21 Jul 7 Tips for Describing Activities in the Common App
The Activities List in the Common App is a student’s opportunity to share how they spend their time outside of class. By detailing what they did in their “free” time and, more importantly, why it mattered, colleges can assess how a student will contribute to the college community.
When writing the activities section, it’s important to remember that this is a one-way conversation. Unlike a resume, which is often discussed in person and can serve as a conversation starter, the Activities List must speak for itself. Different colleges have varying preferences—some may appreciate creative descriptions, while others prefer straightforward accounts. While students may not always meet each college’s specific criteria, here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Be Specific: State the name and type of activity or organization clearly, explaining what the student did and their leadership roles.
Highlight Impact and Achievements: Describe major achievements, awards, or milestones reached within the activity. Demonstrate how contributions made a difference to the organization and others.
Describe Skills Gained and Personal Growth: Discuss how the activity fostered academic, personal, or professional growth.
Connect to Interests and Goals: Show how the activity aligns with passions, interests, and future plans.
Use Numbers and Context: Provide specific numbers, statistics, or measurable outcomes to illustrate involvement. This could include the number of events organized, funds raised, or people impacted. Adding context helps admissions officers understand the scale and significance of contributions.
Show Commitment and Consistency: Emphasize long-term involvement to showcase dedication and the ability to make a lasting impact. Highlight sustained engagement in a few activities rather than listing many short-term commitments.
Be Authentic and Passionate: Let genuine enthusiasm and interest shine through in descriptions. Admissions officers appreciate seeing true engagement. Avoid using generic language or exaggerating involvement.
It’s also important to ensure that the Activities List works with the other parts of the application to present a cohesive and accurate representation of the student’s experiences.
Here are some key points to consider:
Consistency: Ensure that the activities listed do not contradict other parts of the application. Dates, roles, and achievements should be consistent with those mentioned in essays, recommendation letters, and other sections.
Complementarity: The activities should complement the student’s academic and personal narrative. If an essay discusses a specific extracurricular activity in depth, the Activities List should provide context and detail to support that story.
Accuracy: Double-check dates and time commitments to ensure they make sense. Overlapping dates or excessive time commitments that seem unrealistic can raise red flags for admissions officers.
Detail: While the Activities List should be concise, it should still provide enough detail to convey the significance of each activity. Use the space wisely to highlight key aspects without redundancy.
By aligning the Activities List with the rest of the application, students can present a clear and compelling picture of their high school experiences and how these have prepared them for college. This cohesive approach can strengthen their overall application, making it more persuasive and credible to admissions officers.
By following these tips, students can create compelling activity descriptions that effectively communicate their unique experiences and contributions, making a strong impression even without the opportunity for further discussion.