The Art of the Common App Activities Section: Don’t Just List, Show Off!
You’ve got your essays polished, your grades gleaming, and your extracurriculars looking like a resume worthy of a Nobel Prize. But there’s one more hurdle in the Common App gauntlet: the Activities Section. This isn’t just a list of your clubs and sports; it’s your chance to showcase your passion, dedication, and unique skills in a way that screams, “Pick me! I’m awesome!”
Here’s the thing: the Activities Section is a microcosm of the college application process itself. It’s short, sweet, and demands a lot of effort in a small space. Think of it like a culinary masterpiece crammed onto a tiny appetizer plate – every ingredient must pack a punch!
Forget “blah blah blah,” Embrace Action Words!
Let’s be real, most of us have done some pretty amazing stuff. But when it comes to the Common App, you can’t just list your activities like a grocery list. It’s time to ditch the passive voice and unleash the power of action verbs!
Think: “Volunteered at the animal shelter” vs. “Organized fundraising events raising over $1,000 for animal care.”
See the difference? The first screams “I was there,” while the second shouts, “I did stuff, and here’s how I made a difference.”
The Power of Numbers: Quantify Your Awesomeness!
Remember that whole “small space” thing? You’ve got 150 characters per activity, so every word counts. That’s where the magic of numbers comes in.
Instead of: “Participated in the school debate team”
Try: “Led the school debate team to second place at the state championship for two years.”
Numbers make your impact tangible. They show colleges you weren’t just there – you achieved something.
Don’t Be a Modest Wallflower, Show Your Shine!
We get it, humility is a virtue. But remember, this isn’t a humility contest. It’s a chance to showcase your accomplishments.
Don’t be afraid to:
- Highlight your leadership roles: President of the club? Captain of the team? Don’t be shy about it!
- Show off your awards and recognition: Awarded “Most Valuable Player”? Got a scholarship? Brag a little! (But, you know, not in a braggy way – just in an “I’m proud of myself” kind of way.)
- Be specific about your contributions: Did you design the website for your club? Write the script for the school play? Let the colleges know how you really made a difference.
Crafting the Perfect Activity Description: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a breakdown of how to craft the perfect activity description:
- Brainstorm: Get your thoughts flowing! Write down every single activity you’ve been involved in, no matter how small it seems.
- Prioritize: Look at your list and decide which activities truly reflect your passions, skills, and impact. Don’t be afraid to cut the ones that don’t measure up.
- Write It Out Long Hand: Before you even think about the 150-character limit, write a detailed description of each activity. Include everything: name, organization, dates, roles, achievements, skills learned, and impact.
- Trim the Fat: Now it’s time to get ruthless. Turn those long descriptions into concise, action-packed phrases using the tips above. Remember: “Less is more.”
- Proofread: Check your descriptions for typos and grammatical errors. You want to present a polished and professional image.
Common Activities: Tips and Tricks
Here’s a breakdown of common activities and how to make them stand out:
Athletics
- Beyond the Scoreboard: Don’t just list your stats. Highlight your teamwork, leadership, overcoming challenges, or how you improved your performance.
- Focus on the Journey: Did you work hard to earn a starting position? Did you overcome an injury? Use your description to tell a compelling story.
Clubs/Organizations
- Show Your Impact: How did your involvement improve the club or organization? Did you lead a project? Did you increase membership? Be specific and quantifiable.
- Highlight Unique Contributions: Did you create something new? Develop a program? Did you find a creative solution to a problem? Let your individuality shine through.
Volunteering
- Go Beyond the Basics: Don’t just say you volunteered at a soup kitchen. Explain what you did, how you felt, and what you learned.
- Quantify Your Impact: How many hours did you volunteer? How many people did you help? Did you raise funds or organize events?
Employment
- Skills Over Tasks: Focus on the skills you developed, not just the tasks you performed. Did you learn how to work with clients? Manage time effectively?
- Highlight Responsibility: Did you take on extra responsibilities? Did you solve a problem? Did you work independently?
Personal Interests/Hobbies
- Passion Over Hobby: Show how your passion for your hobby has shaped you as a person. Did it help you develop a skill? Did it teach you about teamwork? Did it inspire you to pursue something new?
- Think Outside the Box: Did you take up a unique hobby? Did you teach yourself a new skill? Let your personality shine through.
The Activities Section: Your Secret Weapon
The Activities Section is more than just a checklist. It’s your chance to showcase your personality, passions, and skills in a way that leaves a lasting impression on college admissions committees.
Remember: Be specific, be quantifiable, and be authentic. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves.
And if you need more help, or want to talk through your activity descriptions, reach out to JobLoving community – we’re here to offer guidance and support every step of the way!