Should I Use the Recommended Password for the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Complicated)
So, you’re applying to college, and the Common App is staring back at you like a judgmental, slightly-too-serious-for-its-own-good high school guidance counselor. You’re clicking through the application, and then BAM! The dreaded password field appears. Your inner monologue starts to sound like a particularly intense episode of “Law & Order: SVU.” “Should I use the recommended password? Will it be strong enough? Will it make me look like a total tech noob? Will hackers laugh at me and steal my identity?”
Calm down, future college student. We’re here to break down this password conundrum and help you navigate the treacherous waters of online security.
The Common App’s Password Requirements
The Common App, in its infinite wisdom, lays down the law for passwords. They demand a minimum of 16 characters, a blend of uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a symbol. It’s like a password game of “Where’s Waldo?” except instead of a striped shirt, you’re searching for a hidden asterisk.
The “Recommended Password” Dilemma
The Common App doesn’t actually provide a recommended password, but let’s assume they did. Would you use it?
Here’s the thing: using a suggested password can be a good starting point, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s like wearing someone else’s clothes – sure, they might fit, but they won’t feel as comfortable or unique as your own.
The “I’m a Password Wizard” Approach
Some of you might be thinking, “I’m a password pro! I use 14 random characters and a dash of quantum physics for good measure!” You are technically correct, the best passwords are long, random, and unique. But let’s be real, who wants to remember a string of characters that looks like it was generated by a monkey typing on a keyboard?
The “Just Give Me a Good Password” Solution
Okay, so you don’t want to be a password guru, and you’re not thrilled with the idea of using the “recommended” option. What’s a student to do?
Enter the Password Manager
Think of a password manager as your personal digital butler. They remember all your passwords, so you don’t have to. They can generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, and you can rest assured that they’ll keep your digital life secure.
Think of it this way: You wouldn’t use the same key to unlock your house, your car, and your mailbox, would you? Why use the same password for all your online accounts?
But Wait, There’s More!
We’ve established that using a strong, unique password for each account is essential. But let’s get a little more granular.
The Email Password Power Move
Your email password should be on another level. Think of your email as the central hub of your digital life. It holds the keys to your social media accounts, online banking, and, yes, your college applications. If someone gets hold of your email account, they can potentially unlock the entire kingdom of your online life.
The “Good” Password Manager
Here’s where the “good” password manager comes into play. They can help you create unique, strong passwords, but remember, you are the one who decides how strong those passwords are. If you choose “password123” as the foundation for your password manager to build upon, you’re setting yourself up for a world of digital hurt.
The “Forget Password” Fallacy
Some argue that a “Forgot Password” option makes password confirmation redundant. But think about it. Would you rather spend a few extra seconds confirming your password now, or spend hours trying to recover your account later?
The “Confirm Password” Conundrum
The “confirm password” field is a contentious topic. Some argue it’s unnecessary because users copy and paste their password anyway. Others say it adds an extra layer of security.
The “I Can’t Remember My Password” Crisis
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You stare at the password field, your mind a blank slate. The “Forgot Password” option becomes your digital savior. But remember, this is a last resort.
The “Common App Password” Conclusion
So, should you use the “recommended password” for the Common App? The answer is a resounding “Maybe… but probably not.”
Here’s the bottom line: Creating a strong, unique password for each account is the best way to safeguard your digital safety. Use a password manager to generate and store these passwords, and remember to keep your email password extra strong.
Remember, your digital security is like your personal safety. It’s not something you can take lightly.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling lost in the password jungle, don’t worry! There’s a whole community of tech-savvy folks out there who are ready to help. Join the JobLoving community and ask your questions, share your concerns, and learn from the collective wisdom of the crowd.
Together, we can conquer the digital world, one strong password at a time!