How to Describe FBLA on the Common App: Turning Business Skills into College Cred
You’ve slaved away at spreadsheets, mastered the art of public speaking, and maybe even won a few awards. But how do you translate those awesome FBLA experiences into a compelling Common App entry? Fear not, fellow future business mogul, this guide will help you turn your FBLA journey into college application gold.
The Common App’s “Activities” Section: Your Chance to Shine
For the uninitiated, the Common App “Activities” section is your chance to showcase your extracurricular involvement (beyond academics). Think of it as a mini-resume, but instead of focusing on work experience, it highlights your passions, skills, and dedication outside the classroom.
The Common App Question: “What Should I Write?”
Let’s tackle the first hurdle: how to describe FBLA. The Common App asks for:
- Activity Type: Here, you’ll select “Business/Entrepreneurship Club” or “Other Club/Activity” if FBLA isn’t listed.
- Organization Name: This is where you’ll type “FBLA” (duh!). But if your specific chapter name is unique or not commonly recognized, you can add a brief explanation in parentheses, like “(Future Business Leaders of America)”. Remember, you have a 100-character limit, so be concise!
- Position Held: Leadership roles are a big deal, so make sure to list them! If you’ve held multiple positions over time, consider listing the most significant ones.
- Description: This is where you get to flex your writing muscles and showcase your FBLA journey. We’ll dive into this deeper in a bit.
Beyond the Basics: How to Write a Killer FBLA Description
Now, let’s craft that killer description. Here’s the secret sauce:
1. The “Show, Don’t Tell” Approach
Think of your Common App description as a mini-story. Instead of simply listing your accomplishments, paint a picture of your FBLA journey. Show the admissions committee the impact you’ve made, the skills you’ve honed, and the lessons you’ve learned.
2. Highlight Your Skills and Accomplishments
FBLA is a goldmine of transferable skills that colleges love to see. Here are a few examples:
- Leadership: Did you lead a team to victory at a state competition? Were you chapter president, organizing events and motivating members?
- Communication: Did you present a business plan, debate economic policy, or even just give a presentation at a meeting? These experiences demonstrate your public speaking and communication skills.
- Problem-Solving: Did you tackle a challenging project, research a complex issue, or come up with innovative solutions? FBLA is all about finding creative solutions, and highlighting your problem-solving abilities is key.
- Teamwork: Did you collaborate with others on projects, work as part of a team to achieve a common goal? FBLA emphasizes teamwork, so don’t forget to showcase your collaborative spirit.
3. Show Your Passion
Admissions officers want to see that you’re genuinely passionate about what you do. Let your enthusiasm shine through in your writing!
Example FBLA Common App Description:
For the past three years, I’ve been an active member of FBLA, constantly pushing myself to grow as a future business leader. As Vice President of Marketing, I led our chapter’s social media strategy, crafting engaging content and boosting our online presence. This experience taught me the importance of strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective communication. I even spearheaded our chapter’s participation in a regional business competition, where we presented a detailed marketing plan for a local non-profit. Through this experience, I honed my public speaking skills, learned to think critically and creatively, and discovered a passion for using business principles to make a positive impact on the world.
The Nitty-Gritty: Dos and Don’ts
- DO: Use active voice and strong verbs. Instead of saying “I was responsible for…,” try “I led…” or “I spearheaded…”
- DO: Provide specific examples. Instead of saying “I learned leadership skills,” describe a specific leadership experience.
- DON’T: Use jargon or acronyms that a non-FBLA person might not understand.
- DON’T: Overstate your accomplishments. Be honest and realistic.
The Big Picture: Why FBLA Matters
Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who are engaged in their communities and passionate about their pursuits. FBLA is a fantastic way to demonstrate those qualities. Your description should not only showcase your skills and accomplishments, but also highlight your dedication, passion, and potential as a future leader.
The Bottom Line: Make Your FBLA Experience Count
Your Common App activities list is a powerful tool to showcase your talents and passions. Don’t underestimate the impact of a well-written FBLA description! By following these tips, you can create a compelling entry that will grab the attention of admissions officers and help you stand out from the crowd.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling a bit lost or need further guidance on how to best describe your FBLA experience on the Common App, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community. [Link to JobLoving page]. We’re here to help you craft a winning application and turn your dreams into reality!