Conquering the Common App Activity List
College applications boil down to four key components: essays, GPA, test scores, and the activity list. Outside of your essays, the activity list is a prime opportunity to reveal who you are beyond your academic record. This isn't just a quick fill-in; on the Common App (which serves over 1,100 colleges), it's a powerful tool to share your distinct story, demonstrate your passions, and showcase your contributions.
What Exactly is the Common App Activity List?
At its core, the Activity List is your chance to highlight up to ten of your most significant extracurricular activities. You'll rank these in order of importance to you, allowing admissions committees to quickly grasp what truly matters in your life outside the classroom.
The scope of what you can include is broad and inclusive. This isn't just about traditional school clubs. Think expansively: from sports teams (club, JV, or Varsity) to community service initiatives, musical endeavors, family responsibilities, unique hobbies, internships, work experience, summer programs, and even outside courses. The Common App provides a comprehensive dropdown list of categories, including:
Academic, Art, Athletics, Career-Oriented, Community Service, Computer/Technology, Cultural, Dance, Debate/Speech, Environmental, Family Responsibilities, Foreign Exchange, Journalism/Publication, Junior R.O.T.C., LGBT, Music, Religious, Research, Robotics, School Spirit, Science/Math, Student Gov./Politics, Theater/Drama, Work (paid), and "Other Club/Activity."
For each entry, you'll provide specific details: the type of activity, your exact role or position, the name of the organization, a concise description (only 150 characters!!) of your involvement, the timeframe you participated (which school years, during the school year versus summer), and an estimate of the hours and weeks you dedicated to it annually.
Here are a few examples of Activity List entries:
Why Does It Matter So Much?
Many colleges engage in a holistic review process. This means they're looking at you as a complete individual, not just a collection of numbers. Your Activity List provides vital insight into how you choose to spend your time, what you prioritize, and how you engage with the world beyond academics. It helps admissions officers understand your personality, your commitment, and your potential contributions to their campus community. It's often the place where your unique character truly shines.
What Are Colleges Really Looking For?
Admissions committees aren't simply checking boxes for participation. They're seeking deeper insights. They want to understand:
What is genuinely meaningful to you? They want to see where your true interests lie.
How have you contributed to your community? This could be your school, local community, or even your family.
What impact have you had through your involvement? Did you lead a project, mentor others, or achieve a measurable outcome?
How have you grown as a person? Did you develop new skills, overcome challenges, or gain new perspectives?
What have you learned from these experiences? This demonstrates self-awareness and reflection.
Most importantly, why did you choose to participate? Your motivation reveals your values and passions.
Tackling the Activity List Effectively
Approaching the Activity List with a clear strategy can significantly enhance your application.
Prioritize What Matters to YOU: Remember, you're ranking based on your personal importance, not what you think colleges want to see. Authenticity resonates.
Be Specific and Action-Oriented: Instead of simply listing duties, use strong verbs to describe your actions and accomplishments. Did you "lead," "organize," "mentor," "design," "fundraise," or "implement"?
Quantify When Possible: Numbers add weight and impact. How many people did you serve? How much money did you raise? By what percentage did you increase participation?
Highlight Growth and Learning: Briefly explain what you gained from the experience or how it shaped you. Did it teach you leadership, problem-solving, empathy, or resilience?
Address "Family Responsibilities" with Pride: If you've taken on significant roles at home, this is a legitimate and valuable activity. Describe your contributions and the skills you developed (e.g., time management, budgeting, caregiving).
Don't Underestimate Hobbies: A deep passion for something unique, even if solitary, can reveal dedication and intellectual curiosity. Just be prepared to articulate why it's important to you.
Proofread Meticulously: Just like your essays, typos and grammatical errors can detract from your message.
The Common App Activity List is more than just a resume; it's a narrative. By thoughtfully reflecting on your experiences and presenting them clearly and impactfully, you can effectively convey your unique strengths and demonstrate why you would be a valuable addition to any college campus. Take your time, be honest, and let your passions shine through.
Helping you soar sooner,
Carrie
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Great advice!