How to Describe Cheer on the Common App: Beyond “I Do Cheer”
So, you’re a cheerleader, and you’re ready to conquer the Common App. You’re filled with school spirit, a killer smile, and the ability to throw a perfect basket toss. But how do you translate those skills (and the literal leaps of faith) into words that impress college admissions officers?
Let’s be real, the Common App activity section is like trying to cram your entire high school career into a tiny, judgmental box. It’s tempting to just write something generic like, “I’m a cheerleader, I’ve been cheering for 3 years, and I’m great at it.” But trust me, that’s about as exciting as watching paint dry.
This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the unique, and often overlooked, strengths you’ve developed as a cheerleader. Colleges want to see more than just a list of activities; they want to understand who you are, what you’ve learned, and how you’ll contribute to their campus.
Let’s break down how to describe your cheerleading experience on the Common App and make it scream “I’m a star student who’s ready to rock college!”:
1. The Common App Activity Description: Your Cheerleading Resume
The Common App wants you to be specific. Think of it like a mini-resume for your cheerleading career. Forget about the fluff; they want the meat and potatoes.
Here’s a breakdown of what to include:
- Activity Name: This is a no-brainer. Just write “Cheerleading.”
- Organization: If you’re part of a specific cheer squad, like “Varsity Cheer” or “Competitive Cheer,” put that down.
- Years of Participation & Time Commitment: “4 years, 10 hours per week” is way more impactful than “I’ve been a cheerleader for a long time.”
- Position/Leadership Description: This is where the magic happens. It’s time to ditch the generic “member” and get creative.
2. The Position/Leadership Description: Go Beyond the Basics
Here’s where you get to highlight the skills and experiences that set you apart as a cheerleader:
- Don’t Just List, Illustrate: Instead of saying “I’m a captain,” show them what that means.
- Example: Instead of “Captain,” write: “Led warm-ups, choreographed routines, mentored younger cheerleaders.”
- Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers make a difference!
- Example: “Coached 10 new cheerleaders on proper stunting techniques.”
- Focus on Skills: What have you learned through cheerleading that colleges value?
- Examples: Leadership, teamwork, time management, communication, resilience, problem-solving, adaptability.
3. The Common App Activity Description: Think Like a College Admissions Officer
Remember, the Common App activity section is designed to paint a picture of who you are. By writing in detail about your cheerleading experience, you can show the college:
- You’re Dedicated: Cheerleading takes a lot of time, effort, and commitment. Highlighting your dedication shows you’re capable of handling a busy college schedule.
- You’re a Team Player: Cheerleading is all about working together. Describe how you’ve contributed to the team’s success and developed strong communication skills.
- You’re a Leader: If you’ve held a leadership role, make sure to showcase your skills and how you’ve mentored others.
- You’re Creative: Choreography, stunting, and even game-day routines require creativity. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table.
4. Example Activity Description: Turning Cheer into a College-Worthy Story
Let’s take a look at an example of how to describe cheerleading on the Common App:
Activity Name: Cheerleading Organization: Varsity Cheerleading Years of Participation: 4 years Hours per Week: 10-15 Position/Leadership Description: * Co-Captain (Year 4): Led warm-ups, choreographed routines, mentored younger cheerleaders. * Stunt Group Leader (Year 3): Developed and executed a new stunt sequence, improving team safety and performance. * Fundraising Coordinator (Year 2): Organized and executed a successful bake sale, raising \$500 for new uniforms.
This description is packed with details that show dedication, teamwork, leadership, and a strong work ethic. It gives the admissions officer a clear picture of your contributions and demonstrates the skills you acquired through cheerleading.
5. The “Additional Information” Section: Your Cheerleading Story
The Common App has an “Additional Information” section where you can expand on your activities and share even more about your passion for cheerleading.
Here’s how to use it to your advantage:
- Explain Your Passion: Talk about what you love most about cheerleading and why you’ve stayed dedicated for so long.
- Highlight Your Growth: Discuss how cheerleading has challenged and changed you.
- Connect to Your Goals: Explain how cheerleading has helped you develop skills that will be valuable in college and beyond.
Example:
“Cheerleading has been a constant in my life. It’s more than just flips and cheers; it’s about teamwork, communication, and pushing myself to be better. I love the energy of game days, the camaraderie of my team, and the challenge of mastering new routines. As co-captain, I learned the importance of leadership, how to motivate others, and how to handle pressure. These skills will be invaluable as I pursue a career in [your desired field].”
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Unique
Remember, the Common App is a chance to showcase who you are. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
- Use humor: You can be funny and engaging without being inappropriate.
- Show your passion: Let your love for cheerleading shine through.
- Be authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
The Common App activity section is more than just a list of things you do. It’s your opportunity to tell a story about your experience, showcase your skills, and convince colleges you’re the perfect fit for their campus. So, take a deep breath, grab your pom-poms, and get ready to write a cheerleading story that’s sure to impress!
Need Additional Guidance for Describing Cheer on Your Common App?
If you need further guidance or additional resources on how to describe cheerleading on the Common App, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community! We’re a supportive network of individuals who can provide valuable insights and help you craft a winning application.