Should My Common App Be Serious? (And Other Existential College Application Crises)
You’re staring at your computer screen, the cursor blinking like a judge’s gavel, and your brain feels like a popcorn machine going into overdrive. The dreaded Common App essay looms, and you’re wrestling with a question that’s more existential than a philosophy class: Should my Common App be serious?
The answer, my friend, is it depends. But before we dive into the complexities of this philosophical dilemma, let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer absurdity of it all. We’re essentially asking a piece of paper to decide our future, and it’s judging us based on a single, carefully crafted essay. Talk about pressure!
The Common App: Where Dreams Meet Bureaucracy
The Common App is like a dating app for students and colleges. You create a profile, swipe right on some institutions, and hope for a match. The key difference? This dating app has a strict dress code: seriousness.
But here’s the thing: “serious” can mean a lot of things. Are we talking “I-spent-my-summer-volunteering-at-an-orphanage-in-the-Amazon-rainforest” serious? Or “I-have-a-deep-and-meaningful-passion-for-the-philosophy-of-quantum-physics” serious?
The Common App Essay: Your Chance to Shine (or Not)
The Common App essay is your chance to showcase your personality, your passions, and your ability to string together coherent thoughts. It’s a mini-interview on paper, and the admissions officers are looking for something that makes you stand out in a sea of applications.
Here’s the truth: No one wants to read a boring essay.
Sure, you can write about the time you volunteered at the local soup kitchen, but is that really going to make you memorable? The admissions officers see hundreds, maybe even thousands of essays about volunteering, community service, and overcoming challenges.
But, that doesn’t mean you should abandon all seriousness. The key is to find a balance between sincerity and engaging storytelling.
So, How Do You Strike That Balance?
Think of it this way: You’re not writing a research paper or a legal brief. You’re writing a story about yourself, and you want to capture the reader’s attention.
Here’s a blueprint for a winning Common App essay:
- Find Your Voice: Your essay should be authentically you. Don’t try to sound like someone you’re not. If you’re a natural storyteller, let your personality shine through. If you’re more analytical, explain your thought process in a way that’s both insightful and engaging.
- Choose a Topic That Matters: Pick something you’re passionate about, something that has shaped you or taught you something valuable. It doesn’t have to be a life-altering experience, but it should be something you can write about with enthusiasm and depth.
- Tell a Story, Not Just a List of Accomplishments: Admissions officers are interested in your journey, not just your destination. Show them how you’ve grown and learned, and what you’ve taken away from your experiences.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Be Funny: Humor can be a powerful tool in a Common App essay. It can help you connect with the reader and make your essay more memorable. Just make sure the humor is appropriate for the context and doesn’t come across as forced or inappropriate.
- Edit, Edit, Edit: Once you’ve finished your essay, take a break, then come back and reread it with fresh eyes. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and anything that might sound awkward or unclear. And don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from a trusted advisor, teacher, or friend.
Okay, but what about my major?
The Common App essay doesn’t have to directly address your major. But, if your academic interests are deeply intertwined with your identity and experiences, it’s a good idea to weave them into the essay. Show the admissions officers how your passion for, say, astrophysics, has influenced your life choices and shaped your perspective on the world.
The Common App: It’s Not Just About Getting In
The Common App is more than a bureaucratic hurdle. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your journey, showcase your unique voice, and share your story with the world. So, go ahead, be serious, be funny, be yourself. Just be sure to tell a story that matters.
Need Help? Don’t Panic!
If you’re still feeling lost in the Common App wilderness, don’t worry. There are tons of resources available to help you navigate this process. And if you need an extra pair of eyes or a fresh perspective, the JobLoving community is here to help! Connect with us for advice, feedback, and support on your college application journey. Just remember: You’re not alone in this!