The Common App activities section is one of the most important pieces of your college application. It gives admissions officers their first glimpse into your life, commitments, and accomplishments outside of the classroom. The best part? You actually have a ton of power to shape your Activities List into something that reflects your unique story and impact.
Students often come to us feeling stressed about the order, description length, and status of their activities list. However, Marks Education counselors specialize in helping students work through their Activities List in a thorough and thoughtful manner. But to get you started here are our top tips for a standout Activities List!
- Remember that order matters! You should try to list your activities in order of your impact on that activity. Extracurricular activities – sports, clubs, volunteer work, etc. – that demonstrate leadership roles should likely be listed first, along with those that demonstrate commitment and growth over time.
- Take advantage of the boxes provided. Because the description only allows for 150 characters (you read that right! 150 characters to describe four years of Debate Club!), use the other boxes available to you. Put all of your roles and titles in the “Position/Leadership description” box and be sure to accurately check the boxes for “participation grade levels” so that you don’t have to include either in your description. Every letter counts! So do what you can not to waste them.
- Avoid complete sentences in your description. 150 characters doesn’t offer any wiggle room! It’s okay to use short phrases separated by commas or semicolons to describe your activity. It’s even okay to use abbreviations in most cases as long as it’s clear to anyone what the abbreviation means! Obscure abbreviations used as slang in your school might be lost on an admissions reader, but abbreviations of common words or common organizations are acceptable!
- Focus on describing things that are unique to your experience. Admissions readers generally know what it takes to play varsity sports – a commitment to daily practices and a few games per week. Instead of describing those logistics, describe your role and impact on the team. This will not only help you stand out and provide context to other points in your application but also paint a clearer image of your participation to admissions officers.
- Share how and why you earned leadership roles. Were you elected Model UN President by your peers because you were the most successful delegate? Were you appointed by your advisor because you helped organize weekend trips and led sessions for beginners? Both are great answers, and it’s helpful to share what it was that led to your growth and leadership. Providing examples of soft skills that will be transferrable to your next community is a great way to help admissions readers get to know you.
Below, we’ve provided two examples of how a Marks counselor can help you transform your Activities List. Take a look at the difference, keeping in mind the tips above, and then try one of your own!
Before
I worked at a hardware store for 6 hours per week after school and on weekends as a cashier. I greeted customers and helped people what they needed. (148 characters)
After
Greeted customers, advised on purchases, helped troubleshoot basic home repairs; led team of 3 colleagues/shift; entrusted w/ nightly closing routine (149 characters)
See the difference? The second example…
- Avoids complete sentences
- Eliminates information available elsewhere in the Activities List (under “Position,” the applicant can put “cashier,” and the Common App asks applicants to note the hours per week and weeks per year separately)
- Describes leadership, collaboration, reliability, and teamwork
- Demonstrates unique skillset acquired
Before
I played on my school’s varsity soccer team for 4 years as the goalie and was a captain this year. I started every game in 11th and 12th grade. (143 characters)
After
Elected captain by teammates and coaches for commitment/enthusiasm, planned practices, conduit btwn. coaches/players, role model for younger teammates (150 characters)
Notice how this one also…
- Avoids complete sentences
- Eliminates information available elsewhere in the Activities List (under “Position,” the applicant can put “Captain (12), Starter (11-12),” and the Common App asks applicants to check the relevant grade levels separately)
- Shares how and why leadership role was obtained
- Focuses on impact on team and teammates, rather than just titles and logistics
Remember this: it’s nearly impossible to describe something you’ve spent hours on over the course of four years in 150 characters or fewer and admissions officers know this. Acknowledging that from the beginning can be a helpful first step. Instead, focus on using those 150 characters as effectively as possible to convey your specific and unique contributions to your most important activities. You can do this!
Looking for more help on your college applications? Check out our additional resources below!
Guide to Completing the Common App