The Common Application is a centralized platform accepted by over 900 colleges and universities, streamlining the undergraduate application process. While the core application requests information regarding academic history, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, applicants often wonder about the necessity of including a traditional resume. The Common App doesn’t explicitly require a resume. However, it provides several designated areas within the application where accomplishments, experiences, and activities can be detailed. For example, the Activities section allows for descriptions of extracurricular involvement, while the Additional Information section provides space for expanding on experiences or adding details not captured elsewhere.
Providing a comprehensive picture of an applicant’s background beyond grades and test scores is essential for a competitive application. While the structured format of the Common App may sufficiently capture these details for some, others might find its limitations challenging. Including supplementary materials, though not required, can offer a more holistic view, especially for students with extensive involvement in activities not easily categorized within the Common App’s framework. Historically, submitting supplemental resumes was more common. As the Common App has evolved to incorporate more detailed sections, the need for a separate resume has diminished, yet the option remains for those seeking to highlight specific accomplishments or provide further context.