Hey guys, I'm working on my UC application and I'm a bit confused about the activities and awards worksheet. What types of activities should I include and how detailed should my descriptions be?
It's important to provide a comprehensive picture of your extracurricular involvement in the UC application. Here are some guidelines to help you decide what to include and how to describe them:
1. Types of activities: Include a range of activities that showcase your interests, leadership, and impact on your school or community. These could be:
- School clubs (with emphasis on leadership roles)
- Sports teams (especially if you are a team captain or received any awards)
- Musical or artistic pursuits (with any relevant achievements)
- Community service or volunteering efforts
- Part-time jobs or internships
- Research or independent projects
- Non-school-related hobbies or interests that demonstrate skills or a unique aspect of your personality
2. Quality over quantity: While you can list up to 20 activities, it's better to focus on a smaller number (8-10) of meaningful and impactful activities rather than trying to include every minor involvement. It's more advantageous to show depth and dedication in a few areas where you excel.
3. Descriptions: You have 350 characters to describe each activity, including spaces, so keep your descriptions concise and data-oriented. Focus on the following:
- Your specific role or position (e.g., club president, team captain)
- The impact you made or achievements earned (e.g., led a fundraiser that collected $5,000, mentored younger students, or organized successful events)
- Any awards, recognition, or notable achievements related to the activity
Remember that the goal is to give admission officers an understanding of your passions, your involvement outside the classroom, and how you have made a difference in your school or community. Be honest, genuine, and thoughtful in presenting your activities, ensuring that they reflect your true interests and growth as a student.
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