When you’re writing your college application, it’s easy to spend all of your time and energy on brainstorming, writing, and revising your personal statement. However, it’s important to devote some time to the other portions of your application, including the activities list. With only a little more than an hour, you can follow our five tips and write an activity list that shows off how amazing you are.
1. Brainstorm
What activities have you done? Take a few moments to think through your high school career. If you’re having trouble remembering, you may also have a conversation with a friend, parent, or guardian to jog your memory. Questions to consider include:
- How do I currently spend my time in and out of school?
- How have I done so in the past?
- What communicates who I am, what I’m proud of, or what I’ve accomplished?
2. Be Selective
You do not need to fill all ten activity slots on the Common Application. Include activities that you regularly participate or have participated in over a substantial amount of time. That one student newspaper article that you wrote sophomore year? Probably not worthwhile to include. Clearly padding your activity list can even cast doubt on the activities that you have dedicated your time and energy to.
3. List Your Most Important Items First
In what order should you list your activities? Rather than chronological order (either 9th grade to the present or vice-versa, consider which activities are most important. By listing your most important activities first, your first impression on the admissions representative will also be your strongest. After all, do you really want them reading through the chess club you briefly flirted with in your freshman year before they discover your true passion? When deciding what to list first, you may want to consider these questions:
- Are you doing it now?
- Will you continue in college?
- Does it show your ability to commit ongoing time and activity to a project?
- Have you participated in (or won) any awards or competitions in this activity?
- Have you occupied a leadership role in this activity?
4. Use Your Space Wisely
You only have 150 characters to describe your activities, so make sure they count! Use the 50 characters in the activity name to specify not just the name of your organization, but also your role and the grades in which you participated. Once you’ve done that, don’t repeat any of this information in your description! Full sentences are also a waste. You can abbreviate by removing subjects and any extraneous words.
5. Write Well
Even though we’re not using full sentences, you still want to make sure to show off your best writing. Remember to use the present tense for things that you are still doing and use your best vocabulary, including vivid and active verbs. If you can provide specific details and numbers for each of your activities, that’s even better! Finally, give yourself some time to proofread.
Wrap Up
There you have it, five simple tips that should make writing your activities list a breeze. Check out the rest of our blog for other tips and insights for the college application process. Still need help? Contact us for help or advice on college admissions.