The Common Application is a recent standardization of an old idea: the college application.  The common application seeks to make the process of applying to various colleges a little more "fair" and a little less tedious.  In the past, students have completed as many differeThint applications as colleges they were interested in, which could be quite a few.  The applications varied as much as the school colors.  Now, with the Common Application in play at several hundred colleges and universities, students can focus on fewer applications while still achieving the broad spectrum. 

An article in the New York Times discusses one particular section of the application that allows students to list their extra-curricular and work activities.  This section helps students direct the admissions team to their non-academic abilities and achievements.  Essentially, they are able to state why they will be an asset to that particular campus community.  This is where students want to impress the admissions counselors with their stick-to-it-ness and passions.

Jack of all trades, master of none.  You've heard that expression.  This is not the type of applicant colleges are looking for.  While it is expected that teens are going to try different activities, it is also the hope that they will be discerning enough to find the one or ones that appeal to them most and then go after it with dedication and gusto.