Does the Order of Activities on the Common App Matter? (Spoiler Alert: It Does!)
Okay, let’s get real. You’re a high school student, probably drowning in homework, trying to balance your social life, and somehow squeezing in a few extracurricular activities. The last thing you want to worry about is the order of your activities on the Common App. But trust me, it’s a thing. And it’s a thing that could potentially make or break your college application.
So, does the order of activities on the Common App matter? In short, yes, it absolutely does. Now, before you start panicking and frantically rearranging your extracurricular list, let’s break down why this seemingly minor detail can have a major impact.
The Common App’s Little Secret: Order Matters (Seriously!)
Think of the Common App’s activities section like a buffet. You’ve got a ton of delicious options, but you can only fit so much on your plate. The admissions committee is going to be scanning your list, picking and choosing the activities that most pique their interest. And just like you wouldn’t start with the dessert at a buffet, the admissions committee is going to pay the most attention to the activities at the top of your list.
The Common App itself states that you should list your activities in order of their importance to you. But let’s be honest, “importance” is a pretty subjective term. To you, maybe it’s the time you spent volunteering at the local animal shelter, but the admissions committee might be more impressed by your leadership position in the debate club.
The “First Impression” Effect: Make It Count!
Imagine you’re meeting someone for the first time. You’re going to make a first impression, right? The same goes for your Common App activities. The first few entries are your chance to grab the admissions committee’s attention and show them what you’re made of. You want to make sure your most impressive activities are the first things they see.
Think of it this way: If you start with a list of “played clarinet in the school band” followed by “helped out at a local fundraiser,” the admissions committee might get bored and move on before they even reach your more impressive accomplishments. But if you start with “founded a non-profit organization to fight hunger” followed by “organized a school-wide event to raise awareness for mental health,” you’re setting the tone right from the get-go.
More Than Just Order: Show, Don’t Tell
Remember, the Common App is all about showing, not telling. You can list your activities in the order of importance, but you need to back them up with detailed descriptions that really showcase your achievements and contributions. This is where the “show, don’t tell” principle comes in.
For example, instead of simply writing “volunteered at the animal shelter,” you could write something like:
Volunteered at [animal shelter name]: Led a team of volunteers to organize fundraising events, raised $5,000 for animal care, and trained new volunteers on proper animal handling techniques.
See the difference? The second description gives the admissions committee a much better sense of what you actually accomplished and the skills you developed.
The “Top 3” Rule: A Myth or a Reality?
You might have heard the “Top 3” rule, which suggests that admissions committees only focus on the first three activities on your list. While it’s true that they’ll likely pay more attention to the top few, the idea that they completely ignore the rest is a myth.
The Common App activities section is designed to give a comprehensive overview of your extracurricular involvement. It’s a way for the admissions committee to get a better understanding of who you are as a person, beyond your academic achievements. So, don’t feel like you need to cram every single extracurricular activity into the first three slots. Focus on highlighting your most impactful experiences, whether they are your top three or further down the list.
It’s More Than Just a List: Think About the Big Picture
The Common App activities section is more than just a list of extracurriculars. It’s an opportunity for you to tell a story about yourself. What are the common themes that run through your activities? What skills and passions do they demonstrate? What have you learned from your experiences?
As you organize your list, think about how each activity contributes to the overall narrative you’re trying to create. Are you passionate about social justice? Maybe you want to highlight your volunteer work at a local soup kitchen and your participation in a student-led activism group. Are you a creative artist? Perhaps you’ll want to showcase your work in the school art club and your independent projects.
A Word of Caution: The “Common App” is Not “Common Sense”
While it’s important to prioritize your most impressive activities, don’t go overboard trying to create the “perfect” list. Remember, the Common App is not a competition, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Some students might have a few standout activities that they want to highlight, while others might have a broader range of interests. The key is to be authentic and genuine. Don’t try to force yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit. Focus on showcasing your unique talents and experiences, and let your personality shine through.
Don’t Forget: It’s About More Than Just the Activities
While the activities section is important, it’s just one part of your application. Don’t forget about your essays, recommendations, and test scores. Make sure you’re putting your best foot forward in all aspects of your application.
The Bottom Line: Order Matters, But So Does Authenticity
So, does the order of activities on the Common App matter? The answer is a resounding yes. But remember, it’s not just about the order. It’s about choosing the right activities, crafting compelling descriptions, and telling a story that showcases your unique talents and passions. Be authentic, be genuine, and most importantly, be yourself.
Still feeling lost in the world of college applications? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Join the JobLoving community and connect with a team of experts who can help you navigate the application process and make sure your Common App is as impressive as you are.