<p>It seems like EVERYONE on this forum is talking about writing a resume to attach to their application. You realize that the application DOESN'T ASK FOR THAT, right? I don't understand why everyone is adding resumes. Isn't that what the extra-curricular section is for? I mean, I know it's really limiting in terms of how much you can write, but is it really helpful to write that much more? If I were an admissions officer I don't think I would really appreciate a resume telling me stuff that was already written elsewhere on the application. So what's the point?!</p>
<p>Please enlighten me, because it seems to me that this resume writing thing is totally unnecessary and "overachieverish." Why is it somehow not OK to just fill out the application as it asks?</p>
<p>Both my kids provided resumes with their applications. The reason was their information could not be fully included in the provided areas of the application. If you can represent yourself fully on the applications then yes a resume is redundant and would not be a positive addition.</p>
<p>BTW they did also fill out the application to the best of what the application provided so it is not like they sent the resume INSTEAD of filling out the application.</p>
<p>All 3 of my kids included resumes with their applications. When my son wrote down that he was involved in theater for 4 years, that did not really give much information about the extent of his involvement. The resume allowed him to list the plays he had been in and the roles performed. Another kid was heavily involved in scouting and was able to use the resume to describe the various activities he had been involved in through this. </p>
<p>The resume is a good way to add detail to the application when applicable. It fleshes things out. If you are applying to a large state university, it is not necessary, but if you are applying to a highly competitive school, it can help the admissions committee get a clearer picture of who you are as an individual.</p>
<p>My D1 didn’t include a separate resume and she got into all of her colleges, including some of the most selective. She did however use the Additional Information section to flesh out or further explain a couple of points. I think it just varies by kid, some things are easier and more straightforward to explain than others. I agree with you that if you do add a resume (or anything else) to your application, that you want to be sure it’s something highly relevant and not just more for adcoms to plow through.</p>
<p>I’m using my Additional Information page just to you know…include additional information. Other clubs not listed under any of the common app categories, some achievements and testing for Piano and an outside Language not taken in school… credit from a community college…future plans…etcc</p>
<p>Its really quite helpful I’d think for the adcom to get a better picture of you.</p>
<p>But I do not feel a full resume would be appreciated.</p>
It really depends on the applicant and the content. </p>
<p>I’m going to go back to my son’s applications because I think of my two kids his resume was more important. He, for reasons, had been working summers for 4 years by the time he applied to colleges and not just in the burger flipping type of jobs. He was working 50 hours/week the last two years with significant responsibility and in an area that was pertinent to his academic interests. Conveying this well was not going to work on the common app. He was also a gold palm eagle scout with two large projects he led and a variety of top leadership positions (ending with assistant scoutmaster at 17). He, by that point in his life, did have a resume that was of job application caliber. </p>
<p>D’s was a little less critical. But the nature of her EC’s did not fit the common ap but of the two, she could have more easily not included the resume.</p>
<p>Each applicant needs to access for themselves how to best use the supplemental portion of their application. Not everyone may benefit by the resume but there are those who do.</p>
<p>My ED school specifically asks for an activities resume.
And most of the people I know have more extracurriculars than fit in the common app space; there’s nothing “overachieverish” about being involved.</p>
As others have pointed out, sometimes a resume gives a better sense of coherency to what an applicant has been doing than the scatter-shot listing of some things under activities, some under awards, some under work experience, etc. And a resume allows you to list things that might not clearly fall into one of the categories on the app.</p>
<p>But if you see no need for it, there’s a simple answer – don’t include one.</p>
<p>“Applicants are requested not to submit resumes, certificates or additional letters of recommendation, unless specifically requested for scholarship consideration.”</p>
<p>I’m sorry-maybe I’m just crazy but I don’t understand what’s “pretentious” about reporting thousands of hours of community service, athletic commitment, and educational enrichment instead of pretending it didn’t happen. Colleges want a complete picture of you as a person; by not elaborating on the 30 hr/wk sport you do (for example) you run the risk of them not appreciating all of your hard work.</p>
<p>Much of the time, adcoms at highly competitive colleges – or at least the one with which I’m familiar – don’t like when you send resumes, as they often just rehash what’s been said on the Common App… there are exceptions, though.</p>
<p>But if there’s any doubt in your mind as to whether or not you should submit a resume… don’t.</p>
<p>Guess we will have to agree to disagree. I think that if there are things that are not fully explained on your application, send the resume unless they specifically say “Do not send a resume”. If it is just a rehash, then don’t send it. But many students can use a one page resume to flesh out their activities and that will add to the overall picture. It doesn’t have to be pretentious.</p>