<p>I think the common app was designed for "typical" applicants, particularly those who are applying to less competitive schools and aren't as motivated to fill out as many applications. Thus, it is natural for there to be only eight lines, more than enough for the average student. However, I believe that more selective schools would appreciate a more detailed resume in addition to the brief common app list.</p>
<p>I understand your point about the "bleary-eyed admission officer," but I also believe that this is the exception rather than the norm. I think that most admission officers are eager to admit those applicants who show the most dedication and effort in their presentations. I think the bleary-eyed officer is more of an urban legend to discourage students from submitting 20-page research papers or novels rather than detailed resumes.</p>
<p>Again, I would feel more comfortable being rejected if I had made sure the adcom knew I was in NHS. If not, there would always be that "what if I had just added this" factor in my mind.</p>
<p>Talking about resume organization, I just looked at a copy of my son's resume that he used in this last year's process. He had 4 sections and 1 page. 1st section "Education." He was a full IB Dip candidate 2005 and where he attended hs. 2nd section "High School Highlights." In his case the 5 most important things that happened to him including an international award and a summer program. Each item had a short explanation in a smaller font. 3rd Section "Community Service, Leadership and Related Awards." He listed his leadership positions and in small font exactly what he did in those positions. A specific example. The related awards from his school were all in one section listed in small print from earliest to latest. The most important community service activity. What he found was that they intertwined in some cases: leadership, community service, awards. 4th Section: His hopes and Aspirations.</p>
<p>Listen, he could have had more pages. He chose to focus on the most important only, the things that really described the person he was as he went through the application process. He looked around on the net for examples to use. He found one he liked and adapted it to his needs. As I remember it took him awhile with a lot of tweaking and editing to get it all on one page.</p>
<p>Now he also applied to music schools and that was a different resume. He had to list teachers, specific programs, diplomas, concerts, music studied etc. Only his highlights in music were on the regular resume.</p>
<p>His guidance counsellor has taken his resume as a sample to show to the classes coming up. So it must have been o.k.</p>