10,000+ Activities to Showcase in Your Common App

Common App Activities Section: A Comprehensive Guide

The Common App activities section is an essential part of your college application. It's your chance to showcase your interests, talents, and work experience to colleges. But with so many activities to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to the Common App activities section. We'll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right activities to writing effective descriptions.

Why the Common App Activities Section Matters

The Common App activities section is important for several reasons. First, it gives colleges a chance to learn more about you outside of your academic record. It shows them what you're passionate about, what you're good at, and how you spend your time outside of class.

Second, the activities section can help you stand out from other applicants. Colleges are looking for students who are well-rounded and have a variety of interests. If you can show them that you're involved in a variety of activities, it will make you a more attractive candidate.

Finally, the activities section can help you connect with colleges that are a good fit for you. If you're interested in a particular college or major, you can use the activities section to highlight your relevant experiences. This will show colleges that you're serious about their program and that you're a good fit for their community.

How to Choose the Right Activities

The first step in completing the Common App activities section is to choose the right activities. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your choices:

• Choose activities that you're passionate about. Colleges want to see that you're genuinely interested in the activities you're involved in. If you're not passionate about an activity, it will be hard to write a compelling description of it.
• Choose activities that showcase your skills and talents. The activities section is a great place to highlight your strengths and weaknesses. If you're good at something, make sure to list it in the activities section.
• Choose activities that are relevant to your college major or career goals. If you're interested in a particular college major or career, you can use the activities section to highlight your relevant experiences. This will show colleges that you're serious about their program and that you're a good fit for their community.

How to Write Effective Activity Descriptions

Once you've chosen your activities, it's time to write effective descriptions of them. Here are a few tips:

• Be specific. Don't just list the name of the activity. Instead, provide specific details about what you did and what you learned.
• Use action verbs. Action verbs make your descriptions more vivid and engaging. Instead of saying "I volunteered at a soup kitchen," say "I served meals to the homeless at a local soup kitchen."
• Quantify your accomplishments. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to make them more impressive. For example, instead of saying "I played on the varsity soccer team," you could say "I was a three-year varsity letter winner in soccer and scored 10 goals in my senior season."
• Proofread your descriptions. Make sure your descriptions are error-free before you submit them.

Common App Activities Section FAQ

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Common App activities section:

• How many activities should I list? The Common App allows you to list up to 10 activities. However, it's not necessary to list all 10 activities. If you have only a few activities that are relevant to your college major or career goals, then focus on those.
• What if I don't have any activities to list? If you don't have any activities to list, don't worry. You can still complete the Common App by describing your work experience, volunteer experience, or other extracurricular activities.
• Can I list activities that I'm not currently involved in? Yes, you can list activities that you're not currently involved in. However, you should only list activities that you have been involved in for a significant amount of time.
• How do I list activities that I've been involved in for less than a year? If you've been involved in an activity for less than a year, you can still list it in the activities section. However, you should indicate how long you've been involved in the activity.

Conclusion

The Common App activities section is an essential part of your college application. It's your chance to showcase your interests, talents, and work experience to colleges. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right activities and write effective descriptions that will make you stand out from other applicants.

10,000+ Activities to Showcase in Your Common App Activities List

What to Include in Your Common App Activities List

When selecting activities for your Common App Activities List, it's important to choose activities that you are passionate about and that showcase your skills and talents. You should also consider activities that are relevant to your college major or career goals.

Here are a few examples of activities that you might include on your Common App Activities List:

• Academic activities: These activities include coursework, research, and presentations.
• Artistic activities: These activities include music, art, dance, and drama.
• Athletic activities: These activities include sports, fitness, and recreation.
• Club activities: These activities include student government, clubs, and organizations.
• Community service activities: These activities include volunteering, tutoring, and mentoring.
• Leadership activities: These activities include positions of responsibility in clubs, organizations, and teams.
• Work experience: This includes paid and unpaid work experience.

How to Describe Your Activities

When describing your activities on the Common App Activities List, be sure to provide specific details about what you did and what you learned. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

Here are a few tips for describing your activities:

• Use specific details. Don't just list the name of the activity. Instead, provide specific details about what you did and what you learned. For example, instead of saying "I played on the varsity soccer team," you could say "I was a three-year varsity letter winner in soccer and scored 10 goals in my senior season."
• Use action verbs. Action verbs make your descriptions more vivid and engaging. Instead of saying "I volunteered at a soup kitchen," you could say "I served meals to the homeless at a local soup kitchen."
• Quantify your accomplishments. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to make them more impressive. For example, instead of saying "I played on the varsity soccer team," you could say "I was a three-year varsity letter winner in soccer and scored 10 goals in my senior season."
• Proofread your descriptions. Make sure your descriptions are error-free before you submit them.

How to Choose the Right Activities

When choosing activities for your Common App Activities List, it's important to choose activities that are relevant to your college major or career goals. You should also choose activities that you are passionate about and that showcase your skills and talents.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing activities:

• Consider your college major or career goals. If you are interested in a particular college major or career, choose activities that are relevant to that field. This will show colleges that you are serious about their program and that you are a good fit for their community.
• Choose activities that you are passionate about. Colleges want to see that you are genuinely interested in the activities you are involved in. If you are not passionate about an activity, it will be hard to write a compelling description of it.
• Choose activities that showcase your skills and talents. The activities section is a great place to highlight your strengths and weaknesses. If you are good at something, make sure to list it in the activities section.

How to Stand Out from Other Applicants

To stand out from other applicants, you should choose activities that are unique and interesting. You should also make sure to write compelling descriptions that highlight your skills and talents.

Here are a few tips for standing out from other applicants:

• Choose unique and interesting activities. Don't just list the same activities that everyone else is listing. Instead, choose activities that are unique and interesting. This will make you stand out from other applicants and show colleges that you are a well-rounded individual.
• Write compelling descriptions. When describing your activities, be sure to provide specific details about what you did and what you learned. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Compelling descriptions will make your activities section more engaging and will help you stand out from other applicants.
• Showcase your skills and talents. The activities section is a great place to showcase your skills and talents. If you are good at something, make sure to list it in the activities section. This will show colleges that you are a well-rounded individual and that you have the skills and talents to succeed in college.

By following these tips, you can choose the right activities and write effective descriptions that will help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting into college.