How To Add Non Weekly Activities Into Common App

How to Add Non-Weekly Activities to the Common App: A Guide for Aspiring College Students (and Their Slightly Panicked Parents)

So, you’re knee-deep in the Common App, right? You’ve probably tackled the essays, the recommendation requests, and the endless lists of courses. But then, you hit the “Activities” section. It stares back at you like a judgmental sphinx: 10 slots, each demanding a detailed account of your extracurricular exploits. And you’re thinking, “Wait, I’m a human being, not a productivity machine! How do I fit everything I’ve done into this tiny box?” Fear not, my fellow Common App warrior, for we are about to conquer this beast!

The Common App Activities Section: Your Resume, But More Interesting (Maybe)

The Activities section is your chance to showcase your personality, passions, and commitment beyond the classroom. It’s your chance to show colleges that you’re a well-rounded individual who excels beyond the confines of textbooks. But here’s the catch: you don’t have to be a superhero with a thousand extracurriculars. Remember, the Common App isn’t a popularity contest or a “who’s got the most activities” competition. It’s about highlighting what truly matters to you.

The Myth of the 10-Activity Limit: Don’t Get Caught in the “More Is Better” Trap

The Common App allows you to list up to 10 activities. But let’s be real, that doesn’t mean you have to cram every single thing you’ve ever done into those slots. Quality over quantity, folks! If you’ve dedicated yourself to a few activities that truly inspire you, that’s more impactful than a long list of half-hearted commitments.

The Art of the “Non-Weekly” Activity: Because Life Happens (and It’s Not Always on a Schedule)

So, what about those activities that don’t fit neatly into a “hours per week” box? Think family volunteering, one-off workshops, or even independent projects that consumed your free time. You might be tempted to skip these, thinking they don’t count. But hold your horses! These activities are gold. They show your unique interests, initiative, and commitment to learning.

Here’s how to make those “non-weekly” activities shine:

1. Choose Wisely: Don’t just list everything under the sun. Pick the activities that truly matter to you, those that illustrate your passions and drive. A few well-chosen activities are far more impactful than a list of random things you did once.
2. Find the Right Category: The Common App offers various categories, such as “Community Service,” “Athletics,” “Arts,” and “Work.” Even if your activity doesn’t fit perfectly into one category, choose the closest option. Think outside the box! For example, if you spent a summer volunteering at a local animal shelter, that could go under “Community Service,” even if it wasn’t a formal organization.
3. Tell a Story: Instead of just listing the activity, describe it in a way that makes it come alive. For example, instead of saying “Volunteering at the animal shelter,” you could say “Spent the summer caring for abandoned animals at a local shelter, where I learned about animal behavior and the importance of compassion.”
4. Quantify When You Can: While “non-weekly” activities might not have consistent hours, try to quantify your involvement whenever possible. For example, if you volunteered at a soup kitchen for a few weeks, you could say “Volunteered at a local soup kitchen for 3 weeks, serving meals to underprivileged families.”
5. Emphasis on Impact: Focus on the impact you made, not just what you did. For example, did your volunteer work help to raise funds for the shelter? Did your independent project lead to a new discovery or innovation? Highlight these achievements to showcase your impact.

Remember, the Common App is about telling your story. Let your activities speak volumes about who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what you’re capable of. Don’t be afraid to showcase your unique experiences, even those that don’t fit neatly into a traditional “weekly” format. These activities can be just as impactful as more structured commitments, especially when you tell your story with passion and authenticity.

Need More Help? Connect With Our Community!

Struggling to find the perfect words to capture your unique activities? Need a fresh perspective on your Common App profile? Join our vibrant JobLoving community! We’re a group of passionate individuals who love helping students navigate the college application process. We offer guidance, support, and a whole lot of laughs along the way.

So, don’t let the Common App Activities section intimidate you! Embrace your unique story, and let your passions shine. With a little creativity and effort, you’ll create a profile that truly reflects you. And remember, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let’s get you into your dream school!