How to list activities on college applications?

Hello! I'm currently a junior, and I'm starting to think about the activity section of my college applications. What's the best way to organize and describe my extracurriculars, volunteer work, etc.? Also, how should I prioritize which ones to include, since I have limited space? Thanks for the help!

Hey there! It's great that you're preparing for the activity section of your college applications. Here are some tips for organizing, describing, and prioritizing your extracurriculars:

1. Start with your most important activities: When listing your activities on college applications, it's essential to prioritize and list your most significant or meaningful ones first. Admissions officers may only spend a few minutes on each application, so make sure your most noteworthy achievements catch their attention.

2. Use concise, clear descriptions: When describing your extracurriculars, volunteer work, and other activities, be concise but clear. Highlight your specific role, accomplishments, and the impact you had on the activity. For example, instead of writing "Volunteered at a local soup kitchen," you could write "Served meals to 50+ homeless individuals weekly, coordinated fundraising events, and managed a team of 10 volunteers."

3. Focus on measurable achievements: Where possible, quantify your accomplishments to give the admissions officers a better sense of your involvement and commitment. For example, you could mention the number of hours spent per week on an activity, the amount of money raised for a cause, or the percentage increase in club membership during your leadership.

4. Use the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars: To prioritize which activities to include, consider organizing them according to the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars. Tier 1 activities showcase exceptional achievement or national/international level recognition. Tier 2 activities demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership at the state or regional level. Tier 3 activities show involvement and interest but may be less distinctive. Tier 4 activities are the most common and least selective. Prioritize Tier 1 and 2 activities when listing your accomplishments.

5. Include a variety of activities: While prioritizing your most significant achievements, also strive to showcase a diverse range of interests and commitments. This helps demonstrate your well-roundedness and gives admissions officers insight into your passions outside of academics.

6. Don't exceed the limit: Most college applications have a limited number of slots or characters for the activities section. Make sure you stay within these limits and don't try to cram in too much information. Quality and impact are more important than quantity in this section.

Remember, when listing your activities, be honest and authentic. Focus on showcasing your strengths, dedication, and growth in the activities you're most passionate about. Best of luck with your applications!