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Tips & GuidesApplications 5 min read

How to Write a Common App Activities List That Stands Out

How to order ten slots, phrase 150-character descriptions, and show impact instead of listing membership.

Order matters more than you think

Readers spend seconds here. Put the activity with the deepest commitment and clearest impact first, not the one with the most impressive title. Slots nine and ten are for genuine things you do, not filler.

Write descriptions like this

  • Lead with a verb: Built, Organized, Taught, Repaired, Raised.
  • Add a number: people served, dollars raised, hours, growth.
  • Cut articles and pronouns — you have 150 characters.
  • Name the result, not the responsibility.

Before and after

Weak: 'Member of robotics club; participated in competitions and helped with the robot.' Strong: 'Rebuilt drivetrain after regional failure; led 4 freshmen through CAD; team advanced to state for first time in 6 yrs.'

Family and paid work count

Caring for siblings, a part-time job, or contributing income are legitimate activities and readers respect them. List the real hours. Unlisted responsibilities can make an otherwise thin list read as uncommitted.

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