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As juniors and seniors, you are likely very busy with college applications. Freshmen and sophomores may feel overwhelmed about how to prepare for college admissions. The Common Application site, used for U.S. college admissions, allows you to manage and submit applications to multiple colleges. It's beneficial to start using Common App from 9th grade to understand the qualities each school seeks, helping you set your high school direction accordingly.

 

Why Start Activities in 9th and 10th Grade?
 

1. Easier High School Planning

The earlier you know your potential major, the more you can take courses that build the necessary skills, making you a stronger applicant.
 

2. Efficient Standardized Test Planning

Most U.S. colleges require the SAT or ACT and 2-3 SAT Subject Tests. Preparing for multiple exams at once can be overwhelming. If you start thinking about college in 9th grade, you can space out your test preparation.
 

3. Building a Strong EC Profile

Freshmen can join various clubs to discover their interests. As you narrow down your favorite activities, you'll have ample time to make a significant impact and earn leadership positions.
 

4. Access to Financial Aid Opportunities

Starting early allows you to find scholarships and grants specifically for underclassmen, which are generally less competitive due to fewer applicants.

 

Common App EC Section

 
   - Arts or Music

   - Clubs

   - Community Engagement

   - Family Responsibilities

   - Hobbies

   - Sports

   - Work or Volunteering

   - Other Meaningful Experiences

Tips for Writing the Common App Activity

1. Activity Order

List activities in order of importance, achievement, and duration. Admissions officers pay the most attention to the first 4-5 activities. For example, if you've played soccer for four years and were a captain in senior year, this shows persistence and leadership, so it should be listed higher than a year of violin.
 

2. Activity Description

Be concise yet specific in your descriptions. For instance, "Founder, Art Honors Society: Organized and ran meetings, set up field trips, brainstormed and created group art activities, wrote and sent newsletter to members" is better than "Art: Created art and organized club." Ensure you include responsibilities, problem-solving, skill acquisition, and tangible impacts.
 

3. Word Choice

Use strong verbs to describe your activities. However, avoid overly fancy words that might make it seem like you had help writing your descriptions. Be cautious with "corporate verbs". Always use full names instead of acronyms for organizations.
 

4. Demonstrating Impact

Use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, "raised over $4,000" in a student council fundraiser.
 

5. Problem Solving Scope

Consider the scope of your problem-solving efforts: Personal, Family, Local, Community, School, State-level, National, Global.


 

Tips for Listing STEM Activities

1. Keep Activity Records

Track all activities throughout high school and document them at the end of each year. Record each activity, the time spent (weekly and yearly), what you did, and examples of your work. This information will be useful when filling out the Common App's activities section.
 

2. Detail STEM Hobbies and Activities

Were you part of a math team? Did you take science classes over the summer? Focus on activities that highlight your commitment to a STEM career. Your answers should be thoughtful and unique. For example, describe your favorite aspects of being on a FIRST Robotics team instead of just stating the obvious like "we practice and compete in tournaments."
 

3. Present Work Samples

Besides documenting activities, create a portfolio to share your work. Some colleges use SlideRoom for Maker and STEM portfolios within the Common Application. If SlideRoom isn't used, share your portfolio link in the Common App's additional comments section. 

   - Programming class: Ensure your projects are well-documented and share them via your GitHub profile

   - Summer research in a lab: Write about your experience and share it through a public Google Document

   - Robotics team: Document the progress with photos, videos, and technical specifications, and share it on a website (using Wix, Weebly, etc.).
 

4. Use STEM Activity Experiences in Essays

Each activity section only allows 150 characters, so space is limited. If you have extensive STEM experiences, consider creating a high school resume for college applications. Some colleges provide an opportunity to submit resumes in the activities section. A high school resume is also useful when applying for scholarships, internships, and jobs.


 

By starting early and strategically planning your high school activities, you can build a strong college application profile. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to showcasing your unique talents and interests effectively.