The Importance of Creating a Strong Activities List in Your Common App

When applying to colleges, your application is more than just your grades and test scores. Admissions committees are looking for well-rounded individuals who bring diverse experiences and passions to their campus communities. One of the best ways to showcase your interests, leadership, and commitment is through the Activities List on your Common Application. Here’s why creating a strong Activities List is crucial, and how you can make yours stand out.

Highlighting Your Interests and Passions

The Activities List is your opportunity to share what excites you outside the classroom. Top colleges want to see what you’re passionate about, whether it’s playing the violin, volunteering at an animal shelter, or leading a robotics team. These activities reveal what drives you and what you might bring to the college community. They also provide a more holistic view of you as a person, beyond academic achievements.

“Colleges are looking for students who will bring a range of talents and interests to their campus. The Activities List is a great place to highlight what makes you unique.”

— Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard University

Demonstrating Commitment and Consistency

Engagement in activities over several years shows dedication and perseverance. Colleges look for students who have shown commitment to their interests, as this suggests you’ll be equally committed to your pursuits in college. Instead of a long list of one-off activities, it’s more impressive to show depth and sustained involvement in a few key areas.

“We look for students who have demonstrated sustained involvement and commitment in their activities. It’s better to show deep engagement in a few activities than shallow involvement in many.”

— Eric J. Furda, Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania

Showcasing Leadership and Initiative

Leadership roles and initiatives within your activities can significantly enhance your application. Being a captain of a sports team, president of a club, or organizer of a community project demonstrates leadership skills, responsibility, and the ability to make an impact. Admissions committees are looking for future leaders who will contribute positively to their campus.

“We value leadership roles because they show a student’s ability to inspire and organize others, as well as their willingness to take responsibility.”

— Rick Clark, Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech

Providing Context to Your Achievements

The Activities List allows you to give context to your achievements and responsibilities. For each activity, you can describe your role and what you accomplished. This is your chance to quantify your impact, such as “Raised $5,000 for local food bank” or “Led a team of 10 in regional science fair competition.” Specifics make your contributions tangible and memorable.

“By providing details about their roles and accomplishments, students help us understand the significance of their activities. We want to know not just what they did, but how they made an impact.”

— Jeff Schiffman, Director of Admission at Tulane University

Balancing Your Application

A well-rounded Activities List can balance your application, especially if your academic profile has some gaps. If you’re applying to a highly competitive program and your grades or test scores aren’t perfect, strong extracurricular involvement can demonstrate other strengths and compensate for those areas. It shows you’re a multifaceted candidate with diverse talents and interests.

“Extracurricular activities provide a fuller picture of a student’s potential. They can highlight strengths that may not be evident from grades and test scores alone.”

— Stuart Schmill, Dean of Admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Tips for Creating a Strong Activities List

• Be Selective: Quality over quantity. Focus on the activities that are most meaningful and where you’ve made significant contributions.
• Be Specific: Clearly describe your role, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible.
• Show Impact: Highlight how your involvement has made a difference, whether it’s in your school, community, or personal growth.
• Reflect Growth: Include activities that show personal growth and development over time. This can illustrate how you’ve evolved and what you’ve learned.
• Organize Thoughtfully: Arrange your activities in order of importance or significance to you. This helps the admissions committee see what you value most.

Final Thoughts

Your Activities List is a vital part of your Common Application that provides a window into your life outside academics. It’s where you can truly express who you are, what you care about, and how you’ve made a difference. By carefully crafting a strong Activities List, you not only enhance your application but also tell a compelling story of your journey, values, and aspirations. So take the time to thoughtfully curate your activities and present them in a way that highlights your unique strengths and potential. It could make all the difference in your college admissions journey.