How to Describe ASB on the Common App: A Guide for Aspiring Student Leaders (and Those Who Just Want to Look Good on Paper)
So, you’ve been a dedicated member of your school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) – the group that somehow manages to plan pep rallies, organize school dances, and keep the student body from turning into a chaotic mob. You’re thinking, “This is gold! I can totally impress colleges with this!” And you’re right, ASB can be a fantastic addition to your Common App, but only if you present it in a way that shines a spotlight on your unique contributions and leadership skills.
Think of it this way: It’s not enough to simply say, “I was in ASB.” It’s like saying, “I was in a band. It was fun.” You’re not telling the admissions committee anything about yourself. But when you describe your role in ASB, it’s like saying, “I was the lead guitarist in a band. I wrote the music, choreographed the stage moves, and even negotiated our gigs with local bars (all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, of course).” Now, that’s a story that grabs attention and shows you’re not just a good student, but a leader who takes initiative.
Here’s the breakdown of how to make your ASB experience sing on your Common App:
1. Understand the Common App’s Expectations
The Common App Activities section is your chance to showcase your extracurricular life. It’s your chance to brag – I mean, to showcase your accomplishments in a way that makes you seem like a well-rounded, engaging individual. Your goal is to present your ASB involvement in a way that highlights your skills and contributions. Think leadership, problem-solving, collaboration – all the things that colleges love to see.
2. The Importance of Detail
Remember, it’s not just about saying “I was in ASB.” You need to tell the story of your ASB involvement. Did you spearhead a fundraising campaign? Implement a new school event? Help organize a student body vote? Get specific. The more details you provide, the better picture you paint of your involvement and impact.
3. Show, Don’t Tell
This is where your writing skills come into play. You want to use powerful verbs to show, not tell, your accomplishments. Instead of saying, “I was responsible for planning the school dance,” try something like, “Orchestrated the school dance logistics, coordinating with vendors, managing a budget of $5,000, and ensuring a successful event for over 500 students.” See the difference? You’ve taken a boring statement and turned it into a vibrant depiction of your skills and contributions.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Quantify
Numbers speak volumes. If you managed a budget for ASB, mention the amount. Did you organize a school-wide event? Mention the number of participants. Every numerical detail adds weight to your description and shows you’ve made a tangible impact.
5. Highlight Your Leadership
Colleges are always looking for leaders. Did you hold a leadership position in ASB? If so, make sure to mention it. Did you take on a specific leadership role within a project or event? Highlight those moments. Every instance where you stepped up and took initiative is worth showcasing.
6. Explain Your Impact
Don’t just describe your role – explain the impact it had. Did your fundraising initiative help raise money for a new library? Did your event bring the school community together in a meaningful way? Did your leadership help improve the school environment? Show how your contributions made a difference.
7. Make it Personal
While showcasing your leadership and skills is important, don’t forget to bring your personality into the description. Why did you join ASB? What did you enjoy most about the experience? What did you learn? Show admissions officers that you’re a genuine person with passions and interests.
8. Don’t Forget the Acronym
You might be familiar with the acronym ASB, but remember that the folks reading your application might not be. Spell it out the first time – Associated Student Body – so they know what you’re talking about.
9. Use Strong Verbs
As mentioned earlier, verbs are your friends when crafting compelling descriptions. Instead of “I helped plan events,” try “Led the planning and execution of school-wide events.” Use verbs that emphasize your initiative, leadership, and impact.
10. Keep It Concise
The Common App has a limited space for each activity description. Be concise and to the point. Focus on your most significant contributions and achievements.
Here are some examples of how you can describe your ASB experience on the Common App:
- “Led the ASB fundraising committee, raising over $10,000 to purchase new equipment for the school’s robotics team. Organized a school-wide bake sale, coordinating with student volunteers and managing inventory to ensure a successful event. Developed a marketing plan to promote the bake sale, resulting in a record-breaking turnout and a successful fundraising goal.”
- “Served as Vice President of the Associated Student Body, representing the student body at school board meetings and advocating for student initiatives. Organized a student-led forum to address issues related to school safety and facilitated a constructive dialogue between students and administrators. Developed a mentorship program to connect upperclassmen with underclassmen, creating a sense of community and support across grade levels.”
- “Participated in the Associated Student Body’s social media team, managing the school’s Instagram and Twitter accounts. Created engaging content to promote school events and increased following by 20%. Collaborated with the ASB president and other team members to develop a social media strategy that aligned with the school’s overall communication goals.”
Remember, your ASB involvement is a valuable asset to your college application. By describing it effectively, you can showcase your leadership, skills, and impact. Don’t be afraid to brag a little – you’ve earned it!
Need More Help?
If you need more help crafting your Common App activities section or have other burning questions about the college application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our amazing community at JobLoving! We’re here to support you every step of the way.