The Activities section of the Common Application offers students a unique opportunity to showcase their passions, accomplishments, and growth outside the classroom. Admissions officers look at this section to understand how students engage with their communities, pursue interests, and demonstrate leadership or initiative. Here are some key considerations for building an impressive and authentic Activities list.
1. Prioritize Meaningful Involvement Over Quantity
Students can list up to 10 activities, but quality matters more than filling every slot. Focus on the activities where you’ve invested the most time, effort, or passion. Admissions officers value depth over breadth, so emphasize consistent involvement and growth in a few key areas.
2. Be Specific and Concise
Each entry allows for a short description, so every word counts. Use action verbs and specific details to highlight your role and achievements. Instead of writing, “Participated in club meetings and events,” write, “Organized bi-weekly workshops on environmental issues, increasing club membership by 30%.”
3. Demonstrate Leadership and Initiative
Colleges appreciate students who step up to lead or create change. Highlight any leadership roles you’ve taken, whether formal (club president) or informal (mentoring peers). If you’ve started a new initiative, such as a community fundraiser or an advocacy campaign, be sure to include it.
While focusing on a central passion is important, don’t shy away from highlighting diverse interests. This could include artistic pursuits, part-time jobs, volunteering, athletics, or unique hobbies. A well-rounded list shows curiosity and versatility.
5. Include Unconventional Activities
Not all accomplishments happen in structured environments. Babysitting siblings, running a personal blog, or building a small business can demonstrate responsibility, creativity, and self-motivation. Think outside the box to showcase your individuality.
6. Highlight Impact and Outcomes
Admissions officers want to see the results of your involvement. Quantify achievements when possible. For example:
“Led a food drive that collected 500 pounds of donations for local shelters.”
“Designed a website for a small business, increasing their online sales by 20%.”
7. Organize Strategically
Put your most significant activities at the top of your list. Admissions officers typically read from top to bottom, so make a strong first impression. Group similar activities together to make your list more cohesive.
8. Don’t Overlook Summer Experiences
Summer offers opportunities for enrichment, whether through internships, camps, research, or travel. Include these experiences if they’ve contributed to your growth or align with your academic and personal interests.
9. Be Honest
Avoid exaggeration or inflating responsibilities. Admissions officers value authenticity and can often spot inconsistencies. Reflect your genuine experiences and contributions.
10. Tailor for Your Application Narrative
If your personal essay or intended major emphasizes a specific theme, ensure your Activities list aligns with and reinforces that story. For example, if your essay is about your passion for engineering, highlight activities like robotics club or STEM internships.
Final Thoughts
Your Activities list is a chance to paint a fuller picture of who you are. Take time to thoughtfully craft it, ensuring that it highlights your unique strengths and contributions. Remember, it’s not about listing everything you’ve done—it’s about telling your story through meaningful, well-articulated experiences.
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