The Importance of the Common App Activities Section and Guidelines for Completing it Successfully
When it comes to college applications, one section that often gets overlooked or underestimated is the activities section. Many students see it as a rote exercise, simply listing their high school activities without giving it much thought.
However, the activities section is a crucial part of the Common App, and it provides an opportunity for students to showcase their unique and compelling stories. In this article, we will explore the importance of the activities section, common issues with poorly crafted activity lists, and guidelines for completing this section effectively.
I. Importance of the Common App Activities Section
The activities section is important for several reasons.
Firstly, it allows admissions officers to gain insight into a student’s interests, passions, and level of involvement outside of the classroom. In a competitive admissions process, where grades and test scores may not be enough to set a student apart, the activities section provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their uniqueness.
Secondly, a well-crafted activities list can help create a narrative for the applicant. By carefully selecting and describing their activities, students can paint a picture of who they are and what they value.
This can help admissions officers understand the student’s personality and potential contributions to the college community. II.
Common Issues with the Activities List
Unfortunately, many students fail to realize the significance of the activities section and make common mistakes when completing it. One of the main issues is a poorly crafted activities list.
Students often list activities without providing any context or explanation. This not only fails to capture the attention of admissions officers but also provides no insight into the student’s level of commitment or impact in the activity.
Another issue is the underestimation of the activities list. Students may view it as a formality and fail to recognize its potential.
Instead of treating it as a checklist to be completed quickly, students should approach it as an opportunity to showcase their unique experiences and achievements. III.
Guidelines for Completing the Activities Section
To make the most of the activities section, students should follow these guidelines:
1. Choosing which activities to include: Students should spend time reflecting on their high school activities and select ones that demonstrate regular engagement and genuine interest.
Quality is more important than quantity, so it’s better to focus on a few activities that have had a significant impact rather than listing multiple superficial involvements. 2.
Order of listing activities: Activities should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent ones. However, students should also consider the order based on importance and preference.
This thought process allows for a deliberate and strategic presentation of the activities. 3.
Writing effective descriptions with limited space: With limited space for each activity, students must make every word count. They should use impactful words and active verbs to describe their role and involvement.
It’s also important to include pertinent details that highlight accomplishments, awards, and leadership positions. 4.
Strategic use of fields: The Common App provides different fields to describe different aspects of an activity. Students should utilize these fields strategically to avoid redundancy and maximize the available space.
For example, they can use the “Additional Details” section to provide context or elaborate on an activity that couldn’t be fully described in the limited space. 5.
Following writing conventions: Students should use present tense to describe their activities and avoid using jargon that may not be familiar to admissions officers. Additionally, proofreading is crucial to catch any grammatical or spelling errors that may undermine the overall presentation.
In conclusion, the activities section of the Common App should not be underestimated. It is an opportunity for students to tell their unique stories and showcase their passions and commitments.
By following the guidelines provided and giving it the attention it deserves, students can create a compelling activities list that sets them apart in the competitive college admissions process. III.
Final Tips for the Common App Activities Section
Completing the Common App activities section is not just about ticking boxes or filling in generic information. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their unique identity, passion, and dedication.
In this section, we will provide some final tips to help students make the most of the activities section and present a compelling picture of themselves. 1.
Selecting activities that reflect your identity and time investment
When choosing which activities to include, it’s important to consider ones that truly represent who you are as an individual. While school-based activities like clubs and organizations are important to include, don’t forget about activities outside of school that may have shaped your character and interests.
Colleges are interested in understanding the full range of your involvement and how it has shaped your personal development. Additionally, consider the level of time and commitment you have invested in each activity.
Admissions officers want to see that you have dedicated yourself to something and have made a significant impact. Instead of listing every single activity you have been a part of, focus on those that have been most meaningful to you and demonstrate the depth of your involvement.
2. Importance of order and showcasing commitment, talent, and accomplishments
The order in which you list your activities is crucial.
Admissions officers typically look at the activities section chronologically, starting from your most recent involvements. However, you should also consider strategically ordering your activities based on importance and impact.
Begin with the activities that have had the most significant influence on you or have contributed to your personal growth. This showcases your commitment to personal development and allows admissions officers to see your most impressive achievements right away.
Furthermore, when describing your activities, be sure to highlight any talents or accomplishments within each. For instance, if you have won awards or achieved notable recognition in an activity, mention it.
This demonstrates your dedication and talent in that particular area and helps you stand out from other applicants. 3.
Maximizing space with effective communication
With limited space for each activity description, it’s important to make every word count. Avoid using clunky phrases or unnecessary words.
Instead, use active verbs to describe your role and involvement. For example, instead of saying “participated in club meetings,” use “collaborated with team members to plan and execute club activities.” This tells admissions officers that you were actively engaged and contributed to the success of the club.
In addition to active verbs, provide specific details about your activities. Instead of stating that you volunteered at a local hospital, specify the number of hours you dedicated each week or describe any specific responsibilities you had.
These details give admissions officers a clearer understanding of your level of involvement and impact. 4.
Utilizing the “Activity Name” field
When filling out the Common App, many students may overlook the importance of the “Activity Name” field. This field provides an excellent opportunity to optimize space and provide additional context for your activity.
Instead of simply stating “volunteer at a homeless shelter,” you could use this space to mention any specific programs or initiatives you were involved in, such as organizing food drives or spearheading a clothing donation campaign. This fine-tuning of information adds depth and specificity to your activities.
5. Importance of careful crafting and proofreading
Finally, treat your activity descriptions with essay-like care.
Proofread your descriptions thoroughly to ensure that there are no typos or grammatical errors. Remember, this section is a reflection of your attention to detail and ability to effectively communicate.
Sloppy errors can detract from your overall presentation and give the impression of carelessness. Once you have completed your activity descriptions, take a step back and review them with fresh eyes.
Ask yourself if they truly capture the essence of your involvement and accomplishments. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, mentors, or family members to gain additional perspectives and ensure your descriptions are both accurate and impactful.
In conclusion, the Common App activities section should not be treated as an afterthought. It provides an opportunity for students to present a comprehensive picture of their involvement, dedication, talents, and accomplishments.
By carefully selecting activities, strategically ordering them, using effective language and maximizing space, and paying attention to detail with proofreading, students can create a compelling activities list that stands out to admissions officers. So take the time to craft your activities section with care, and let your unique story shine through!
The Common App activities section is often underestimated by students, but it plays a vital role in the college application process.
To make the most of this section, students should carefully select activities that reflect their identity and time investment, showcase commitment, talent, and accomplishments, and effectively communicate their involvement through impactful language and specific details. By following these guidelines and proofreading their descriptions, students can create a compelling activities list that sets them apart.
The activities section is an opportunity to tell a unique story and demonstrate to admissions officers the depth of one’s interests and contributions. So, take the time to craft this section with care, as it can greatly influence your chances of admission.