Hi everyone:
I had a question about the activities portion of my common app, specifically about if or how I should list an activity.
I have been a part of a classic book club since 10th grade, and to date we have read 13 different works. I think this is a strong activity, and I have spent a lot of time on it (reading and discussing books and such). However, I am unsure whether I should list it or not because the only members of it are family members. I think that people would look down on it and not view it as a valid activity if they knew it was only with my family, but at the same time, I have spent a lot of time on it-usually 2-3 hours a week reading the books or discussing them, and it is fairly important to me.
Should I still list it? Is there any way to list it without talking about who is involved? My counselor said that I should explain the activity more in the additional information part of the application, but I don’t want to have it be looked down upon just because the only members are my family.
It seems a bit misleading to call it a book “club” when it just your family. But I think its a fine idea to mention it in the additional info section as a family activity that is important to you; and be sure to name some of your favorites.
I agree with that, although I wouldn’t really consider it a family activity. I think of it more as a club that is made up of family, because we do have deadlines to read to and we will Skype to discuss books and things like that. It isn’t like family bonding time. I feel like if I put it as a family activity, It will be looked down upon, even though I think it is legitimate.
why would it be looked down upon that you belong to a family of readers and thinkers?
Some families take regular weekend hikes together, some garden, some restore old cars…any activity that is important to you, you should find a way to mention in your app. I think a “family” activity also reveals that family is important to you, and that is a positive thing.
but I still don’t think calling it a “club” is appropriate. For example, if I meet my family every weekend for a hike (we rotate who chooses where we go) - it’s a family activity, not a hiking club. Yes, I’m still expected to make the choice when it’s my turn, and to show up on time prepared to hike, but it’s family, not a club.
I guess I don’t really see it as a family thing because most of my family isn’t in it.
But how would I go about listing it as a family thing rather than a club on the Common App? Do I just put it as Other Club/Activity? What would I put for position/organization name?
Sure.
Position: member/(organizer?, if you are)
org name: Jones family classic book club
description: I have enjoyed sharing the classics with x members of my (extended?) family. we read 1 book a month and share/discuss/skype…
(you can describe it as a “legitimate” book club, without avoiding the fact that it is family…IMO the family aspect makes it more compelling, not less.)
