How Do You Say “High School President” in Common App? (And Other Accomplishments You Should Brag About)
Okay, so you’re sitting there, staring at the Common App, trying to figure out how to squeeze your high school presidency into those tiny little boxes. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
Let’s break down how to conquer the Common App activities section like a true champion, because your extracurriculars are your secret weapon.
The Common App Activities Section: Your Not-So-Secret Weapon
Think of the Common App activities section as your personal highlight reel. It’s the space where you showcase the things you’ve done outside of the classroom, the things that make you, well, you. This isn’t just about listing things you’ve done; it’s about telling a story, showing your passion, and giving colleges a glimpse into who you are beyond those test scores.
Here’s the thing: “High School President” is a great title, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Instead of just writing “High School President,” dig deeper. What did you actually do in that role?
- Did you lead a successful fundraising campaign for a local charity?
- Did you organize a school-wide event?
- Did you advocate for a change in school policies?
These are the specific achievements and impacts you want to focus on. Think about the skills you developed, the challenges you overcame, and the positive outcomes you achieved.
Let’s say you were the President of your school’s Debate Club. Instead of just writing “Debate Club President,” you could elaborate:
- “President, Debate Club: Led the team to a regional championship, developed a training program for new members, and organized fundraising events to support travel costs.”
See the difference? You’re not just listing a title; you’re painting a picture of your contribution and your leadership.
Beyond High School President: How to Show Off Your Accomplishments
Now, let’s talk about other things you can (and should!) include in your Common App activities section. Think outside the box (and the high school walls) and consider:
- Volunteer work: Did you spend your weekends volunteering at a local soup kitchen or animal shelter? Talk about your impact!
- Community involvement: Were you a member of a local youth organization or a volunteer for a political campaign? Highlight the skills you developed and the lessons you learned.
- Hobbies and passions: Did you spend years playing soccer, learning to code, or writing poetry? Don’t be afraid to show off your passions, even if they don’t seem “traditional.”
- Creative pursuits: Did you write a screenplay, design a website, or create a work of art? Let colleges know about your unique talents.
- Work experience: Did you have a part-time job at a bookstore, a summer internship, or a freelance gig? Describe your responsibilities and how you developed your skills.
Remember, the Common App activities section is your chance to showcase your personality, interests, and unique experiences. It’s not just about listing titles; it’s about telling a story that shows who you are and what you bring to the table.
The Common App Activities Section: Your Personal Highlight Reel
- Be Specific: Avoid generic descriptions like “student council.” Instead, highlight your specific roles and accomplishments.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use action verbs and quantify your impact whenever possible. Instead of saying “I was a volunteer,” say “I raised $1,000 for a local charity through bake sales.”
- Highlight Your Skills: Think about the transferable skills you developed through your extracurricular activities (leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving) and how they relate to your academic goals.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Be Creative: Your Common App activities section is your chance to showcase your unique personality and interests. Let your passions shine!
One last piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to brag a little. You’ve worked hard, and you deserve to showcase your accomplishments. Just remember to do it in a way that’s genuine, authentic, and reflects your true self.
Need more help mastering the Common App activities section? Want to know how to make your application stand out? Join the JobLoving community and connect with our experts! We’re here to help you navigate the college application process and craft an unforgettable application.
Ready to conquer your college applications? Let’s do this!