- Written By AddedEducation
- Nov 19, 2024
Breaking Down the Common App Activity List
Tip: how can you balance your Common App activities between leadership, community service, and research? Make sure your list of activities are a balance of categories like leadership, community service, and research. Mix it up!
Use this space to clearly state your position. Also include any detail about the nature of your position that is taking up too much space in the activity description. It’s important to be as specific as possible. If your position doesn’t have a formal title, create one or clearly state what you did. For example: “Independent Researcher,” “Founder of [XXX],” or “Creator of a podcast.”
if it’s a school activity, add the school name here. If it’s for an organization that’s not well known, give context. “Abu Dhabi Youth Climate Coalition (local environmental group)”
This is important! Focus on the impact you made. The best way to describe extracurricular activities for college applications is by telling a mini-story of what you did and what you achieved. You don’t need to write full sentences, write it like this instead: “Responsible for leading swim practices; planning fundraising events for 10+ kids, assisting in recruiting process.”
Remember quantifying is extremely important.
Admissions officers are looking to see some activities that you have participated in for a longer period of time. They are also looking for sustained commitment or growth over time. Include at least a few activities that demonstrate this.
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