Creating the Common App activities list

I'm working on my Common App and I'm trying to put together a solid activities list. Can anyone share some examples or tips on how to best present my extracurricular activities? I want to make sure I'm showcasing my involvement and accomplishments effectively.

First off, it's important to prioritize your extracurricular activities based on your level of involvement and the impact they've had on you. Focus on the most significant activities first, and provide clear and concise descriptions for each activity, mentioning your specific achievements and contributions. Here are some tips and examples to help you present your activities effectively:

1. Prioritize and order:

Begin by listing your activities in order of importance to you. Typically, it's best to start with the most significant ones and move down to Tier 3 and Tier 4 activities. This ensures that your top extracurriculars receive the most visibility.

Example:

- Tier 2: Student Body President (order 1)

- Tier 3: Captain of Soccer Team (order 2)

- Tier 4: Member of Environmental Club (order 3)

2. Use action verbs:

Start each description with a strong action verb to highlight your involvement and the level of responsibility you undertook.

Example:

- "Coordinated and managed student government tasks, resulting in a 25% increase in club collaboration."

3. Be specific:

Include measurable outcomes or specific achievements related to the activity to help admissions committees understand the impact of your involvement.

Example:

- "Raised $5,000 for local homeless shelter through annual fundraisers as the president of the community service club."

4. Include leadership roles and time commitment:

Make sure to mention leadership positions you held and the hours/weeks per year you dedicated to each activity. This helps to convey the significance of your involvement in each extracurricular.

Example:

- "Band Section Leader (9-12), 8 hours/week, 30 weeks/year."

5. Be concise:

You have limited space to describe your activities, so keep your descriptions concise and to-the-point. Avoid using overly complex language; instead, focus on conveying the key information in an easily digestible manner.

Example:

- "Volunteered as an after-school tutor for low-income elementary students, helping them improve their math and reading skills."

By prioritizing your activities, using action verbs, being specific, including leadership roles, and being concise, you can effectively showcase your involvement in your extracurricular activities on the Common App. Remember that quality is more important than quantity, so focus on emphasizing the activities that have had the most impact on your growth as a student and individual.