How to List Titles EC in Common App: A Guide to Avoiding Common App “Faux Pas”
Let’s face it, filling out the Common App is like navigating a minefield of college application jargon and unspoken rules. You’re trying to impress admissions officers with your achievements, but you’re also trying to avoid making any cringeworthy mistakes. And when it comes to the Activities section, one of the biggest question marks is how to list your extracurricular titles, also known as ECs.
Think of it like this: You’re trying to create a compelling story about your high school journey using only a few short sentences and a handful of boxes. You need to showcase your passion, leadership, and skills, all while ensuring your descriptions are clear, concise, and free of any embarrassing grammatical faux pas.
So, how do you write a title that makes your ECs sing?
It’s not about making your title sound fancy or using a bunch of jargon. It’s about being clear and informative.
Let’s break down the key aspects of writing effective titles for your ECs:
1. The “Position/Leadership Description” Box: More Than Just a “Member”
The Common App’s “Position/Leadership Description” is your chance to provide context to your activity. This is where you can showcase your involvement, responsibilities, and leadership experience.
Here’s the deal: “Member” is the equivalent of a blank stare at a job interview. It doesn’t tell the admissions committee anything about your contribution or skills.
Instead, try these strategies:
- Be Specific: Instead of “Member,” use terms like “Treasurer,” “Co-Captain,” “Volunteer Coordinator,” or “Lead Designer.”
- Highlight Your Role: Describe your responsibilities in a few concise words. For example, “Led fundraising efforts for the school’s annual charity event” or “Coordinated volunteer activities for local soup kitchens.”
Here’s a real-life example:
Activity: School Debate Team Position/Leadership Description:Debate Team Captain – Led team strategy sessions, researched and prepared for competitions, and mentored other team members.
See the difference? It’s not just about the title; it’s about using the limited space to showcase your skills and responsibilities.
2. Don’t Repeat Yourself (Or Make the Admissions Committee Feel Like They’re in a Loop)
One common mistake is repeating information from the “Position/Leadership Description” box in the “Activity Description” field. For instance, if your position is “Debate Team Captain,” there’s no need to say “I was the Captain of the Debate Team” in the description.
The Activity Description is your chance to tell a story, not rehash the title.
Here’s how to make your descriptions pop:
- Focus on Impact: Describe the impact you made, the skills you developed, or the challenges you overcame.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying “I was a dedicated member,” describe how your dedication led to specific outcomes. For example, “Successfully organized a fundraiser that raised $5,000 for the local animal shelter” or “Developed a new marketing strategy that increased social media engagement by 20%.”
Example:
Activity: School Debate Team Position/Leadership Description: Debate Team Captain Activity Description: Led the team to a regional championship victory, developing strategic arguments and mentoring teammates. Developed a new research methodology that improved the team’s performance at national tournaments.
Notice the difference? The activity description focuses on results and impact, not just on repeating the position.
3. The “Awards and Honors” Section: Don’t Be a “Most Improved Swimmer” Wallflower
The “Awards and Honors” section is your chance to showcase your achievements but be careful not to create a “wall of awards.” It’s a common misconception that listing every single award you’ve ever received is the key to success.
Here’s how to make your awards stand out:
- Focus on Meaningful Awards: Choose awards that reflect your interests, skills, and achievements that align with your goals.
- Provide Context: Briefly explain the significance of the award. For example, “National Merit Scholarship Recipient” or “Dean’s List for Academic Excellence.”
Example:
Award: National Merit Scholarship Recipient Description: Awarded for demonstrating exceptional academic aptitude and potential.
Remember: It’s not about the quantity of awards but the quality and relevance.
4. The Common App Essay: Save the Titles for Your ECs
The Common App essay is your chance to tell a compelling story about yourself. You’re not writing a research paper or a technical report.
Here’s the rule of thumb: Avoid using titles in your Common App essay unless they are part of a specific anecdote or example.
Think about it: Would you start a conversation with someone by saying, “I am the President of the Student Body”? No! You would probably tell them a story about a specific experience or accomplishment.
Example:
Instead of writing:
“I am the President of the Student Body. I have worked hard to improve the school’s environment.”
Try this:
“Leading the Student Body was a challenging but rewarding experience. I was responsible for organizing fundraising events, advocating for student needs, and fostering a sense of community. One of my proudest moments was when I spearheaded a successful campaign to improve the school’s recycling program.”
See the difference? The second example tells a story, showcasing your leadership skills and impact.
5. The Common App: A Story, Not a Resume
Remember, the Common App is a holistic application process. It’s about showcasing your personality, skills, and accomplishments in a way that tells a compelling story about your high school journey.
Don’t get caught up in trying to impress admissions officers with a laundry list of titles.
Focus on:
- Being Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your descriptions.
- Highlighting Your Passion: What are you truly passionate about? What are you good at?
- Demonstrating Growth: How have your activities shaped your skills, knowledge, and values?
Think of the Common App as a conversation, not a performance. Be authentic, be engaging, and tell your story.
Need More Help?
Navigating the Common App can be a daunting task, but remember, you’re not alone.
If you need additional assistance with crafting your EC descriptions, or if you have any questions about the Common App, join the JobLoving community! We can connect you with expert mentors, resources, and a supportive network of students and professionals who can help you through the process.