The Common Application's Activities section is your chance to showcase what makes you unique. It's not just a list of extracurriculars; it's a narrative showcasing your passions, skills, and growth. This guide will help you effectively fill out this crucial section of your college application.
Understanding the Common App Activities Section
The Common App Activities section asks for up to ten activities. Each entry requires you to provide:
- Activity: The name of the activity. Be specific! Instead of "Volunteer," write "Volunteer Tutor at XYZ Community Center."
- Organization: The name of the organization you participated in.
- Your Role: Briefly describe your responsibilities. Avoid generic terms; focus on quantifiable achievements whenever possible.
- Grade Level: Indicate the grade level(s) you participated in this activity.
- Hours per Week: Be honest and precise. Don't inflate your hours.
- Description: This is the most important part. Use this space to tell your story!
Crafting Compelling Activity Descriptions: Show, Don't Tell
This is where you truly shine. Avoid simply listing your responsibilities. Instead, focus on showcasing your impact, growth, and learning. Think about these points when writing your descriptions:
- Quantify your accomplishments: Use numbers to demonstrate your contributions. For example, "Raised $5,000 for the local animal shelter" is more impactful than "Volunteered at the animal shelter."
- Highlight your skills: What skills did you develop or refine through this activity? Did you improve your leadership skills, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, or creativity?
- Showcase your passion: What did you love most about this activity? What motivated you to participate? Let your enthusiasm shine through.
- Describe your growth: Did you overcome any challenges? How did you evolve or change as a result of your participation?
- Connect to your future goals: How does this activity relate to your academic or career aspirations? This helps colleges see the connection between your extracurriculars and your future plans.
Examples of Strong Activity Descriptions:
Weak: "I was a member of the debate team."
Strong: "As a member of the debate team for three years, I honed my research, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. I consistently placed in the top three at regional competitions, culminating in a second-place finish at the state championship. This experience significantly boosted my confidence and solidified my interest in pursuing a career in law."
Weak: "I volunteered at a soup kitchen."
Strong: "During my junior and senior years, I volunteered weekly at the Community Food Bank, serving meals to over 100 individuals each week. This experience not only provided me with valuable service experience but also instilled in me a deep compassion for those less fortunate, reinforcing my desire to pursue a career in social work."
Selecting Your Top 10 Activities
You're allowed up to ten entries, but quality over quantity is key. Choose activities that truly reflect your personality, passions, and significant accomplishments. Don't feel pressured to list every single thing you've ever done. Focus on the activities that tell a cohesive story about who you are.
Proofreading and Editing
Before submitting your application, meticulously proofread and edit each activity description. Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos. Have a trusted friend, teacher, or counselor review your entries for clarity and impact.
Beyond the Activities Section: Holistic Review
Remember, the Activities section is just one part of your overall application. Colleges consider your entire application holistically, including your essays, grades, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Make sure all aspects of your application work together to present a comprehensive and compelling picture of who you are.
By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your achievements and personality in the Common App Activities section and make a strong impression on college admissions committees. Good luck!
