Hey guys! I've started working on my UC applications, and I'm kinda stuck on the activities list section. I have a ton of extracurriculars and not sure how to organize them. Does anyone have any sample lists or advice on how to make mine stand out? Any help is appreciated!
Hey! Congrats on starting your UC applications! The activities list is indeed an important part of the application, as it helps highlight your accomplishments and interests outside the classroom. Here are some tips to help you organize and make your activities list stand out:
1. Prioritize your activities: Focus on listing your top 8-10 activities that best represent your interests, commitment, and impact. You don't have to fill in all the spaces if you don't have meaningful activities that fit.
2. Use the 4-tier system: Try to categorize your activities according to the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars (https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities), making sure to include Tier 1 and Tier 2 activities, if you have any. This will help you prioritize your most impressive and distinctive achievements.
3. Be specific and concise: Use action verbs (e.g., "managed," "designed," "led") and clear, concise descriptions to highlight your role, responsibilities, and the impact you made. Quantify your accomplishments where possible (e.g., "increased membership by 30%" or "raised $5,000 for charity").
4. Group related activities: If you have several activities that fall within a common theme or interest (e.g., community service, student government, or sports), consider grouping them together. This helps demonstrate your dedication to a particular area and makes your list easier to read.
5. Utilize all character space: You have 350 characters to describe your role and impact within each activity, so use the available space to provide a well-rounded picture of your involvement. Be sure to mention any important details, such as awards earned, leadership positions, or significant accomplishments.
6. Don't forget non-traditional activities: Remember to include activities that may not be traditional "extracurriculars" but are still meaningful and time-consuming, such as part-time jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or personal hobbies (e.g., playing an instrument, writing a blog, creating art).
Finally, while examples from other students might be helpful, keep in mind that you should tailor your activities list to best represent your unique achievements and interests. The UC admissions officers want to get to know you, so make sure your list truly reflects who you are and what you're passionate about.
Good luck with your UC applications!
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