Including weightlifting in Common App?

Hey everyone! I've been really passionate about weightlifting for the past few years, and I feel like it's become an important part of my life. I lift several times a week and even do competitions. I was wondering if it's a good idea to include weightlifting as an extracurricular activity on my Common App? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Absolutely, weightlifting can be considered an extracurricular activity for your college application. Colleges value the dedication, discipline, and commitment that come with pursuing any passion or hobby outside of academics. As you mentioned, you spend a lot of time on it and even participate in competitions, which demonstrates your involvement and level of seriousness in the activity.

When listing weightlifting as an extracurricular, be sure to provide context and details about your involvement. It's best to mention weightlifting in the context of a more formal organization or club, but if you've mainly done it on your own, that's okay too.

Mention how many hours per week you dedicate to training, any specific achievements (like personal records or competition placements), and if you've taken on any leadership roles within the weightlifting community, such as coaching or organizing events. These details will help the admissions officers understand the depth of your commitment and the impact this activity has had on your life.

You can learn more about filling out the Common App activities section here, including good examples: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-fill-out-the-common-app-activities-section

Additionally, consider how weightlifting has contributed to your personal growth and development. Have you learned valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, or time management through your involvement in the sport? If so, you may want to highlight these aspects in your application or personal essays.

Remember, colleges are looking for well-rounded students who are passionate about their interests and can contribute to the campus community in various ways. Including weightlifting as an extracurricular can showcase your dedication to personal fitness and your ability to balance academics with other pursuits. Best of luck with your college applications!