Common App Activities

I just had a few questions about the Activities section of common app. I was just wondering if Marching Band would go under Club Athletics, Music, or Spirit? Would concert band (which is also a class) count as an Activity? Are activities outside of school also in this section? Do summer “camps” like CDC’s disease detective camp (which has a competitive application) count? and finally, as a general rule, what is worth adding and what is not? I would appreciate any help. Thanks!

In our High School, concert band, orchestra, etc are classes that give grades, therefore they cannot be listed as activities. Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, Pep Band, etc. are not classes, and therefore are classified as activities under “Music”.

Activities outside of school are fine to put down. My D was in a competitive Youth Symphony outside of school and that counted as an activity for sure.

Yes, CDC’s disease detective camp would count as an activity.

I think you are allowed 10 activities to put down on the common app, but by no means do you need to use all 10 spots. Put the activities down that showcase you and your interests in the best light. Things that you are passionate about in and out of the classroom. Don’t put something down just because you need to fill a space.