Too much?

Applying to College
1

<p>So I'm filling out my commonapp when I realize that I'm in 5 clubs, with leadership in 4. But these are clubs that I've been dedicated to for years, and all are ones that I care about. I just really like doing different EC activities and my school offers a lot of opportunities for leadership. </p>

<p>Will colleges think I'm just laundry-listing and plumping? How can I make it seem more humble and less robotic? Because even I can understand how 5 clubs can come off as desperately overachieving. </p>

<p>Also, should I include a 300 word explanation on my family conditions? Can I just say what happened in my family or should I elaborate on how that has affected my life? I don't want to make colleges read a 3rd essay on the commonapp. I fear they'll be put off. </p>

<p>Thank you in advance!</p>

2

<p>On your activities, don’t overthink it, just write about what you actually did.</p>

<p>On your family conditions, ask your GC to write a few lines in the SSR about your situation and limitation.</p>

3

<p>Thank you! But what if it’s a situation I don’t want to discuss with my GC?</p>

4

<p>Then writing something in the Additional Information section is fine. Since I don’t know your situation it’s difficult to say whether a 300 word explanation is reasonable or excessive, I agree with you that it shouldn’t appear as an extra essay. Perhaps ask someone you trust to read your write-up and give their opinion on where you could cut or consolidate. Or if you want to remain anonymous, you could request input via PM on the Parents forum and likely get some objective help there.</p>