Tips for Filling Out UC Activities and Awards Section?

I'm working on my UC application and I'm unsure about how to showcase my extracurriculars and awards in the Activities and Honors section. Any advice on making the most out of this section of the application?

In the UC Activities and Awards section, you'll want to emphasize your most important extracurriculars and honors by providing detailed descriptions while showcasing your impact, dedication, and growth in these activities. Here are some tips for making the most out of this section:

1. Choose wisely: You have a limit of 20 entries for the combined Activities and Awards section, so prioritize your most significant and meaningful accomplishments. Aim for a mix of Tier 1-3 extracurriculars to demonstrate your range of involvement and leadership.

2. Create clear and concise descriptions: Use action verbs to describe your role and responsibilities. Focus on your impact within the activity, and try to quantify your contributions when possible. For example, if you were the president of a club, mention how many members you led or the percentage increase in membership under your leadership.

3. Show depth and growth: If you've been involved in an activity for multiple years, highlight your progression within the organization. This demonstrates dedication and commitment, which is valued by admissions committees.

4. Include the time commitment: For each activity, specify the hours per week and weeks per year that you participated. This allows admissions officers to understand the extent of your involvement.

5. Focus on achievements: When listing awards or honors, prioritize those that demonstrate excellence or are highly selective. Avoid including less meaningful or pay-to-play recognitions that may not carry much weight.

6. Organize strategically: The order in which you list your activities and awards can impact their perceived importance. Begin with your most significant accomplishments and proceed to those of lesser importance, as admissions officers may not read through all 20 entries with equal attention.

7. Use the additional information section: If you have important details about an activity that you couldn't include in the description (such as extenuating circumstances or unexpected outcomes), use the additional information section to provide context or expand on your involvement.

Remember, the Activities and Awards section is your chance to give the admissions committee a comprehensive understanding of your non-academic achievements and interests. Present your accomplishments in a clear, concise, and organized manner to showcase your impact, dedication, and growth in these endeavors. Good luck on your UC application!