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The Common App activities section is an essential part of your college application, offering you the opportunity to showcase your extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, and personal interests outside the classroom. This section allows admissions officers to gain insight into how you spend your time and what you value. It’s not just about listing everything you’ve done; it’s about strategically selecting and presenting the activities that best highlight your skills, passions, and the impact you’ve had.

The Common App activities section consists of space for up to 10 activities, but you don’t need to feel compelled to list exactly 10 if you don’t have that many meaningful experiences. What matters most is that you accurately reflect your involvement and growth through each activity. Here are some key strategies for approaching this section effectively.

Prioritize Impact Over Quantity

Many students feel the pressure to fill all 10 slots in the activities section, but it’s more important to focus on quality than quantity. Admissions officers are interested in the depth of your involvement and the impact you've made, not just the number of activities you’ve participated in.

For each activity you list, think about how much time and effort you’ve dedicated and what you’ve achieved. Did you lead a team, organize an event, or create a lasting change within the group? These are the kinds of details that matter most. For example, if you were part of a volunteer organization, listing how you contributed to specific projects and what outcomes resulted is more meaningful than simply stating the number of hours volunteered.

Be Specific About Your Role and Achievements

For each activity you list, be specific about your role and the impact you’ve had. This will help the admissions committee understand your contributions and how they relate to your personal growth and leadership skills.

For example, instead of writing “Member of debate team,” describe your role: “Competed in regional debate competitions, won 3rd place at state finals, and mentored first-year team members.” This provides a clearer picture of what you actually did, your achievements, and your leadership within the activity. Detailing specific accomplishments allows the admissions officer to see not just what you were involved in, but also how you contributed and the skills you developed.

Highlight Leadership and Initiative

The Common App activities section is an excellent place to highlight leadership and initiative, which colleges highly value. If you held a leadership position, don’t just state the title—explain what responsibilities you had, how you influenced the group, and what you accomplished in that role. If you didn’t hold an official leadership title but still took the lead on a project or initiative, don’t hesitate to mention it. Taking initiative is a key trait that colleges look for in applicants, and it can set you apart from others.

For example, if you organized a community event, explain how you planned, executed, and perhaps even raised funds for the event. Even if you weren’t in charge, showing that you played a major role in the activity is still valuable. Leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about showing responsibility, collaboration, and initiative.

Group Your Activities by Theme

While you don’t have to categorize your activities into themes, doing so can help present a clearer picture of your interests and how you’ve developed. Grouping activities by theme—such as leadership, community service, athletics, or arts—can help you organize your experiences in a way that highlights the diversity and depth of your interests.

For example, if you’re passionate about social issues, list community service, activism, and volunteer roles in a way that shows your commitment to making a positive change. This will allow the admissions officers to see that your interests extend beyond individual activities and demonstrate a larger, consistent passion for a cause.

Don’t Overlook Personal Projects and Hobbies

The Common App activities section doesn’t just have to focus on formal clubs or roles; personal projects and hobbies are also worth mentioning. Personal initiatives, such as starting a blog, learning a new skill, or creating an online business, can show that you are self-motivated, curious, and entrepreneurial.

For example, if you’ve been running a YouTube channel or working on a personal art project, don’t hesitate to include this in the activities section. Just make sure to describe what you’ve accomplished and how this personal pursuit has helped you develop new skills, such as time management, creativity, or marketing.

Be Honest About Your Involvement

While it’s important to highlight your achievements, make sure you’re being truthful about your level of involvement in each activity. Don’t exaggerate or embellish your contributions, as admissions officers can often tell when students are overstating their involvement. Colleges value honesty and integrity, and your application will be much more impressive if it reflects your true experiences and growth.

If you only participated in an activity for a short time or didn’t have a major impact, it’s okay to mention that, but make sure to focus on the positive aspects of your participation. For instance, if you were part of a sports team but didn’t play a leading role, focus on what you learned from teamwork and discipline rather than overselling your involvement.

Make the Most of the "Description" Section

The "Description" field in the activities section allows you to explain the details of your involvement. While the space is limited, this is your chance to tell the admissions officer what you did, how you contributed, and why the activity was meaningful to you. Use this section to highlight your role and achievements concisely but effectively.