<p>On the short answer question on the common app (describe one of your activities), how is one supposed to go about answering it? Does one choose the activity which matters the most to him, or does he choose the activity which needs clarification? Does he write a "creative essay", or say a clear and simple "Volley ball is important because..." ? What are adcoms looking for in this question?</p>
<p>I've kinda had the same question. Should there be an anecdote, etc?</p>
<p>Oh, and the same thing applies to the "how you spent your summer" question on some apps</p>
<p>As is the case with essay questions, even with short answers, it's a good idea to write by using anecdotes, flair, etc. The admissions officers read hundreds of applications, and you want yours to stand out because it's interesting. </p>
<p>Choose whatever you think will be most impressive to the college. This could mean highlighting an achievement or highlighting something that allows the college to get more insight into good aspects of your character.</p>