How to Approach the Common Application

The first approach to your Common Application is a narrower approach. I’ve read a number of applications where the student has chosen to hone in on one aspect of their life. Maybe they focused on a particular skill or one part of their identity. They are careful to make sure we know just how crucial this part of their lived experience is. I, as the reviewer, will get the sense of how important this thing is because it will show up multiple times.

Let’s suppose you are an applicant that is eager to study physics.  You are excited about science and want to highlight your research in the application. So you mention the summer programs and individual research opportunities you’ve had. You may also choose to write your personal statement (essay) about how scientific inquiry has led to a general curiosity in your life. You then list your award as a finalist in a national robotics competition. Finally, your counselor talks about how you tutor other students after school – maybe specifically in the sciences.

After reviewing this application, I clearly and easily understand the value of research in your life. I can make a connection to what it is you plan to study and you have articulated why this is important to you. While we like to see that students are engaged outside of the classroom, there’s no expectation that you’re doing everything.

The second approach to your Common Application can be the breadth approach, which gives a wider perspective about yourself. Yes, you have been a dancer for the last ten years, but you’re really excited for us to get a broader sense of what makes you, well, you. Given the role dance has played in your life, you list as your first extracurricular on the activity page. Pro-tip: always list your most important activity first. However, we gain another perspective of you by seeing that you are also part of an affinity club at your school. One of your recommendations adds a layer of perspective by detailing your community service involvement.

With this approach, we get to see several aspects of your world – all of which you feel are important. Applicants will often express fear that this approach makes them seem scattered. Absolutely not! While some students choose to maximize in just a few areas, others opt to show their varied interests.