4 answers
shania
Student
Manchester, Connecticut
8
Questions
Updated
3659 views
What is the best way to list your extracurriculars on the activty section for common app?
I am not sure what way to explain my extracurriculars on the activity section, it is only 100-150 characters so I have to be brief, do I mention specific details on what I did? I would appreciate any advice on what is the best way to list & approach while staying brief. I have done interns, programs, clubs, research etc
Login to comment
4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1946
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Extracurricular activities are a key component of your college applications, allow admissions officers a quick view of your achievements and the breadth and depth of your activities outside the classroom. If your limited by a character count, prioritize them to demonstrate the longest/most consistent commitment(s) and/or those in which you have attained the highest leadership position. The Additional Information section is where you can expand if you feel you need to. Do not repeat information from your extracurricular list, use this section to add context, explain gaps, or highlight achievements that did not fit.
• ACHIEVEMENT: Rank your extracurriculars According to importance not chronically.
• START STRONG: Lead with a power verb like founded, led, or raised instead of complete sentences.
• QUANTIFY RESULTS: Add numbers, hours, or money raised to show scale.
CONCUSSION
Shania never overstate you extracurriculars, be honest, admissions officers know what is reasonable and what is embellished.
• ACHIEVEMENT: Rank your extracurriculars According to importance not chronically.
• START STRONG: Lead with a power verb like founded, led, or raised instead of complete sentences.
• QUANTIFY RESULTS: Add numbers, hours, or money raised to show scale.
CONCUSSION
Shania never overstate you extracurriculars, be honest, admissions officers know what is reasonable and what is embellished.
Thank you so much for the advice.
shania
Teklemuz Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
713
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
The title, organization, and role are already noted, so use the 150 characters to show Action + Impact + Result: what you did, who or what you helped, and the outcome of your efforts. Start with strong verbs like Led, Designed, Researched, Organized, or Mentored.
Focus on specific tasks, achievements, and measurable results. Avoid vague terms like participated in or attended, and don't use characters to describe the organization. Use short phrases and semicolons instead of full sentences. For internships, research, clubs, and programs, highlight your most important contribution and its result, rather than listing everything you did.
Focus on specific tasks, achievements, and measurable results. Avoid vague terms like participated in or attended, and don't use characters to describe the organization. Use short phrases and semicolons instead of full sentences. For internships, research, clubs, and programs, highlight your most important contribution and its result, rather than listing everything you did.
Thank you for giving me your input, it will help in many ways!
shania
Eliomar Cuellar
Case Management
3
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Eliomar’s Answer
When listing extracurriculars on the Common App, start with the activities that mean the most to you. Describe each one clearly and briefly, using strong action words. Highlight any leadership roles and responsibilities, and mention any measurable impact, like hours spent, people helped, or money raised. Keep your descriptions short, like bullet points—focus on what you did, how often, and the results. Don't forget to include any work, family duties, or personal projects that are important.
Hamilton Gregg M.Ed, CEP
University and Careers Guidance Counselor
9
Answers
Beijing, China
Updated
Hamilton’s Answer
A couple basic of things:
1. Add them in accordance to your preference - i.e. which one's have been the most important to you. Do not try to out think what the universities want. You will never know.
2. Be very succinct and clear in what you write. Yes, you have very few words to enter so make them count. Make sure you are specific about your role in the activity, organization, etc...
3. Use action words like: founded, created, volunteered, participated, organized...
4. Since this is your application and they know your name and pronoun, no need to use them.
5. Time commitment: Be sure you are pretty exact on the amount of hours you state. There are only 24 hours in the day and so many days in the school year, so don't overstate, schools can count.
6. When speaking about a leadership role, make sure you are writing about how you worked with others. Sometimes students come across as dictators. Remember you have a team you are leading.
7. Be honest! Universities are looking very closely at the activities section.
1. Add them in accordance to your preference - i.e. which one's have been the most important to you. Do not try to out think what the universities want. You will never know.
2. Be very succinct and clear in what you write. Yes, you have very few words to enter so make them count. Make sure you are specific about your role in the activity, organization, etc...
3. Use action words like: founded, created, volunteered, participated, organized...
4. Since this is your application and they know your name and pronoun, no need to use them.
5. Time commitment: Be sure you are pretty exact on the amount of hours you state. There are only 24 hours in the day and so many days in the school year, so don't overstate, schools can count.
6. When speaking about a leadership role, make sure you are writing about how you worked with others. Sometimes students come across as dictators. Remember you have a team you are leading.
7. Be honest! Universities are looking very closely at the activities section.
Thank you for taking the time to advice me, this will help alot!
shania