<p>I have two sections of the common app left to fill out, and I'm confused about them both.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>For the activities section, is there any way for me to type the name of my activity? If I click Other or another non-specific activity description, would I have to type the name of my activity under Details and Accomplishments?</p></li>
<li><p>What else would be listed under Details and Accomplishments?</p></li>
<li><p>When I wrote my short answer, I was under the impression that it was a 1000 character limit. It says 750, but when I click preview, I can still see the entire thing (nothing's cut off). Should I still cut my writing down to 750 characters or leave it as is?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Ex.
You were president of… Spanish Club so…
Your activity could be “Foreign language”
Your position held is “President of Spanish Club” (consider Spanish Club your ‘employer’)
and your details could be “planned monthly meeting, coordinated trip to Mexican restaurant”</p>
<p>or if you were a participant in an activity, say “Participant in dance classes” or “Advanced-level ballerina for XYZ Dance Company” as position held. That way you can what it is.</p>
<p>Don’t get too caught up in the name of the activity. “Tutor for elementary students” works just as well as the name of the local organization or school that it is done through. It <em>is</em> frustrating though to have that drop-down list.</p>
<p>Thank you. Does anyone know the answer to question 3? Should I cut my answer down to 750 characters even though I can see my entire answer in the preview?</p>
<p>Why is it that we can’t type in the name of our activity? I was told in past years you could! Ex. Science Bowl, DECA, First Class…all proper names of the activities performed.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s a factor of how many ECs you should have. You should participate in as many ECs you are passionate about that you can be reasonably dedicated to. Admissions counselors can see through the laundry list of ECs that you barely participated in that you only joined because you think it will impress colleges–but will in fact have the opposite effect. </p>
<p>If you are interested in an EC and you can dedicate enough time and therefore show passion and commitment, then it shouldn’t be a problem.</p>
<p>With the 750 character limit - you must be at or below the limit for your application to be finished. I initially put mine in at 150 words but the character count was 973. It won’t let you move on unless you get under the limit.</p>