How To Describe Best Buddies On Common App

Decoding the Common App: How to Describe Your Best Buddies Experience

So, you’ve been rocking the Best Buddies scene, spreading smiles, and building friendships that are stronger than a double-stuffed Oreo. Awesome! But now you’re facing the Common App – that dreaded online labyrinth filled with more questions than a high school quiz show. And you’re wondering, “How the heck do I explain this magical experience in a way that makes college admissions officers go ‘Wow, that’s cool!’?” Don’t worry, my friend – I’ve got you covered.

Think of the Common App activity section as your personal highlight reel – a chance to showcase your extracurriculars and shine a spotlight on your accomplishments. But unlike a YouTube video, you can’t just throw in a bunch of random clips and expect people to understand. You need a compelling narrative, a story that grabs the attention of college admissions committees and makes them want to know more.

The Best Buddies Advantage: More Than Just Volunteer Hours

Let’s be honest, “volunteering” can sound a bit… bland. It’s like describing a pizza as “a circular bread product with toppings.” Yeah, we get it, but it doesn’t exactly make our taste buds sing. Best Buddies is so much more than just ticking off volunteer hours. It’s a chance to forge meaningful connections, cultivate empathy, and learn valuable life lessons that go far beyond the classroom.

Here’s the thing: colleges want students who are well-rounded, compassionate, and capable of making a positive impact on the world. Best Buddies checks all those boxes. It demonstrates your commitment to service, your ability to connect with diverse individuals, and your willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Plus, it allows you to showcase your leadership skills, time management abilities, and maybe even a bit of your goofy side.

Crafting Your Best Buddies Story: The Common App Activity Section

So, how do you translate those awesome Best Buddies experiences into compelling Common App material? Here’s the breakdown:

1. Choose Your Category: The first step is to select the appropriate activity category. Most likely, you’ll choose either “Community Service (Volunteer)” or “Other Club/Activity”. Don’t overthink it – go with the option that best reflects your experience and your role within Best Buddies.
2. Tell Your Story: This is where the magic happens! Think back to your most memorable Best Buddies moments. Did you lead a group activity? Did you help organize a fundraiser? Did you simply share a laugh with your buddy? Use vivid language to paint a picture of your experiences. Instead of saying “I helped with Best Buddies,” try something like: “I spent countless hours mentoring a young student with developmental disabilities, fostering a friendship that taught me the true meaning of acceptance and inclusivity.” See the difference?
3. Highlight Your Skills: This is your chance to show off what you learned. Think about the skills you developed through your Best Buddies involvement. Did you learn to communicate effectively with someone who might have different needs? Did you develop your problem-solving skills in a creative way? Did you gain a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion? Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and how they grew throughout your Best Buddies journey.
4. Share Your Impact: How did your participation in Best Buddies make a difference? Did you witness a positive change in your buddy? Did you help build a more inclusive school community? Focus on the impact you had, both on your buddy and on the wider community. You can even mention how your experiences have influenced your future goals.
5. Don’t Forget the Verbs: Remember, colleges love action verbs! Instead of saying “I helped out,” try “I mentored,” “I facilitated,” “I organized,” “I initiated,” “I collaborated,” and “I led.” These verbs demonstrate your initiative, leadership, and ability to take charge.

Example: How to Describe Best Buddies on Common App

Here’s a sample activity description for Best Buddies:

Activity Title: Best Buddies – Community Service (Volunteer)

For the past three years, I’ve been an active member of Best Buddies, a program that connects students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a buddy, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to build a lasting friendship with a fellow student, [mention your buddy’s name or a nickname you use], who has taught me invaluable lessons about empathy and the power of human connection. We’ve enjoyed everything from attending school events together and participating in fun group activities to simply sharing laughter and stories over lunch. Through this experience, I’ve learned the importance of fostering inclusivity and championing the rights of individuals with disabilities. My commitment to Best Buddies has strengthened my communication skills, my ability to work effectively with diverse individuals, and my passion for creating a more equitable world.

Best Buddies: A Unique Perspective on College Admissions

Your Best Buddies experience offers a unique perspective on your character and your commitment to making a difference. It showcases your ability to connect with others on a deeper level and your willingness to go beyond the superficial. So, don’t be afraid to let those experiences shine through in your Common App. Use humor, honesty, and a touch of your personality to bring your Best Buddies story to life. Colleges are looking for students who are passionate, empathetic, and driven to make a positive impact – and your Best Buddies journey is a testament to all of those qualities.

Need More Help?

If you’re still feeling stuck or need a little extra guidance, reach out to the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you craft a Common App activity description that truly reflects the amazing impact you’ve made through Best Buddies. Go forth, conquer those essays, and show those college admissions officers what you’re made of!