Unlock Your Common App Potential: 14 Activities That Will Make You Shine

Common App Activities Section

As you embark on your college application journey, the activities section of the Common App presents a unique opportunity to showcase your talents and passions. This vital section allows you to highlight your experiences, accomplishments, and contributions beyond academics. To make the most of this opportunity, it's crucial to engage in a thoughtful and strategic selection process. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you craft an exceptional activities section that will elevate your application:

Identifying Meaningful Activities

The key to a compelling activities section lies in choosing experiences that hold deep personal significance. Reflect on your values, interests, and aspirations. Delve into activities that have ignited your passion and left a lasting impact. Consider your contributions to your community, involvement in clubs and organizations, and any unique projects or initiatives you have undertaken.

Categorizing Your Activities

The Common App categorizes activities into 10 different sections:

Quantifying Your Involvement

To demonstrate the extent of your involvement, use concrete numbers and specific details to describe your experiences. For instance, instead of simply stating that you "volunteered at a soup kitchen," provide specific information about the number of hours you worked, the tasks you performed, and the impact you made.

Highlighting Your Impact

Beyond quantifying your involvement, focus on articulating the specific skills, knowledge, and personal qualities you gained through your activities. For example, explain how your role as captain of the varsity soccer team developed your leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities.

Crafting Effective Descriptions

When writing descriptions of your activities, adhere to the Common App's character limits and use concise, impactful language. Emphasize your unique contributions and perspectives. Avoid generic or repetitive statements, and strive to paint a vivid and engaging picture of your experiences.

Seeking Feedback

Once you have drafted your activities section, seek feedback from trusted sources such as teachers, counselors, or peers. Ask for constructive criticism on the clarity, relevance, and overall presentation of your entries.

Additional Tips

• Engage in a Variety of Activities: Showcase a diverse range of activities to demonstrate your well-roundedness and breadth of interests.
• Seek Leadership Roles: Take on leadership positions within activities to demonstrate your initiative and ability to motivate others.
• Track Your Hours: Keep a record of the hours you spend on each activity to provide accurate information for the Common App.
• Consider Unconventional Activities: Don't limit yourself to traditional activities. Highlight unique experiences or passions that reflect your creativity and individuality.
• Use "Activity Buzzwords": Employ powerful action verbs to describe your activities, such as "led," "organized," "managed," and "collaborated."

Table 1: Common App Activities Section Categories

Table 2: Quantifying Your Involvement

Table 3: Highlighting Your Impact

Table 4: Seeking Feedback