The Common App Honors Section: A Guide to Navigating the Labyrinth
The Common App is a labyrinth. I mean, it’s not *literally* a labyrinth – you won’t find any minotaurs or cheesy tourist traps – but the navigation can feel like it. Especially when it comes to those dreaded sections: Honors and Activities.
You’re thinking: “Do I list my award for being the best ‘Most Likely to Sleep Through History Class’ in the Honors section, or should I shove it in with my extracurriculars? And what about my National Merit Scholar title? Does it go in the Honors section, the Activities section, or a secret compartment in the Common App that only the admissions officers know about?”
Don’t fret, my fellow applicant. I’m here to guide you through the murky waters of the Common App Honors and Activities sections, armed with a healthy dose of sarcasm and a sprinkle of real advice. Buckle up because this journey is going to be wild.
The Honors: A Celebration of Your Inner Overachiever
The Honors section is where you get to flaunt your intellectual prowess and academic achievements. It’s like a trophy cabinet for your brain (but without the dust bunnies).
Think of it this way: You’ve got a fancy trophy for being the top student in your AP Physics class. That goes in the Honors section. You’ve got a trophy for winning the school’s annual “Most Likely to Eat a Whole Pizza in One Sitting” competition. That goes in the Activities section.
You’re probably thinking: “What about my shiny, sparkly National Merit Scholar title?” Well, my dear, that’s a bit of a grey area. It’s an academic honor, but it’s also a national recognition. This is where your judgment comes in. If you’re feeling bold, you can put it in the Honors section. If you’re feeling cautious, you can throw it in the Activities section.
Activities: Where You Show You’re Not Just a Bookworm
The Activities section is your chance to showcase your extracurriculars, passions, and the things you do outside of the classroom. It’s your opportunity to prove that you’re not just a robot programmed for academics.
Imagine this: You’ve got a shiny trophy for being the school’s chess champion. That goes in the Activities section. You’ve got a trophy for being the school’s “Most Likely to Sleep Through History Class” champion. That also goes in the Activities section. Apparently, “Most Likely to…” awards are a big deal. Who knew?
Now, you’re probably thinking: “How do I know which awards go where?” It’s all about context. If the award can be tied to a specific activity mentioned on your application, it goes in the Activities section. Otherwise, it’s a safe bet to put it in the Honors section.
The “How Many” Conundrum: A Numbers Game
The Common App allows you to list up to five honors. But don’t go thinking you need to cram every single academic award you’ve ever received into that space. Just like you wouldn’t wear all your trophies to a party, you don’t need to list every single honor on your application. Pick your best, most impressive ones. Think of it as a carefully curated collection of your most prized possessions.
The same logic applies to your Activities section. The Common App allows you to list up to ten activities. You don’t need to cram every single thing you’ve ever done into that space. Focus on your most impactful and meaningful activities.
The Art of Combining Activities: Crafting a Narrative
Think about the story you want to tell with your Activities section. You can group activities together thematically, creating a narrative that showcases your interests and passions. This is a good strategy if you’re concerned that individual activities might appear too sparse or short-lived.
For example, if you’ve been involved in several volunteer activities, you could group them under a heading like “Community Service” and provide a brief description of your involvement in each activity. This way, you can create a cohesive narrative that highlights your commitment to community service.
Avoiding Repetition: The Common App’s Kryptonite
One thing the Common App hates? Repetition. It’s like a vampire allergic to garlic. So, if you’re describing an activity on your Activities section, don’t repeat information already mentioned in the Honors section. It’s like telling the same joke twice – it gets old fast.
For example, if you’ve listed a National Merit Scholar award in the Honors section, you don’t need to repeat it in the Activities section. Instead, you can use the Activities section to give more context to your involvement in the National Merit program, such as your involvement in the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s programs and activities.
Don’t Be Afraid to Showcase Your Achievements
Remember, honors and awards are a way to showcase your achievements. Don’t be afraid to highlight your accomplishments. But also remember, it’s not all about the trophies. The Common App is about telling your story, showcasing your passions, and demonstrating who you are beyond your achievements.
Navigating the Common App: A Final Word
The Common App Honors and Activities sections can be tricky, but with a bit of planning and a dash of creativity, you can create a narrative that showcases your strengths and leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Remember, it’s not just about listing your accomplishments; it’s about telling your story in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd.
And if you’re still feeling lost in the Common App labyrinth, don’t worry. There are many resources available to help you navigate the process. You can consult guidance counselors, college admissions experts, or even your fellow applicants for advice and support. You got this!
If you need further help, answer or research resources about should you repeat activities and academic honors on the Common App, you can connect with us at the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate the college application process and achieve your educational goals.