The BEST Way to Fill Out the Activities List on Common App!

Summary

In this video, Jeffrey from Achieve Ed discusses how to effectively order activities on the Common App. He emphasizes the importance of filling all 10 slots, even if some are less significant. The key takeaway is to prioritize achievements over time commitment, with admissions officers focusing mainly on the top three or four activities. Jeffrey also provides tips on concise descriptions, suggesting the use of abbreviations and semicolons to maximize character limits. Additionally, he advises against including trivial activities in the additional information section, encouraging students to highlight their most impactful experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fill out all 10 activity slots on the Common App to show involvement, even if some activities are less significant.
• 📊 Prioritize activities that showcase your achievements first, followed by those that required the most time.
• 🏅 List top achievements first; if there’s a choice between time spent and achievements, achievements should take precedence.
• 🔍 Admissions officers focus primarily on the top 3-4 activities, so ensure these are your strongest and most relevant.
• ✅ Check the box indicating interest in continuing activities in college, even if uncertain about it.
• ✍️ Use abbreviations and acronyms to save character space when describing activities (140 characters max).
• 🔗 Employ semicolons to separate different accomplishments within a single activity description for clarity.
• 🚫 Avoid spending characters describing what activities are; focus instead on your personal achievements and contributions.
• 📋 Only include additional activities in the 'Additional Information' section if they are genuinely significant.
• 🤝 Consider signing up for a free consultation for tailored feedback on your activities list.

Q & A

Why is it important to fill all 10 activity slots on the Common App?

Filling all 10 slots demonstrates your involvement and passion in various activities, making you appear as a well-rounded candidate.

How should I prioritize the order of activities listed on the Common App?

Prioritize activities based on significance and achievements. List the most notable achievements first, followed by activities where you spent considerable time, and then leadership roles, with lesser activities at the end.

Do admissions officers pay attention to all ten activities listed?

No, admissions officers typically focus on the top three or four activities, so it's crucial to make those entries as impactful as possible.

Should I indicate interest in continuing activities in college on the Common App?

Yes, you should check the box indicating interest in continuing these activities in college, even if you are unsure, as it can positively reflect your intentions.

What is a good strategy for writing descriptions for each activity?

Use abbreviations and acronyms to save space, separate thoughts with semicolons, and focus on your achievements rather than merely describing the activity itself.

Is it acceptable to include activities beyond the 10 listed in the additional information section?

Only include additional activities if they are truly significant. Avoid adding less important activities simply to increase the length of your list.

What should I avoid writing in the activity description?

Avoid providing general descriptions of the organizations or activities. Instead, focus directly on your specific achievements within those activities.

How can I effectively use my character limit in the activity descriptions?

Be concise. Use symbols like '&' instead of 'and' and employ semicolons to condense information while still conveying important achievements.

What if I have fewer than 10 significant activities?

Even if you have only a few strong activities, still fill out the remaining slots with lesser activities to showcase your involvement.

What resources are available for students seeking additional help with their Common App activities?

Students can sign up for a free consultation with the Achieve Ed team, who can provide personalized feedback and assistance with their activities list.