Should Common App Activities Be Full Sentences? (The Great Grammar Debate)
So, you’re staring at the Common App, ready to showcase your extracurricular prowess. You’ve got your volunteer work, your debate club triumphs, your stellar academic record – all meticulously documented. But then you hit the dreaded “Activities” section, and a question arises: Should you write full sentences?
The short answer: NO!
Unless you’re a master of word economy and can squeeze an entire Shakespearean sonnet into the allotted space, full sentences are generally a no-no in your Common App activities section.
Think of it like this: You’re applying to college, not writing a novel. You want to make a quick, impactful statement about your involvement and achievements. Full sentences, with their subject-verb-object structure, can take up precious character space that could be used to highlight your accomplishments.
But Why?
The Common App is designed to be concise, a snapshot of your experiences, not a detailed biography. Remember, college admissions committees are sifting through thousands of applications. They simply don’t have the time to read Tolstoy-length descriptions of your every activity.
So, how do you make your activities sparkle without drowning in the sea of full sentences?
Embrace the Power of Action Words:
- Instead of: “I volunteered at the local animal shelter and helped care for the dogs.”
- Try: “Volunteered at local animal shelter, providing care for dogs.”
See the difference? Action words like “volunteered” and “providing” immediately tell the reader what you did, without the unnecessary fluff of complete sentences.
Use Phrases, Not Prose:
- Instead of: “I participated in the school orchestra, playing the violin.”
- Try: “School orchestra, violin.”
The Common App understands you’re a busy student. They don’t expect you to be a master of grammar in this section. You can use phrases, even single words, to convey the essence of your activities.
Semicolons Are Your Friends:
- Instead of: “I was a member of the debate team. I competed in several tournaments. I won a regional championship.”
- Try: “Debate team; competed in several tournaments; won regional championship.”
Semicolons are powerful tools for combining multiple pieces of information without sacrificing clarity. Use them judiciously, and watch your activities section become a streamlined masterpiece of conciseness.
The Tense Question: Present or Past?
This is where things get a little trickier. The general rule of thumb is present tense for ongoing activities and past tense for those that have concluded.
- Present Tense Example: “Play cello in school orchestra.” (You’re still playing)
- Past Tense Example: “Played varsity soccer for three years.” (You’re no longer playing)
Keep the Focus on Impact:
Remember, the Common App Activities section isn’t about showing off your grammar skills. It’s about showcasing the impact you’ve made. Use strong verbs, specific details, and a clear, concise style to paint a picture of your contributions and achievements.
Don’t Be Afraid to Quantify:
- Instead of: “Volunteered at the local soup kitchen.”
- Try: “Volunteered at local soup kitchen, serving over 100 meals per month.”
Numbers speak volumes. Quantifying your impact shows the admissions committee that you made a tangible difference.
Embrace the “Less is More” Philosophy:
The Common App’s character limit is your friend. It forces you to be thoughtful and strategic about your wording. Don’t waste precious characters on unnecessary words. Be concise, be specific, and let your actions speak louder than any grammatical flourish.
The Common App Activities Section is Your Stage:
Think of it as a miniature playbill. You have a limited number of lines to convey your talents and achievements. Leave the long speeches and dramatic monologues for your college essays. In this section, focus on delivering punchy, impactful lines that grab the attention of the admissions committee.
In the End, It’s About Clarity and Impact:
The goal is to create a list that is easy to read, understand, and appreciate. Don’t let grammar rules get in the way of your message. Let the content of your activities shine through, and let the admissions committee see the real you – a passionate, involved, and accomplished individual ready to make a difference.
Need Further Guidance?
If you’re still feeling lost in the labyrinth of Common App activities, or if you’re just yearning for a little extra help, the JobLoving community is here for you. Reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help you navigate the application process with a smile and a friendly nudge in the right direction.
Remember, college applications can be intimidating, but with a little humor, a touch of sarcasm, and a lot of effort, you’re sure to create a winning application that showcases your unique talents and passions. Now go forth and conquer the Common App – one concise activity description at a time!