How to Complete the Extracurricular Portion of the Common App

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

I’m almost done with the common app, but I keep coming back to and revising the extracurricular section. I’m a little confused on what to put where.

The form asks for…
Activity Type (choose from vague topics on a drop down menu)
Position/Leadership Description and organization name, if applicable
Please describe this activity, including what you accomplished and any recognition you received, etc.
(All of the above are required.)

I’m kinda confused on what to put where. Here’s what I did for one of my extracurriculars, chamber choir:
Activity Type - Music: Vocal
Position/Leadership Description and organization name, if applicable - Alto
Please describe this activity, including what you accomplished and any recognition you received, etc. - Received Superior ranking at Solo and ensemble, won best choir at Big City Classic 2015

Am I on the right track? I also sometimes play piano for the choir when the regular pianist can’t make it - should I mention that in here as well? Where would I put it?

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in advance :slight_smile:

2

What does “received superior ranking” mean? by whom? If it’s sort of like an MVP for a team? You need to be clear if this is a director/members honor or something larger. Same with Big City Classic…that will likely mean nothing to an AdCom, so say if it’s local/regional/national competition.

e.g.
Position,etc: chamber choir/ensemble member, soloist, alto; occasional pianist
Describe/accomplishments, etc: Best Choir (local/regional contest) 2015; Superior ranking from choir director

3

I agree, it is confusing. If you have 10 or fewer ECs, you can make it a separate one, but otherwise just make a note of it and anything else that doesn’t fit in the Extra Information section. It’s after the essay, in the writing section

4

@WhataProcess I feel dumb - I meant Windy City Classic :stuck_out_tongue: (I mixed it up with the Big Apple Classic… facepalm) But that’s probably only slightly more specific than what I had originally. Thank you though! I’ll be sure to make those changes.

@feartheENGR Good to know I’m not the only one who thinks it’s difficult haha. Thanks for the advice! :slight_smile: