Hello everyone! I'm kind of struggling with how to format my activities in the Common App. Like, how detailed should I be and how do I prioritize them? Could use some help so I present everything the best way possible!
It's great that you're thinking critically about how to present your activities! When formatting your Common App activities section, clarity and impact are key. Be as specific as possible about what you actually did, while staying within the character limit of course. You want to highlight leadership roles and any concrete results or achievements from your involvement, as well as contributions to the overall culture of the group or activity you're describing.
For example, if you were the captain of your soccer team, describe that role and how you led your team to the championships—it's not just about the title, but the influence you had. Stay focused on what you've learned from each activity and how it’s contributed to your personal development. This will help admissions officers get a clear picture of who you are outside of the classroom.
As for prioritizing your extracurriculars, list them in order of importance to you and the impact they've had on your growth. If you're stuck between two and aren't sure which one to list first, go with the one you've dedicated more time to and/or been involved in longer, as activities you've been more invested in have had a stronger impact on your development. Best of luck with your application!
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