Yes, you absolutely can and often should submit a resume on the Common App. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your accomplishments beyond your grades and test scores, providing admissions committees with a more complete picture of your qualifications and potential. This guide will walk you through why, when, and how to do it effectively.
Navigating the college application process can feel like a maze, and one question that often pops up is about submitting a resume. Many students wonder if it’s even an option, or if it’s something they should be doing. It’s completely normal to feel a little unsure! The Common Application, a widely used platform for college admissions, offers a space for this, and using it wisely can really make your application shine. We’re here to break down exactly how to make your resume work for you in this crucial step.
Why Submitting a Resume on the Common App Matters
Think of your college application as your chance to tell your story. Your essays and grades are important, of course, but they only show part of who you are. A resume, when submitted through the Common App, acts as a powerful supplement. It’s a structured way to present your experiences, skills, and achievements in a clear, concise format that admissions officers can quickly review.
Admissions committees read thousands of applications. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from the crowd by highlighting specific details that might not fit elsewhere in your application. It demonstrates your initiative, your commitment to activities, and the skills you’ve developed outside the classroom. This can be particularly impactful for students who may not have a high GPA or test scores but have significant extracurricular involvement or work experience.
Key Benefits of Submitting a Resume:
- Showcases Depth of Experience: Go beyond listing activities; detail your responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Highlights Specific Skills: Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, technical skills, and more.
- Provides Concrete Evidence: Back up your claims in essays and activity descriptions with tangible achievements.
- Demonstrates Professionalism: Shows you understand how to present yourself in a professional manner.
- Offers a Different Perspective: Allows you to present information in a format familiar to many professionals.
When is the Right Time to Submit a Resume?
The decision to submit a resume isn’t always straightforward. While it can be beneficial, it’s most effective when used strategically. Consider these scenarios:
Situations Where a Resume is Highly Recommended:
- Extensive Extracurricular Involvement: If you’ve held leadership positions, participated in numerous clubs, or dedicated significant time to activities.
- Work or Volunteer Experience: If you have part-time jobs, internships, or substantial volunteer roles that showcase responsibility and skills.
- Awards and Honors: If you’ve received significant recognition that doesn’t fit neatly into the awards section of the Common App.
- Specific Skills or Projects: If you have technical skills (like coding, design software) or have completed significant independent projects.
- To Elaborate on Activity Descriptions: If the Common App’s activity descriptions feel too restrictive for detailing your contributions.
When You Might Not Need a Resume:
- Limited Extracurriculars or Work Experience: If you don’t have much to put on a resume, it might not add significant value.
- Your Application is Already Strong: If your grades, test scores, essays, and activity descriptions are exceptionally compelling and comprehensive.
- The College Recommends Against It: Always check the specific instructions for each college you’re applying to. Some may not accept supplemental materials.
Understanding the Common App’s Document Upload Feature
The Common Application provides a specific section for uploading supplemental documents. This is where your resume typically goes. It’s crucial to understand that not all colleges accept supplemental materials, and some may have specific instructions on what they will review. Always check the “Questions” section within each college’s specific application on the Common App platform.
Look for sections related to:
- “Additional Information”
- “Supplemental Documents”
- Specific prompts asking for resumes or portfolios.
If a college explicitly states they do not accept supplemental documents, or if you cannot find a clear place to upload it, it’s best not to submit one. Submitting materials a college doesn’t want can sometimes be seen as not following instructions.
Crafting a College Application Resume: Key Differences
A resume for a college application is slightly different from one you might use for a job. The focus shifts from direct job duties to demonstrating potential, growth, and a well-rounded profile. Here’s how to tailor it:
Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties:
Instead of just listing what you did, focus on what you accomplished. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Example:
- Instead of: “Helped organize school events.”
- Try: “Coordinated logistics for 5 school-wide events, increasing student attendance by 15% through targeted promotional efforts.”
Highlight Transferable Skills:
Admissions officers look for skills that will make you successful in college and beyond. Think about:
- Leadership: Captain, president, team lead.
- Teamwork: Collaborative projects, group activities.
- Communication: Presentations, writing, public speaking.
- Problem-Solving: Overcoming challenges, finding solutions.
- Time Management: Balancing multiple commitments.
- Technical Skills: Software proficiency, coding, design.
Structure for Clarity:
A standard resume format works well. Keep it clean, easy to read, and typically no more than one page for high school students.
Standard Resume Sections for Students:
- Contact Information: Name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile URL (optional).
- Summary or Objective (Optional): A brief statement highlighting your key strengths and goals. For college apps, a summary focusing on your profile is often better than a narrow objective.
- Education: High school name, location, expected graduation date, GPA (if strong), relevant coursework.
- Extracurricular Activities: List clubs, sports, arts, volunteering. Include your role, duration, and key accomplishments.
- Work Experience: Part-time jobs, internships. Detail responsibilities and achievements.
- Awards and Honors: Academic achievements, scholarships, recognition.
- Skills: Languages, software, technical skills, certifications.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Resume on Common App
Ready to get your resume into the Common App? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Resume
Before you even log into the Common App, ensure your resume is polished and up-to-date. If you don’t have one, now is the time to create it! Focus on clarity, conciseness, and impact. Proofread meticulously for any typos or grammatical errors.
Step 2: Save Your Resume as a PDF
Most colleges prefer documents in PDF format. This ensures your formatting stays intact regardless of the device or software used to open it. Save your final resume as “YourName_Resume.pdf”.
Step 3: Log In to Your Common App Account
Go to the Common App website and log in to your account.
Step 4: Navigate to the Correct Section
Once logged in, you’ll need to find the right place to upload your document. This is usually found within the application itself, often under a section like:
- “My Colleges” tab, then select a specific college.
- Look for a link or section for “Documents,” “Supplements,” or “Additional Information.”
- Some colleges might have a specific prompt within their “Questions” section that allows for document uploads.
Step 5: Upload Your Resume
Follow the on-screen prompts to upload your PDF resume. Ensure you are uploading the correct file.
Step 6: Review and Confirm
Before submitting your application, double-check that your resume has been uploaded correctly and is associated with the right college application. Some colleges will have a confirmation page or a specific area where you can see uploaded documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common resume submission errors to steer clear of:
- Submitting When Not Allowed: As mentioned, always check college-specific instructions.
- Overly Long Resumes: For high school students, a one-page resume is almost always sufficient.
- Poor Formatting or Typos: This can detract from your credibility. Proofread, proofread, proofread!
- Generic Content: Tailor your resume to highlight experiences relevant to the college or program you’re applying to, if possible.
- Including Unnecessary Information: Avoid personal details like marital status, age, or photos.
- Using Informal Language: Maintain a professional tone throughout.
Example Resume Snippets for College Applications
To give you a clearer picture, here are a few examples of how you might phrase certain entries on your college application resume:
Example 1: Leadership Role
Student Government Association, President | City High School | Sep 2022 – Present
- Led a team of 15 officers in planning and executing 10+ school-wide events, including the annual homecoming dance which saw a 20% increase in attendance.
- Managed a budget of $5,000, allocating funds for club activities and student initiatives.
- Facilitated weekly meetings, fostering collaboration and communication among diverse student groups.
Example 2: Volunteer Experience
Community Food Bank, Volunteer | Local Outreach Center | Jun 2023 – Aug 2023
- Sorted and packaged over 500 pounds of donated food items weekly, ensuring efficient distribution to local families.
- Assisted clients with registration and provided information about available services, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
- Collaborated with a team of 20 volunteers to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Example 3: Part-Time Job
Sales Associate | “The Book Nook” Bookstore | Jan 2023 – Present
- Provided excellent customer service, assisting patrons with book selections and special orders, contributing to a 10% increase in repeat customers.
- Managed inventory, restocked shelves, and maintained store appearance, ensuring a welcoming shopping experience.
- Operated point-of-sale system and handled cash and credit transactions accurately.
What if a College Doesn’t Accept Supplemental Documents?
This is a critical point. If a college has a strict policy against supplemental materials, or if there’s no clear upload option, do not force your resume into their application. Admissions committees are looking for students who can follow instructions. Instead, ensure that the relevant information from your resume is incorporated into:
- The Activities Section: Use the descriptions to highlight your achievements and responsibilities.
- The “Additional Information” Essay/Section: If there’s a specific prompt for additional information, you can strategically weave in details about significant experiences or skills that weren’t covered elsewhere.
- Your Essays: Use your personal essay or supplemental essays to showcase key experiences and skills that your resume would have highlighted.
The goal is to present a comprehensive picture of yourself, and if a resume isn’t the accepted format, other parts of your application can serve that purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I submit a resume if I don’t have much work experience?
A: Absolutely! Your resume can highlight volunteer work, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, awards, relevant coursework, and any projects you’ve completed. Focus on showcasing your skills and accomplishments, no matter the context.
Q2: How long should my resume be for the Common App?
A: For high school students applying to college, a one-page resume is generally best. Admissions officers review many applications, so conciseness and clarity are key.
Q3: Should I put my GPA on my college application resume?
A: It’s a good idea to include your GPA if it’s strong (e.g., 3.5 or higher) and you’re comfortable sharing it. You can also list honors like “Dean’s List” if applicable.
Q4: What if a college specifically asks for a resume?
A: If a college requests a resume, it’s a strong signal that they value this type of documentation. Make sure your resume is tailored to their institution and highlights your most relevant achievements and skills.
Q5: Is there a limit to the file size for the resume upload?
A: The Common App typically has file size limits for uploads, usually around 1-2 MB. Ensure your PDF is optimized and not excessively large.
Q6: What kind of email address should I use on my resume?
A: Always use a professional-sounding email address, such as firstname.lastname@email.com. Avoid informal or outdated email addresses.
Q7: Should I include references on my resume?
A: No, it’s not necessary to include references on a resume submitted to the Common App. You can state “References available upon request” if you wish, but it’s generally understood.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Resume Work for You
Submitting a resume on the Common App can be a strategic move to enhance your college applications. It provides a structured way to showcase your achievements, skills, and experiences that might not fit elsewhere. Remember to always check each college’s specific requirements and guidelines regarding supplemental documents. Craft a clear, concise, and achievement-oriented resume, proofread it thoroughly, and save it as a PDF.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of college application resumes, you can present a more complete and compelling picture of yourself to admissions committees. This can help you stand out and demonstrate your readiness for the academic challenges and opportunities that await you in higher education. You’ve got this!