How many activities should I list in my common app??
I was originally planning to put all ten bu I've seen others say it's actually not a good idea. I've been doing all of these extracurriculars without starting them simply for my application, some of them I even started this year, such as playing the double bass, but I genuinely like them, I'm just scared the admission might think they're just there to fill spaces, what do you guys think??
Earn karma by helping others:
2 answers
I've never heard of anyone saying not to put in 10 activities...on the contrary, I have heard advisors on YT give advice on how to maximize that space and what to do if you have more than 10!
As long as you are putting in ECs that mattered to you and involved regular commitment, it should be fine. Try not to participate in ECS just to fill the spaces; do things you are passionate about/enjoy. Believe me, it helps you be a better, more-focused student and rounds your interests out.
A couple of tips:
1. 5-6 is a good amount to list outright in your CommonApp--reviewers don't have all day to look at just your application.
2. You can combine some extracurriculars--I have "art" as an extracurricular rather than listing painting, pottery, poetry, etc. as separate. Explain in the description what exactly it is that the header means.
3. If you really need to save space, leave some off of the list and work them into essays. Plenty of schools have essays just about extracurriculars, write about an extra one there. You've got a whole personal essay, if you don't have ideas there, write about a hobby or sport. etc. etc. etc.
At the end of the day, write about what you care the most about in your extracurriculars section and hopefully the enthusiasm can shine through.
Your chance of acceptance
Your chancing factors
Community Guidelines
To keep this community safe and supportive:
- Be kind and respectful!
- Keep posts relevant to college admissions and high school.
- Don’t ask “chance-me” questions. Use CollegeVine’s chancing instead!