With college application season in full swing, it’s essential to streamline your process—starting with the Common App’s activities section. Here’s a quick guide to help you present your extracurriculars in the best light possible.
Common App Activities Section: What You Need to Know
The activities section is your high school resume. You’ll list your top ten activities, including:
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Activity Type (e.g., art, athletics, community service)
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Participation Grades (9th-12th)
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Timing and Commitment (hours/week, weeks/year)
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Leadership Roles and Achievements
What Counts as an Activity?
Almost anything you do outside of school can qualify. The key is to choose activities that reflect your passions and align with your college goals. Prioritize activities that showcase commitment, personal growth, and impact on your community. Here is a our blog on 65 Ideas.
Top Activities to Highlight
Arts:
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Fine Arts: Painting, Photography, Graphic Design
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Performing Arts: Music (Instrumental/Vocal), Theater, Dance
Athletics:
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Individual Sports: Tennis, Swimming, Martial Arts
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Team Sports: Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball
Clubs:
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Academic Clubs: Science Olympiad, Debate Team, Robotics Club
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Community Service: Tutoring, Environmental Projects, Animal Shelters
Competitions:
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Art Competitions: Photography, Graphic Design
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Academic Competitions: Science Fairs, Hackathons
Employment & Internships:
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Summer Jobs: Lifeguarding, Camp Counseling
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Internships: Medical, Tech, Non-profits
Writing Your Activity Descriptions
When listing activities, use strong action verbs and highlight your impact. Keep descriptions concise, focusing on what you did, the skills you developed, and the results you achieved.
Qualities to Showcase
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Longevity and Commitment: Long-term involvement shows dedication.
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Personal Growth: Discuss how activities shaped your development.
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Social Impact: Emphasize how your work benefited others.
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Achievements and Leadership: Mention any awards or leadership roles.
Final Tips
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Use all available space to describe your activities.
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Focus on quality over quantity—select activities that best represent you.
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Be honest and authentic in your descriptions.
Boost your Common App by thoughtfully curating your activities list, and you’ll stand out to college admissions officers. For more personalized guidance, Annapolis/CollegeConsulting and CarolinaCollegeConsultants are here to help you navigate the college application process. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to college success.
We help high school students of all ages to choose activities that will help them build a robust resume. Reach out to us at www.annapoliscollegeconsulting.com or carolinacollegeconsultants.com and let’s help you plan for an amazing future.