Which is preferred by admissions officers? Which is easier to read? I feel like it would be the Common App Activities section, but I’m having a hard time fitting my descriptions in the space provided. When describing leadership positions, for example, there isn’t enough space for my to adequately explain holding different positions in different years at different schools. All this would fit on my resume, but I’m not sure if colleges would pay much attention to it.
Common app’s activities section is preferred over resumes. It’s formatted for quick scanning for the reader.
Do you know why colleges don’t need detail about your leadership positions? Because they’ve seen it all. Perhaps you’re the go-to person in your HS. They read apps from 100s like you each week. Sorry to burst any bubble – but this is also why ECs matter very little for most students.
Your story about the different roles you played in each org isn’t important and can be condensed. For example:
Club X: president 12, VP 11, secretary 10-11. Organized 5 charity events, membership 45 & 200 community participation event.