I’m finishing my applications up, but I have one section that I have yet to complete, which is the “activities” section. For this section, should I just upload a list of all the clubs/organizations/EC’s that I have done and a brief explanation? Or is it something more?
I also noticed that they say “we don’t require or encourage them”. Do most students make submissions in the activities section, or no?
Yes most students do make submissions in the activities section but only list those which are most significant.
If you really want to leave an impression, skip the meaningless list, skip the resume. You’ve already mentioned them in the activites section of the common app. It’s quite redundant. They already know students do these things and don’t need a liturgy of positions. Instead, really use this space as an extra writing sample of sorts to go in depth about one particular activity of yours and the impact you have made through it and how it has altered your life’s or your community. That means more than lists and descriptions to an admissions committee. I’m quite sure they say something along these lines in the instructions.
And yes, if you really want to have the best possible shot at admission, whatever you do, do NOT leave this section blank whatsoever.
@Pastpower Would it be a good idea to have about 5-6 activities and writing a short essay (150-200 words) on each? That’s what I’ve done so far, and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea or not.
@saadnc I personally don’t think that would really stand out. What would really make more of an impact and speak more volumes, in my opinion, is focusing on one activity and writing in-depth about why you have found it worthwhile and how you’ve made an impact through it. You can’t really communicate that through multiple short essays for multiple activities. Please don’t think writing about one thing sells you short at all. They want to see that students are committed to one thing that has shaped much of their life. That means more than a list or resume anyone could write.
Again, all of this is just an opinion. If writing the short essay works for you then definitely go for it. But, for reference, I did take my time to write a single essay in the activities section which I think really offered an entirely different perspective not found on my application. As a current first-year haven spoken with many fellow peers, I found they did the same on this section as well.
@Pastpower Thanks for the help. How long of an essay do you think I should write for this? I was thinking for doing maybe about 500 words, do you think that is too short or too long?