Crafting Your Common App Activities List: A Calm, Expert Guide
The Common App activities list often feels like one of the most stressful parts of the college application. Many students worry about whether they have enough activities, whether their experiences are impressive enough, or whether they fit what colleges are looking for. That pressure can turn this section into a source of anxiety rather than clarity. In reality, the activities list is not about comparison or prestige. It is an opportunity to show how you spend your time and what matters to you beyond grades and test scores.
This section helps admissions officers understand your interests, responsibilities, and growth over time. It provides context for how you balance commitments, pursue what you care about, and contribute to your school, family, or community. A strong activities list is not defined by how many items you include, but by how clearly and honestly you describe your involvement. Colleges value authenticity, consistency, and insight into how you engage with the world around you.
At Friedman College Consulting, I help students approach the activities list with intention and confidence, breaking the process into manageable steps that reduce stress and prevent last-minute scrambling. You’ll work with me directly to identify which experiences matter most, refine descriptions, and ensure your list reflects your story accurately within the Common App format. The goal is not to impress, but to present your experiences clearly and authentically so admissions readers understand who you are and how you’ve grown.
Quick Summary / Key Takeaways
If you only remember 5 things from this guide, make it these:
Quality matters more than quantity. Prioritize activities where you demonstrate real commitment, growth, or impact rather than trying to fill every slot.
Clear language makes a difference. Use active verbs and concrete details to communicate your role and contributions within the Common App’s character limits.
Context is key. Go beyond listing tasks by explaining why an activity mattered to you and what you learned from it.
All meaningful commitments count. Family responsibilities, part time work, and independent projects can be just as compelling as traditional extracurriculars when described thoughtfully.
Give yourself time and perspective. Starting early and getting careful feedback helps ensure your activities list reflects your experiences accurately and authentically.
Writing Strong Activity Descriptions: What Admissions Officers Look For
Focus Area | Less Effective Description | Stronger Description | Why This Matters |
Verb Choice | Was a member of the debate club. | Led weekly debate practices and organized interschool tournaments. | Active verbs clearly show initiative, leadership, and level of involvement. |
Specificity | Helped out at the local animal shelter. | Volunteered 3 hours weekly feeding, cleaning, and socializing 16+ animals. | Concrete details show time commitment and real responsibility. |
Impact & Learning | Learned a lot from my summer job. | Managed customer requests, resolved issues, and improved service efficiency. | Admissions readers want to understand outcomes and skills gained. |
Role Clarity | Part of the school newspaper. | Served as Editor in Chief overseeing 10 writers and publishing 6 issues. | Clear roles help readers quickly assess responsibility and leadership. |
Types of Activities and What They Show in the Admissions Process
Activity Category | Examples | Skills Highlighted | What Colleges Learn |
Academic Enrichment | Science Olympiad, research projects, academic competitions | Critical thinking, problem solving, intellectual curiosity | Demonstrates engagement with learning beyond coursework. |
Leadership & Service | Student government, club leadership, community service | Collaboration, initiative, responsibility | Shows how you contribute to and lead within a community. |
Creative & Performing Arts | Band, theater, creative writing, visual arts | Discipline, expression, long-term commitment | Reflects passion, creativity, and sustained effort. |
Work & Family Responsibilities | Part time job, caregiving, family business | Time management, resilience, accountability | Demonstrates maturity and real-world responsibility. |
Before You Write: Activities List Preparation Checklist
Brainstorm all meaningful commitments from 9th grade onward, including work, family responsibilities, independent projects, and other non-traditional activities.
Gather essential details for each activity, including dates of involvement, time commitment, roles, and specific contributions.
Identify up to 10 activities that best reflect your growth, responsibility, and impact, rather than trying to include everything.Identify your top 10 most impactful activities based on growth and contribution.
Outline each description using clear action verbs and note where impact can be quantified or clarified.
Before You Submit: Activities List Review Checklist
Review each entry for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to character limits across the Common App.
Read descriptions aloud to ensure they sound natural and reflect your authentic voice, not résumé language.
Ask a trusted reviewer such as a school counselor, mentor, or college consultant to check for clarity, omissions, or missed opportunities to show impact.
Verify the exact word count within the application portal.
Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and consistency, confirming that every entry accurately represents your experience before submitting.
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