Common App: Activities

In the activities section, you have to focus on a few things.

Use stronger verbs. I’ll define “stronger” in a moment, but in short: Are you describing your activity in the most dynamic way possible? Most students aren’t. Why? Because they’re using just-okay verbs. 

Develop better (and perhaps a bit more) content. Have you included a wide range of responsibilities? Most students forget to include solving problems, gaining skills, and making tangible (and even quantifiable!) impact.

Demonstrate skills & values. Are you communicating what you learned or how an activity changed you? If not, you may be leaving money on the table.

This is what the college essay guy had said. To learn about the stronger verbs, impactful activity written titles, check out this article: How to Write a Successful Common App Activities List in 2022 (collegeessayguy.com)

Here is my activity list.

I have been telling you to participate in impactful activities. This is the section you mention about your great works, projects, leadership, and participation.

Now, in the next article, I will talk about the writing section.