<p>We don't really ask anyone to write about their activities or awards. We have an open text box and tell students to put their info in. Some write, some list, some cut and paste their resumes. We suggest a specific format (a list) just to make it easy to figure out what each activity entails.</p>
<p>If anyone's wondering what we're talking about, the first two "essays" (we don't really call them that) are below.</p>
<p>Personal Response 1
[QUote]
Please list the extracurricular activities that have been most important to you in high school.We ask for your most important activities because we want to know what you care about and what you might bring to the University community. Because a full resume tends to tell us less about your passions and talents than the shorter list we request, be sure to include this list, even if you also enclose a resume. Begin with the activity that has been most significant to you, use the format outlined below, and limit your response to roughly half a page. If any of these activities took place during the summer, please note them accordingly. If there is an activity you would like to highlight, please tell us about it in a few sentences at the bottom of your list</p>
<p>Activity | Position held | Grades | Hours per week
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>Personal Response 2
[Quote]
Have you received any significant awards or honors for either academic or extracurricular achievements? If so, list them. Please explain any awards that we are not likely to understand. For example, if you earned all-region honors in band, a brief explanation of "all-region"--"one of three flutist chosen from twenty schools"--would help us better understand your achievement.
<p>I know, but the common app is very different. The EC/Award entering process is not free-form, its little boxes. I dont have the opportunity to explain any awards they might not understand, unless I use the extra space at the end, which seems disconnected. I just like the idea that I can type in my awards in my own format, and explain them if I need to. Common app doesn't give you that.</p>
<p>Cav's right...your ECs don't make or break your application. Granted, we want to see that you're going to contribute to the community, but no one should feel that there's an urgent need to describe every activity or award.</p>
<p>There's a student in the College App forum here who asked about lying on his apps and he finally revealed that he wants to say he's a different color belt in his martial art. It's pretty silly...the color of his belt is not going to affect his admission decision at all.</p>
<p>I feel like some applicants get too caught up in thinking that their 250 hours of community service or their membership in the national honory society will get them in. ECs matter in that if you don't have them, you might suffer. You're probably in the same range of involvement as every other strong applicant, so it's hard to stand out. The only ECs that should substantial boosts to an application are strong academic ones (AIME, USAMO, etc) and ones that are like 3+ SD above the mean in uniqueness/quality (curing AIDS or something).</p>
<p>Dean J,
Yes, I too thought that the "how to write an essay" link was humorous, but it sounded as though the author had read way too many bad essays, and for that reason there was grumpy, a little bit sarcastic element that I sensed and enjoyed. Like--oh please don't bore us with another one! The piece was thoughtfully written, and provides excellent advice for avoiding the pitfalls of a boring essay.
As I was intimating in my earlier post, that grumpy/but humorous link I viewed as uniquely UVA in style for it to be included. It was a positive statement! Honestly, I really enjoyed the current UVA application process.
All things must evolve though, and I'm sure the common app. supplement will continue to reflect the spirit and style of UVA. Thanks Dean J.</p>
<p>do you guys know about the acting thing at uva based off of admissions essays? they pick the most ridiculous essays the incoming class has written and make up little skits to them. you can go see it if you want at fall orientation (or maybe the next weekend?). "and remember... YOU WROTE IT!"</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
it sounded as though the author had read way too many bad essays
[/QUOTE]
He has. We all have. I'm going to write a blog entry about banned essay topics. Obviously, I can't really ban topics, but I'd sure like to.</p>
<p>The show hazel mentioned is called Voice of the Class. The group behind Voices contacts us each year asking us to share our favorite essays (we flag them as we read). They pick a few from the bunch and turn them into skits. I think it's a great idea...students seem to really enjoy it!</p>
<p>
[quote]
Our common app supplement will have our essays on it.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Either you're completely oblivious to how the common app works (most schools have some kind of supplement) or you failed to read what has been discussed here. Either way you had better start paying attention or you won't fare well in the process.</p>
<p>i dont hate anyone, i just get really annoyed online, and when i drive (which is why i refuse to drive at rush hour, or at most other times of the day except 2 am)
in real life im actually VERY nice. i tutor for free! i teach 3rd graders! they wouldnt like me if i were mean. PLUS if im teaching something and i know some kid is going to be zoning out instead of paying attention, i make the kids repeat the directions back to me two or three times and then when said kid asks, the whole class yells the answer at the kid for me. haha. i will drop everything to help you... as long as youre not asking me to google something.</p>
<p>I don't know you well Hazelorb, but I will soon! (Still protecting my anonymity for a while!) I think you are funny, and I really understand you about people asking questions, about which, they have done zero research, and want others to answer. It's one thing to be confused (which I am often), but another not to do one's homework.
You are alright with me Hazelorb! Wow, 2 weeks to C'ville!! OMG!!! I can't believe I'm moving to another state. Yikes!!
Oh, and I got the best rug for my Brownie room!</p>
<p>i wanna make a sticky with the things that ppl most often ask to google
-dorms
-majors offered
-that stat database
anything im forgetting? of course i dont know HOW to do a sticky... im sure id have to have mod status or something... i would even add capitalization and apostrophes for malex (he gets annoyed at my 'aol grammar')</p>
<p>Don't forget Writing Requirements, Pre-Comm prerequisites, and the AP credit placement page.</p>
<p>I am tolerant of your grammar here because it is about 50:50 here on the spectrum of grammar unlike on CAINE where it's four-against-one. We are not breaking anytime soon.</p>
<p>P.S. I got some suggestions from people for your "request." Check my last post if you have not checked it last night.</p>