Mastering the activities section of the Common App is crucial for showcasing your extracurricular endeavors and defining your holistic application. This section provides a platform for highlighting your involvement in clubs, leadership roles, sports, artistic pursuits, and community service. By effectively conveying your passions, skills, and impact, you can craft a narrative that demonstrates your unique contributions and aspirations.
How to Fill Out the Activities Section of the Common App
The activities section of the Common App is your chance to showcase your interests, talents, and skills outside of the classroom. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your commitment to your community and your extracurricular activities.
Here are some tips for filling out the activities section of the Common App:
- Start by brainstorming a list of all of your activities. This could include anything from sports to clubs to volunteer work. Once you have a list, start to narrow it down to the most important activities that you want to highlight.
- Choose activities that you are passionate about and that you have been involved in for a significant amount of time. These are the activities that will most effectively demonstrate your skills and interests.
- For each activity, provide a brief description of what you did, what you learned, and how you contributed to the group or organization. Be specific and use quantifiable data whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “I volunteered at the soup kitchen,” say “I volunteered at the soup kitchen for 10 hours per week, serving meals to 100 people per day.”
- Use strong verbs and action words to describe your activities. This will help your activities section to stand out and make a lasting impression.
- Proofread your activities section carefully before submitting your application. Make sure that there are no errors in grammar or spelling, and that your descriptions are clear and concise.
Here is an example of a well-written activities section:
| Activity | Description | Time Commitment | Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteering at the soup kitchen | I volunteered at the soup kitchen for 10 hours per week, serving meals to 100 people per day. | 50 hours | I learned the importance of giving back to my community and developed a strong work ethic. |
| Playing soccer on the varsity team | I played soccer on the varsity team for four years and was captain for two years. | 120 hours | I learned teamwork, leadership, and how to set and achieve goals. |
| Participating in student government | I participated in student government for three years and was president for one year. | 75 hours | I learned how to work with others to achieve common goals and how to advocate for my beliefs. |
Question 1: How should I approach the activities section of the Common App?
Answer: The activities section of the Common App provides an opportunity to showcase your extracurricular involvements and how they have contributed to your personal growth. When completing this section, focus on highlighting activities that demonstrate your skills, talents, and commitment. Prioritize activities that have had a significant impact on you and that you are passionate about.
Question 2: What specific details should I include in each activity description?
Answer: Each activity description should include the name of the activity, the organization or institution involved, the dates of your participation, the number of hours you spent on the activity, and a brief description of your role and responsibilities. Additionally, highlight any specific accomplishments or awards you received, and explain how the activity has influenced your personal development.
Question 3: How should I rank the activities in order of importance?
Answer: Rank your activities based on their significance to you. Start with the activities that have had the most profound impact on your life and that best represent your skills and interests. Consider activities that have required a significant time commitment, demonstrated leadership, or fostered your intellectual curiosity.
And there you have it, folks! I hope this quick guide has helped you navigate the dreaded Activities section with ease. Remember, it’s all about showcasing your skills, interests, and how you’ve made a difference. Don’t stress too much about making it perfect—just be honest and highlight what you’re most passionate about. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more college application tips and tricks. Have a great day, and good luck with your admissions journey!