<p>If I remember correctly, there isn't much space on the common app to explain each extracurricular activity. How does everyone fit such detailed descriptions of each activity on their apps?</p>
<p>Use the supplemental form to attach it. You could use a resume and include it in that document</p>
<p>This is one of the most essential pieces of a college application: create an additional information sheet listing and describing IN DETAIL all of your extracurricular activities in the "additional information" upload section.</p>
<p>Mine was three pages, for the sole reason my descriptions were huge and in them I showed both my passion for the activities and awards I've won over the years.</p>
<p>A supplemental "annotated activities list" is a good idea in most cases, but do read instructions carefully because a few colleges warn against them.</p>
<p>And don't provide descriptions for every activity. Some are self-explanatory (e.g., JV water polo--11) unless there was a unique angle that warrants clarification (e.g., "I was the only female on the boys' team!")</p>
<p>Skip the details (or explain VERY briefly) for those endeavors that you did before 11th grade, unless they were significant or uncommon ones or, perhaps, provided the foundation for later undertakings. Often, one-shot-deal activities should be cut from your list entirely, especially if the list is going to be a long one. </p>
<p>To avoid repetition, organize your activities by topic (e.g., "Community Service," "Music," "Sports," "School Leadership," etc.) rather than by grade. This way you'll eliminate a lot of potential repetition. </p>
<p>Feel free to inject judicious touches of humor here and there, but do resist the urge to turn your entire high school career into a four-year joke. ;)</p>
<p>^
A four year joke..Hahah..totally agree with that one...(i had to redo my activities list so that i DONT make everything sound like high school hilarity)</p>
<p>i added 2 pages. i kept things brief.
pointless to add 8 pages n drown the reader.
but i hope the thread starter knew about this... common app informed that it tripled its activity page seize.</p>
<p>oh man! I didn't know you can exceed the word limit by uploading a document, am I at an disadvantage because I didn't explain my activities well enough? I had to cut down my resume...significantly...</p>
<p>
[quote]
And don't provide descriptions for every activity. Some are self-explanatory (e.g., JV water polo--11) unless there was a unique angle that warrants clarification (e.g., "I was the only female on the boys' team!")
[/quote]
</p>
<p>What if I was the only white person? lol (Varsity Golf)</p>
<p>OUr guidance counselor said to keep it to two pages like any early resume. No one, not even admission committees want to read 8 pages of tedious high school activities. I admit to having kept a record of stuff as my S went though high school, but mostly his resume consisted of a compact reading of his application. His AP/CIS classes and academic awards, his athletics and athletic awards, his community service/volunteer, work and summer camps. I don't think it will take a brain surgeon to see the kid has been really busy the past four years. he could go on and on about what it takes as captain of a team, but really it's pretty self-explanatory -- especially to college admission committees</p>
<p>I put a brief explanation of all my EC's in the additional information section. Some were self explanatory so I didn't put anything. It's very easy to go overboard.</p>
<p>
[quote]
This is one of the most essential pieces of a college application: create an additional information sheet listing and describing IN DETAIL all of your extracurricular activities in the "additional information" upload section.</p>
<p>Mine was three pages, for the sole reason my descriptions were huge and in them I showed both my passion for the activities and awards I've won over the years.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yes, I did this too, and mine was 3 pages as well </p>
<p>Try to keep it less than 3 pages if possible though, it's very easy to go overboard. At one point mine was six pages long LOL!</p>
<p>
[quote]
Often, one-shot-deal activities should be cut from your list entirely, especially if the list is going to be a long one.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Best piece of advice I've heard all week. I'll go one step further and add that including lots of one-shot deals will make everyone's eyes glaze over, and if you actually did do anything outstanding, it will be lost in the glaze-over.</p>
<p>
[quote]
To avoid repetition, organize your activities by topic (e.g., "Community Service," "Music," "Sports," "School Leadership," etc.) rather than by grade.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>More excellent advice. Sally_Rubenstone, you need to start charging for this. :)</p>
<p>only thing I put on the additional information page was my additional awards!!</p>
<p>I didn't describe any of my activities in my supplemental application... I just wrote about my personal circumstances...</p>