How to Include Your Amigos Trip on the Common App: A Guide for Aspiring College Students (and Their Slightly Concerned Parents)
Okay, so you’ve just returned from an epic Amigos trip, your Instagram feed is overflowing with envy-inducing photos of you sipping margaritas on the beach (or maybe that was just the margarita talking), and now you’re wondering: “Can I put this on my Common App?”
Hold your horses, amigo (and maybe those margaritas). While a trip to Cancun might be the highlight of your summer, it’s not exactly a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Let’s break this down:
The Cold, Hard Truth: Traveling for its own sake is not an extracurricular activity.
Think of it this way, college admissions officers are looking for students who are actively engaging in activities that showcase their passions, skills, and character. They want to see that you’ve done more than just soak up the sun (though, let’s be honest, sun-soaking is a valuable life skill).
So, how can you make your Amigos trip work for your application?
The key is to frame your travel experience as a meaningful opportunity for growth and learning. Did you volunteer at a local orphanage while in Mexico? Did you practice your Spanish with the locals? Did you develop a profound appreciation for the art of tequila tasting (wait, that’s probably not going on the application)?
Here’s the good news: If your Amigos trip involved any of the following, you can definitely highlight it on your Common App:
- Service Projects: Did you participate in a charitable project while you were away? This could be anything from volunteering at an animal shelter to mentoring underprivileged children.
- Cultural Immersion: Did you take language classes, explore local customs, or learn about different cultures? This shows initiative and an eagerness to broaden your horizons.
- Academic Enrichment: Did you attend workshops or lectures that expanded your knowledge? Perhaps you even took a course at a foreign university? This demonstrates your commitment to learning beyond the classroom.
- Leadership Roles: Did you take on a leadership position during your trip? This could include organizing group activities, mediating disputes, or managing logistics.
Now, let’s talk about how to actually write about your Amigos trip on the Common App:
1. Be Specific and Detailed:
- Name of Activity: Instead of simply saying “Amigos Trip,” be specific. “Volunteer work at Casa Hogar Orphanage” or “Spanish Language Immersion Program in San Miguel de Allende.”
- Name of Club/Organization/Team/Group (if applicable): If you were involved with a specific organization or group, mention their name.
- Number of Years, Hours per Week/Weeks per Year: Be precise about the duration and the amount of time you dedicated to the activity.
- Leadership Positions: If you held any leadership roles, highlight them.
2. Focus on Impact:
Don’t just list your activities. Show how they impacted you. Here are some examples:
- “My volunteer work at Casa Hogar Orphanage taught me the importance of compassion and empathy. I was able to connect with the children and help them feel loved and supported.”
- “Studying Spanish in San Miguel de Allende helped me develop my language skills and gain a deeper understanding of Mexican culture. I learned about the history, art, and cuisine of this fascinating country.”
3. Choose the Right Category:
The Common App has several categories for extracurricular activities. Be sure to choose the category that best fits your Amigos trip.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Creative:
Use descriptive language to bring your experiences to life. Think about the senses: what did you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel?
Here are some tips for incorporating your Amigos trip into your Common App:
- Use the Honors Section: If you received any awards or recognition for your volunteer work or cultural immersion, you can list them in the Honors section.
- Add a Supplemental Essay: If you have a compelling story about your Amigos trip, you can write about it in a supplemental essay for specific colleges.
- Mention it in Your Resume: If you have a resume, you can include your Amigos trip experiences in the “Volunteer Work” or “International Experience” sections.
Remember: Your Amigos trip can be a valuable asset to your Common App, but only if you present it in a way that shows its true impact.
The Bottom Line:
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. College admissions officers are looking for students who are passionate, engaged, and have a unique story to tell.
Need more help with your Common App or want to learn more about how to make your Amigos trip work for you? Connect with us at JobLoving! We’re here to provide you with all the resources and support you need to achieve your college goals.