Feeling a bit stuck on the Common App activity list. I've got quite a few things I do outside school, but I'm not sure how to make them stand out. Any advice on how to select and describe my extracurriculars in a way that'll pop for admissions officers?
It's great to hear that you're considering how best to present your extracurricular activities. Remember, admissions officers are looking for depth and commitment rather than a long list of activities. Start by selecting the ones where you've shown consistent participation and growth, especially those where you may have leadership roles or made significant contributions.
Use strong action verbs to describe your involvement and achievements. For instance, rather than saying 'participated in debate club,' you could say 'spearheaded a fundraising campaign for the debate club, leading to a 20% increase in competition attendance.' Be specific about your impact and the skills you've gained. Focus on the few extracurriculars (3-4) that are most important to you, which could include Tier 1 or Tier 2 activities if you have them, as they're particularly impressive to admissions officers.
Even if your activities are Tier 3 or 4, it's the depth of involvement and what you've learned or achieved that will make your application stand out. Be honest, concise, and let your passion for these activities shine through in your descriptions. Good luck!
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