Verb Tense in Essays?

College Essays
1

<p>I am currently working on a brief personal statement in which I have been instructed to "list" my "principal experiences outside the classroom and include a brief description..."</p>

<p>When describing my extracurriculars should I use present tense verbs, or past?</p>

<p>"I have been a member of Student Government all four years of high school."
or
"I was a member of Student Government all four years of high school."</p>

2

<p>In all honesty, I don’t think it matters too much as long as you remain consistent and use the same tense throughout.
I would say present though since I’m assuming you’re still in high school and still participating (hopefully) in these activities.</p>

3

<p>Thank you :]</p>