated resumes, showcasing their achievements and leadership skills.
Now, you, with your love for music festivals, are walking in with a tie-dye shirt and a glow stick. If you just stand there awkwardly, nobody’s going to take notice. But if you can spin that festival experience into something impactful, something that shows you’re driven, passionate, and maybe even a little bit entrepreneurial, then you might just get the attention of the admissions committee.
How to Make Music Festivals Work for Your Common App
Here’s the breakdown of how you can make your love for music festivals sing a sweet melody in the ears of the Common App:
1. Find the Right Activity Type:
The Common App has a dropdown menu of activity types. You’ll need to find the one that best fits your festival experience. This is where things get tricky. “Other Club/Activity” is your best bet, but you can also consider “Arts or Music.”
2. Showcase Your Impact:
Here’s where the real magic happens. Instead of just listing the festivals you’ve attended, focus on the impact they’ve had on you. Here are some questions to consider:
- Did you volunteer at any of the festivals? Did you help with setup, tear-down, or crowd control? Did you organize a festival-themed fundraiser for a good cause?
- Did you work at a festival in any capacity? Were you a vendor, a stagehand, or part of the marketing team?
- Did you start a music blog or social media account dedicated to music festivals? Did you interview bands or write reviews?
- Did you use your festival experiences to inspire your own creative projects? Did you write music, paint, or make videos inspired by the artists you saw?
3. Tell a Story:
The Common App wants to know more than just “I went to Coachella.” They want to hear your personal story. Why are you so passionate about music festivals? What have you learned from them? How have they shaped you as a person?
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Unique:
The Common App is a chance for you to stand out from the crowd. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and your love for music in a way that’s authentic to you.
Here’s an example of how you could write about your music festival experiences on the Common App:
Activity Type: Other Club/Activity
Activity Description: Co-founder and Event Coordinator for “Music for Good” Festival. Worked with local charities to organize a series of music festivals that raised over $10,000 for community outreach programs. Managed logistics, coordinated volunteers, and promoted the events on social media. Developed a strong understanding of event planning and community engagement.
Position/Leadership: Co-founder and Event Coordinator
Grade Levels: 10-12
Hours Spent Per Week: Variable, ranging from 5-15 hours depending on the stage of event planning.
Weeks Spent Per Year: 10-12 weeks
Intend to Continue in College: Yes, I plan to start a music-related club or organization that will focus on community outreach and fundraising.
Why This Works:
This example goes beyond simply listing festivals. It shows initiative, leadership, and a strong sense of community. The student took their passion for music festivals and turned it into a tangible impact. They also demonstrate a clear plan for how they’ll continue to pursue their passion in college.
The Bottom Line
The Common App is a serious business. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with it. If you’re passionate about music festivals, let your passion shine through. Show them that you’re more than just a festival-goer. You’re a leader, a creative thinker, and a community builder.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to figure out how to put your music festival experiences on the Common App, don’t fret. There are plenty of resources available to help you. You can check out online forums, talk to your guidance counselor, or even reach out to college admissions offices for guidance.
And if all else fails, just remember: the most important thing is to be true to yourself. Let your personality and your passions shine through.
Remember, the Common App is just one small part of your college application process. It’s your chance to showcase who you are and what you’re all about. So go out there and make some noise!
Need further help, answer or research ressources about how to put music festivals into common app? Connect with us at JobLoving community.