How Detailed Should My Activities Section Be on the Common App? (And Other Burning Questions)
Alright, college applications. The bane of every high schooler’s existence. You’ve got essays to write, grades to maintain, and let’s not forget about the dreaded Common App Activities Section. The dreaded “tell us everything you do, in 150 characters or less” that makes you feel like a human resume.
So, let’s break it down. How detailed should your activities section be?
The Short Answer: Go for specific, impactful, and concise. Think action verbs, key achievements, and maybe even a sprinkle of leadership sprinkles.
The Long Answer: Let’s dive into the depths of this Common App conundrum.
The Common App Activities Section: A Mini-Me of Your Resume
Think of the Activities Section as your mini-resume: a curated collection of your extracurricular triumphs. It’s your chance to show off your passions, talents, and commitment beyond the classroom.
Here’s the deal:
- Be specific: Forget the generic “volunteering at the animal shelter.” Instead, say “Led fundraising efforts for the local animal shelter, raising $5,000 to support adoption programs.” Specifics are your friends.
- 150 characters is your limit: Yes, you heard that right. Each activity description is a tiny box of text. Use every character wisely.
- No need for complete sentences: The Activities Section is all about brevity and impact. Think bullet points, action verbs, and snappy phrases.
- Action verbs are your allies: Just like on a resume, action verbs paint a vivid picture of your contributions. Instead of “worked at the library,” try “Organized book drives to benefit underprivileged schools.”
- Rank your activities strategically: You’re allowed a maximum of 10 activities. Start with your most significant, impactful, and passionate ones. Think of it as a reverse chronological order, showcasing your growth and commitment over time.
The Activities Section: Not Just a List of Things You Do
The Activities Section is more than just a list of your activities. It’s a window into your character, passions, and what you bring to the table beyond academics.
Here’s how to make it pop:
- Show, don’t tell: Don’t just list your activities. Highlight your achievements, leadership roles, and the impact you made. Instead of “member of the debate team,” try “Won the regional debate championship and served as team captain, leading the team to a top-five national ranking.”
- Embrace your uniqueness: Let your activities reflect your individuality. If you’re passionate about baking, don’t shy away from mentioning your involvement in the school bake-off. If you’re a coding whiz, highlight your contributions to open-source projects.
- Don’t be afraid to be bold: This is your opportunity to showcase your passions and accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to be bold and highlight what makes you stand out.
The Activities Section: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Okay, so now that you know what to do, let’s talk about what NOT to do.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Padding your list: Don’t feel like you need to fill all 10 slots. Focus on quality over quantity.
- Being vague: Specificity is key. Avoid generic descriptions that don’t tell the admissions committee much.
- Overusing abbreviations: While abbreviations can save space, use them sparingly and only when they’re widely understood.
- Ignoring the impact you made: Don’t just list your activities. Tell the admissions committee what you achieved and the impact you had.
The Activities Section: Your Chance to Shine
The Activities Section is your chance to showcase your personality, passions, and commitment outside of the classroom. Treat it like a mini-resume, but with a sprinkle of your unique flavor. Remember: be specific, concise, and focus on your achievements and impact.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling lost in the world of Common App activities, don’t fret! There are tons of resources available online, and the JobLoving community is here to help. We’ve got a team of college application experts who can answer your questions and guide you through the process.
So, go forth and conquer the Activities Section! Show the admissions committee what you’re made of, and get ready to rock your college applications.