I recently submitted my William and Mary Common Application but decided not to submit it to the other ones in case I want to make some last-minute changes.
I have a question though:
I see all these people with so many ECs and stuff, but on the common app there are only 8 spaces to put stuff… then they have an essay thingy up to 150 words to describe which of these were most meaningful to you… how do you fit it all? Also, a lot of people have community service, where do you fit all that in on such a small space? I am afraid I have put my ECs in WAY too little detail.
<p>Don't worry about conveying the quantity of EC's, worry about conveying a coherent picture with depth, committment, and passion. Long laundry lists don't impress adcoms.
As for the word length, think of it as test: how do you best describe your commitment in limited space? It's harder to do focused writing than to merely blather on and on.</p>
<p>On the activity chart, highlight the main things as best you can. One idea, depending what you have there, is you can combine a few activities into one line. For instance, my D combined jazz band, piano lessons, and guitar lessons (all her instrumental music stuff) into one line. As well, this is a skeleton. I would also write "see attached activity/award list" and attach an annotated resume. </p>
<p>The short answer question on an activity is tricky to do in so little words but it CAN be done. Do a draft and keep whittling it down. </p>