The section on the Common Application requesting an organization name refers to the formal designation of any group or entity with which the applicant has been involved. This includes clubs, teams, volunteer groups, or any structured activity where membership or participation is tracked. For instance, if an applicant volunteered at a local hospital, the hospital’s legal name, such as “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” would be entered. If the activity was a school-sponsored club, the official name as recognized by the school, like “Debate Club,” is appropriate.
Accurately completing this section is important as it provides context for the applicant’s extracurricular involvements. Colleges use this information to understand the scope and nature of an applicant’s contributions outside of academics. A consistent and precise representation of organizational affiliations lends credibility to the applicant’s overall profile. Providing complete information ensures the admissions committee has an accurate picture of the applicant’s experiences. It can also subtly demonstrate attention to detail, an important trait colleges value.
