The Common App gives you just 10 activity slots and 150 characters each to summarize your extracurricular life. That's not a lot of space to show years of commitment, growth, and leadership. But with the right approach, you can make every character count.
Understanding the Activities Section
The activities list is more than a form. It's a snapshot of who you are outside the classroom. Colleges use it to understand your interests, how you spend your time, and where you've made an impact.
What Counts as an Activity?
You can include:
- School clubs and organizations
- Sports (varsity, JV, club, recreational)
- Arts (music, theater, visual arts, dance)
- Jobs, internships, or paid work
- Volunteer work and community service
- Family responsibilities
- Personal projects or hobbies
- Summer programs and academic camps
The Art of the 150-Character Description
Each entry should communicate three things:
- What you did
- Your role or responsibility
- Your impact or achievement
Example
Weak: "Volunteered at the animal shelter on weekends."
Strong: "Trained 15+ volunteers; launched adoption campaign increasing placements 40%"
Ordering Your Activities
Don't list by time spent. List by importance to you. Your top few activities should show depth, leadership, and long-term commitment.
"Three meaningful activities with real impact are more impressive than ten casual memberships."
Action Verbs That Pack a Punch
Start each description with a strong verb:
- Leadership: Led, Directed, Organized, Founded
- Impact: Increased, Improved, Expanded
- Achievement: Earned, Won, Secured
- Creation: Created, Designed, Launched
Quantify Your Impact
Numbers make your story tangible. Whenever possible, include:
- Hours volunteered
- People reached
- Dollars raised
- Percentage improvements
- Competition results or rankings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague or generic
- Listing duties instead of accomplishments
- Underselling your role
- Wasting characters on obvious info
- Using passive voice
Staying organized throughout the application process helps you avoid these mistakes. Learn how to keep track of college applications without losing your mind.
Conclusion
Your college activities list tells a story of who you are beyond the classroom. With strong verbs, clear impact, and a focus on what truly matters, you'll help admissions officers see why you're a great fit for their community.