Understanding how to write a standout Common App activities section is crucial for college applicants.
This section isn't just about jotting down your extracurriculars—it's your chance to shine a spotlight on your interests, passions, and achievements outside of class.
This guide will walk you through the process of crafting an activities section that stands out. With practical tips and clear advice, you'll learn how to present your activities and accomplishments in a concise yet compelling way. So, let's dive in and make your activities section pop.
The activities section on the Common App allows applicants to showcase their involvement outside of the classroom. It's an opportunity for students to provide insight into their interests, passions, and commitments beyond academics. Through this section, applicants can share experiences such as internships, family responsibilities, jobs, volunteer work, hobbies, and sports.
Colleges value this section because it offers a glimpse into an applicant's personality and contributions to their community. By highlighting activities that have been meaningful to them, students can demonstrate their interests and how they may contribute to the college's student body.
Applicants can list up to ten activities but are not required to fill all slots. On average, students include around six activities. Rather than focusing on the quantity, it's essential to concentrate on the quality of activities that best represent the applicant's unique story.
When describing each activity, applicants should be concise due to character limitations. They should briefly outline their position or leadership role, the organization's name, and provide a succinct description of the activity and any accomplishments or honors. Applicants also need to specify the hours per week and weeks per year dedicated to each activity.
Overall, the activities section serves as a platform for applicants to highlight their extracurricular involvement and demonstrate their potential contributions to the college community.
Crafting an effective Common App activities section is more than just jotting down a list of what you've done. It's about giving admissions officers a clear picture of who you are beyond your grades. Here's how to how to write the activities section on the Common App that stand out:
Following these writing strategies will help you create a strong activities section that effectively showcases who you are and what you've accomplished.
When you're tackling the Common App’s activities section, it's more than just a list. It's your chance to paint a vivid picture of who you are outside of the classroom. Here's a deeper dive into those 15 common mistakes and how to navigate them effectively:
While the application asks for specifics, don't get hung up on exact numbers. Instead, focus on conveying the level of commitment and impact each activity had on you.
These details add depth to your accomplishments. Take pride in sharing any accolades or leadership roles you've earned, as they speak volumes about your dedication and achievements.
Variety is key here. Instead of using the same verbs repeatedly, explore synonyms to keep your descriptions engaging and dynamic.
Don't overlook the everyday moments that have shaped you. Whether it's a part-time job, caring for a sibling, or participating in community events, include activities that have left a lasting impression on you.
Prioritize your activities based on their impact and significance to you. By arranging them from most to least important, you provide admissions officers with insight into your priorities and passions.
Choose action words that pack a punch. By opting for strong verbs, you breathe life into your descriptions and showcase your active involvement in each endeavor.
Don't be shy about sharing your successes. Highlight specific contributions, achievements, or milestones within each activity to give admissions officers a deeper understanding of your role and impact.
Consistency is key to maintaining a polished appearance. Stick to a uniform format and punctuation style throughout your descriptions to ensure clarity and professionalism.
Numbers can add depth and context to your achievements. Whether it's fundraising totals, volunteer hours, or event attendance, quantify your impact whenever possible to underscore your contributions.
If you've been involved in a wide range of activities, don't sell yourself short. Use the "Additional Information" section to provide a comprehensive overview of your extracurricular involvement and showcase the breadth of your interests.
Take the time to review your descriptions carefully. Typos and errors can detract from your application's overall impact, so be sure to proofread thoroughly before hitting submit.
Quality over quantity is key. Instead of listing every activity you've participated in, focus on those that have had the greatest impact on your personal growth and development.
Keep your descriptions concise and to the point. Instead of full sentences, opt for clear and succinct phrases that capture the essence of your involvement in each activity.
When in doubt, spell it out. Avoid confusing abbreviations and acronyms, and opt for clarity and understanding in your descriptions.
If an activity involves multiple facets or roles, consider breaking it down into separate entries. This allows you to provide a more detailed and nuanced portrayal of your involvement.
By navigating these common pitfalls thoughtfully and effectively, you can make the most of the activities section and showcase your unique strengths, passions, and contributions to admissions officers.
Check out these Common App activities examples, showing what students do outside of school to shine.
Hopefully, these examples have offered some insight into Common App activity samples that stand out on a college application. Just make sure to tailor the section to yourself. Whether you’re shooting for the Ivy League or just aiming for a good-fit college, showing off your unique experiences and passions is key.
Do you have questions about the activities section? We've got you covered with answers to frequently asked questions.
When calculating the time spent on an activity for the Common App, simply estimate the number of hours you dedicate to it each week and the number of weeks you engage in it per year. If you can't recall the exact details, it's perfectly fine to provide your best estimate.
If you don't find your activity type listed in the dropdown menu, simply select "other club/activity." Then, provide additional details in the position/leadership and activity description fields. Briefly describe the activity and your role within it.
Having fewer than 10 activities to list on the Common App isn't necessarily a problem. Admissions committees prioritize long-term commitments and significant involvement over the sheer number of activities. It's better to showcase a few meaningful engagements than to list numerous activities with minimal dedication.
If you're unable to recall the exact dates for an activity, don't worry. When filling out the Common App, you'll still need to provide the hours spent per week and the weeks spent per year on each activity. If you can't remember the specifics, it's perfectly acceptable to provide your best estimate. The focus is on conveying your level of involvement rather than providing precise dates.
Here are the character limits for each segment of an activity description on the Common App:
Keep these limits in mind when describing activities on the application.
Mastering the Common App activities section is essential for your college application. It's your opportunity to show who you are beyond your academic achievements. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can create a standout activities section that resonates with admissions officers. Best of luck!
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