Maximizing Your Common App Activities List: What Admissions Officers Want to See

The Common App activities list is one of the most important sections of your college application. It’s your chance to showcase what you’re involved in outside the classroom—leadership roles, community service, internships, athletics, and more. Since admissions officers only spend a few minutes on each application, how you present your activities can make a big difference. Here’s how to make the most of the activities list.

1. Prioritize Your Strongest Activities

You can list up to 10 activities, but quality matters more than quantity. Admissions officers want to see meaningful involvement, not just a long list of clubs you attended once or twice. Rank your activities in order of importance, with the most impressive ones at the top.

2. Be Concise and Specific in Your Descriptions

You only have 150 characters per activity to describe your role and achievements. Use action-oriented language and focus on impact. Instead of stating what you did in vague terms, quantify your contributions.

✅ Better: "Led fundraising team to raise $10K for local shelter, organizing events and securing corporate sponsorships."❌ Weaker: "Helped with fundraising for a local shelter."

3. Use Strong, Action-Oriented Verbs

Start your descriptions with action verbs like led, organized, developed, initiated, and increased. Avoid passive phrasing that downplays your role.

✅ Better: "Founded environmental club, growing membership from 5 to 50 and launching school-wide recycling initiative."❌ Weaker: "Was part of an environmental club that promoted recycling."

4. Maximize the Activity Type Categories

Each activity must be assigned a category (e.g., athletics, community service, research). Choose the category that best highlights your role. For example, if you were a leader in your school’s Model UN, listing it under “Academic” instead of “Club” might emphasize its intellectual rigor.

5. Clarify Uncommon or Unique Activities

If your activity isn’t widely known, provide enough context so admissions officers understand its significance. For example, if you participated in a niche competition, briefly explain its prestige and your accomplishments.

6. Show Leadership and Growth

Even if you didn’t hold an official leadership position, highlight how you took initiative. Did you start a new program, train new members, or expand an existing project? Colleges look for students who take action and make an impact.

7. Don’t Leave Anything Blank

If you have fewer than 10 activities, don’t feel pressured to fill all the slots with filler activities. However, ensure every activity you list is fully explained—don’t leave descriptions vague or incomplete.

The activities list isn’t just a summary—it’s a chance to show how you’ve used your time meaningfully. Be strategic, concise, and impactful in your descriptions, and focus on the activities that best reflect your strengths. When done right, your activities list can make a strong impression on admissions officers and help your application stand out. Explore Resume All Day’s essay coaching services for more assistance navigating college admissions.

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