Should you Include Activities on the North Carolina Common App? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not as Scary as a Carolina Tar Heel’s Game Day Outfit)
You’re in the thick of it – college applications. The Common App is your battlefield, and the UNC-Chapel Hill supplemental section is your nemesis. It’s like trying to decipher hieroglyphics while juggling flaming torches…and you’re pretty sure the torches are your SAT scores. And then there’s the dreaded “activities” section. “Should I include activities on the North Carolina Common App?” you ask, your voice trembling like a freshman trying to sing the alma mater.
Fear not, young scholar! This isn’t the time to break down and cry into your acceptance letter from “University of Phoenix Online.” We’re here to break down this seemingly convoluted “activities” section and give you some tips on how to make it sing like a choir of angels (or maybe a really impressive a cappella group).
The Common App Activities Section: Your Chance to Shine (and Maybe Even Brag a Little)
Let’s face it, the Common App “activities” section is like the yearbook – it’s where you showcase your extracurricular triumphs (and let’s be honest, maybe a few minor embellishments). It’s your chance to strut your stuff beyond the academic realm, to show the admissions committee that you’re not just a robot spitting out perfect test scores. You’re a multifaceted individual with diverse interests, a vibrant personality, and maybe a slight obsession with competitive ping pong. wink wink
So, should you include activities on the North Carolina Common App? Absolutely! It’s a chance to demonstrate your passion, leadership, and commitment to something beyond textbooks and homework. Think of it as your personal “highlight reel” – a chance to showcase the things that make you unique.
But Here’s the Catch: It’s Not About Quantity, it’s About Quality
Think of the “activities” section like a fine wine – less is more. You don’t want to drown the admissions committee in a sea of mundane activities. It’s about focusing on the activities that truly matter, the ones that have shaped who you are and what you value.
What to Include:
- Leadership Roles: Did you captain the debate team? Lead a community service project? Organize a fundraiser? These roles demonstrate your ability to inspire and motivate others, which is a valuable trait in any college environment.
- Passion Projects: Are you a coding whiz, a budding artist, or a champion baker? Show off your passions, even if they don’t fit the traditional “extracurricular” mold. UNC-Chapel Hill wants to see what makes you tick, what inspires you to get out of bed in the morning (and maybe even before noon).
- Meaningful Experiences: Have you volunteered at a local animal shelter? Worked for a political campaign? Participated in a research project? These experiences show your commitment to making a difference, and your willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
What to Avoid:
- Generic Activities: “Member of the Student Council” or “Participated in the school play.” These are pretty vague and don’t tell us much about you. Instead, focus on specific accomplishments or roles you held within these activities.
- Future Plans: “I plan to start a coding club next year.” Admissions committees are interested in what you’ve already done, not what you might do in the future.
- Things You Didn’t Actually Do: Don’t embellish or exaggerate your involvement in activities. Honesty is the best policy, even when you’re trying to impress a college admissions committee.
The UNC-Chapel Hill Supplemental: A Few Extra Tips
The UNC-Chapel Hill supplemental application has an entire section dedicated to activities, so you have even more space to elaborate. This is your opportunity to really dig into what makes you tick. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Here’s what to remember about the UNC-Chapel Hill supplemental:
- Specificity is Key: Don’t just list your activities. Go into detail about what you accomplished, what you learned, and how it impacted you.
- Highlight Your Strengths: Think about what qualities UNC-Chapel Hill is looking for in its students (curiosity, creativity, leadership, etc.) and tailor your activities to showcase those strengths.
- Connect It to Your Goals: Explain how your activities have shaped your aspirations and why UNC-Chapel Hill is the right place for you to pursue them.
The Dos and Don’ts of the Activities Section:
- Do: Use vivid language and strong verbs to describe your experiences.
- Do: Include activities that demonstrate your interests, skills, and values.
- Do: Be specific and give concrete examples.
- Don’t: List generic activities that don’t tell us anything about you.
- Don’t: Exaggerate your involvement in activities.
- Don’t: Focus on future plans rather than past accomplishments.
Finally, remember that the activities section is just one part of your application. It’s important to have a strong academic record, write compelling essays, and showcase your personality through your application materials.
But don’t let the activities section intimidate you. It’s your chance to shine, to show the admissions committee who you really are, and to make a lasting impression. After all, you’re not just a student. You’re a future Tar Heel. Now go forth and conquer the Common App, my friend!
Need More Help?: If you’re still feeling lost in the labyrinth of the Common App, or need a second opinion on your activities list, head over to the JobLoving community! We have a team of experienced college admissions advisors ready to offer their expertise and guidance. We’re here to help you navigate the college application process and make sure you stand out from the crowd. Go Tar Heels!