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Common App Activities Section: 7 Surprising Ways to Stand Out

The Importance of the Common App Activities Section

With over 1 million students applying to college through the Common App, showcasing your unique experiences and accomplishments in the activities section is crucial. This section provides a platform to highlight your passions, talents, and impact on your community. According to a survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 80% of college admission officers consider the activities section to be "very important" or "important" in their evaluation process.

Brainstorming Creative Activities

Finding unique and meaningful activities to include in your Common App can be daunting. Here's a novel concept to generate ideas: Introspection through Interrogation. Ask yourself questions like:

What activities have ignited my passion and shaped my values?
What experiences have challenged me and helped me grow as an individual?
In what ways have I made a positive impact on my community or the world?

7 Surprising Activities to Elevate Your Application

Beyond the typical clubs, sports, and volunteer work, consider these unconventional activities to differentiate yourself:

common app activities section

Activity	Why it Stands Out	Examples
Environmental Activism	Demonstrates commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.	Organizing campus clean-ups, advocating for environmental policies.
Research	Showcases intellectual curiosity and research skills.	Conducting original research in STEM fields, humanities, or social sciences.
Entrepreneurship	Highlights innovation, business acumen, and drive.	Starting a small business, developing a mobile app, or organizing a fundraising event.
Creative Writing	Unlocks creativity and storytelling ability.	Publishing short stories or poetry in literary magazines, creating a personal blog.
Filmmaking	Demonstrates artistic expression, storytelling, and technical skills.	Producing short films, documentaries, or animated movies.
Community Advocacy	Showcases passion for social justice and a desire to make a difference.	Organizing rallies, volunteering for organizations that address social issues.
Mentoring	Highlights leadership, empathy, and a commitment to supporting others.	Tutoring younger students, mentoring underprivileged youth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overemphasizing Quantity over Quality: Focus on showcasing a small number of meaningful activities that truly reflect your passions and values.
Duplicating Activities: Avoid listing activities that are essentially the same or could be included under a broader category.
Lack of Detail: Provide specific examples and quantifiable results to demonstrate the impact of your activities.
Over-Claiming: Be honest and realistic about your involvement and accomplishments.
Inadequate Descriptions: Use vivid and compelling language to describe your activities and convey their significance.

Tips and Tricks

Start Early: Begin brainstorming and planning your activities section early in your junior year of high school.
Get Involved: Seek opportunities to participate in a variety of activities both inside and outside of school.
Reflect on Your Experiences: Regularly take time to reflect on your activities and how they have shaped you as a person.
Seek Feedback: Ask mentors, teachers, or peers to review your activities section and provide constructive criticism.
Edit and Proofread: Thoroughly edit and proofread your activities section before submitting it to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Tables for Reference

Table 1: Common App Activities Section Format

Section	Number of Characters
Activity Title	50
Organization Name	100
Location	50
Start Date	20
End Date	20
Hours per Week	20
Description	250

Table 2: Examples of Quantifiable Results

Activity	Quantifiable Result
Volunteering at a soup kitchen	Served over 500 meals to those in need
Participating in debate club	Won 3 out of 5 debates
Organizing a campus fundraiser	Raised over $15,000 for a local charity

Table 3: Activity Categories for the Common App

Category	Examples
Leadership	President of student government, captain of sports team
Arts	Playing a musical instrument, painting, writing
Athletics	Varsity athlete, participating in a sport club
Community Service	Volunteering at a local soup kitchen, organizing a fundraiser
Work Experience	Part-time job, summer internship

Table 4: Common App Activities Points Guide

Points	Activity Level	Description
0-3	Minimal Involvement	Participating in an activity for a short period of time with limited impact
3-6	Moderate Involvement	Regularly participating in an activity with some leadership roles or responsibilities
6-9	Significant Involvement	Holding leadership positions, making a substantial impact, or demonstrating exceptional commitment
9-10	Extraordinary Involvement	Leading a major activity, making a transformative impact, or receiving national recognition