When applying to colleges and universities, especially in the US, you’re not just showcasing your academic prowess. Admissions officers want to know who you are outside the classroom—what drives you, how you spend your time, and what passions or hobbies reflect your potential, and you are required to showcase these in the activities list in your Common Application. This critical component provides colleges with a glimpse into who you are beyond your academic achievements, making it an invaluable opportunity to set yourself apart.
In this guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of the activities list, exploring what colleges are looking for and how you can effectively showcase your unique experiences. We'll offer practical advice on structuring your activity descriptions, share essential do’s and don'ts, and provide additional considerations for tailoring your list to specific colleges.
By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and foundation to start writing a compelling and competitive activities list that truly reflects your passions and accomplishments.
Understanding the Common App activities list
The activities list is one of the most crucial elements of the Common Application. It allows students to highlight up to 10 extracurricular engagements, personal achievements, hobbies, and jobs they have got throughout high school. This could range from sports teams, academic clubs, and internships to personal projects, volunteer work, and part-time jobs.
You’re given 50 characters to provide the name of the activity and your role, and 150 characters to describe what you did, including any accomplishments or responsibilities.
Colleges use this information to gain a deeper understanding of an applicant's character, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the campus community.
This section goes beyond the academic transcripts and test scores, providing colleges with a more holistic view of each applicant. It's an invaluable platform for students to share their stories, passions, and the experiences that have shaped them into who they are today.
Moreover, the Common App activities list enables colleges to compare applicants' activities and interests side-by-side. This comparative analysis helps admissions officers assess how each student's experiences align with the values and culture of the institution. For students, this means that a well-crafted activities list can set them apart from other applicants, making their applications more competitive.
By effectively utilising this section, you can make a compelling case for why you are the right fit for their institution, ultimately increasing your chances of admission.
Types of activities to include
The Common App activities list is quite flexible, allowing students to include a wide range of activities. Here are some common categories you might consider:
- School clubs & societies: Debate team, student government, chess club, or any other organisation you’ve been involved in.
- Sports: Varsity, junior varsity, or club sports you’ve played.
- Performing arts: Music, theatre, dance, or visual arts you’ve participated in, whether in school or independently.
- Volunteer work: Any community service or charity projects you’ve contributed to. Whether you've volunteered at a local food bank, participated in environmental cleanup efforts, or mentored younger students, these experiences can make a strong impression on admissions officers, illustrating your dedication to making a positive impact and your ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
- Internships & jobs: Part-time jobs, internships, and summer employment can showcase your time management skills, professionalism, and real-world experience. Describing your job duties, what technical skills you have developed and any notable achievements can provide insight into your work ethic and adaptability.
- Personal projects & hobbies: Projects you’ve started outside of school, such as a blog, YouTube channel, or entrepreneurial venture – these can reveal your creativity, passion, and self-motivation.
- Leadership roles: Positions of responsibility within any organisation or group, such as captain, president, or founder.
- Awards and honours: Recognition for academic excellence, athletic achievements, or community service can underscore your accomplishments and dedication. These accolades can add a layer of credibility to your application and demonstrate your potential for future success.
By including a mix of these types of activities, you can present a well-rounded and compelling narrative that highlights your strengths and aligns with the values of your prospective colleges.
What colleges look for
Admissions officers use the activities list to gain insight into your personality, interests, and how you manage your time. They want to see evidence of:
- Passion and commitment: Have you consistently participated in the same activity over several years? Long-term commitment to an activity not only demonstrates your passion but also your ability to stick with something over time, a trait that is highly valued in both academic and professional settings.
- Leadership and initiative: Have you taken on leadership roles or made a tangible impact in your chosen activities? These roles indicate that you are proactive, responsible, and capable of inspiring others—qualities that are essential for contributing positively to the college community.
- Achievement: Colleges want to see tangible results and positive changes that you have brought about through your involvement. Whether you organized a successful fundraiser, led a community service project, or developed a new initiative within a club, highlighting these outcomes can demonstrate your ability to create real impact.
- Balance: How well do you balance your academic workload with extracurriculars? This demonstrates time management skills.
Dos and Don'ts when writing your activities list
Crafting a compelling common app activities list is crucial for showcasing your unique qualities and strengths to colleges. Here are some key dos and don'ts to guide you through this process and ensure your common app activities section stands out.
Dos
- Prioritise significant experiences that demonstrate your personal growth, leadership roles, and long-term commitment.
- Instead of simply stating what you did, describe the outcomes and the impact of your actions – especially if they are quantifiable!
- Use strong action verbs like “led”, “created”, “improved”, “mentored” make your role sound more dynamic and engaging.
- Customise your activities list to match the values and preferences of the colleges you are applying to.
Don'ts
- Merely list a wide range of activities to show your variety: Colleges prioritise depth over breadth! If you only attend a choir once a week for a month, it’s not worth mentioning.
- Be vague: Don’t use general phrases like "participated in" or "helped with." Instead, be specific: “designed promotional materials for 4 school events,” or “coordinated 6 volunteer events impacting over 140 community members.”
- Underestimate personal responsibilities: Significant personal commitments, like caring for a family member or helping out in a family business, can showcase maturity, responsibility, and time management.
Additional considerations for specific college applications
When crafting the common app activities list, it's essential to tailor your approach to the specific requirements and preferences of each college. Every institution has unique values and focus areas, and understanding these can significantly enhance your application. Start by researching the colleges you're applying to, looking for their mission statements, program descriptions, and any specific guidelines they provide regarding the common app activities section. Some colleges may have activity limits, so ensure you adhere to these guidelines to avoid any oversights.
Once you have a clear understanding of a college's priorities, select extracurricular activities that align with these values. For example, if a college emphasises community service, highlight your volunteer work and leadership roles in community initiatives. Conversely, if a college values innovation and creativity, focus on your involvement in arts, entrepreneurial ventures, or STEM-related projects. Tailoring your activities list to resonate with a college's ethos demonstrates your fit and commitment to their community.
For specialised programs, such as those in the arts or sciences, you might need to prepare additional materials like portfolios or project descriptions. Ensure these supplementary items complement your activities list, providing further evidence of your skills and achievements. Additionally, some colleges may offer optional sections where you can elaborate on a particular activity or experience. Use these opportunities to provide deeper insights into your passions and how they align with the college's offerings.
Read more on how to balance depth and breadth, highlight leadership and creativity to maximise your activities list in our more detailed How to Craft a Compelling Activities List guide.
Need guidance?
If you need any advice writing your list, the experts at A-List are here to help. We have successfully guided over 100,000 students since 2005. Each year, our students secure placements at 200 US universities, including all 8 Ivy League schools and other 50 top international institutions.
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