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In the Common App, you'll find sections dedicated to test scores, grades & coursework, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, relationships, and interviews. Top-tier US colleges prioritize three key areas: extracurriculars, essays, and grades & coursework. Extracurricular activities carry the most weight, accounting for approximately 30% of your entire Common App! When listing activities under extracurriculars, what should you keep in mind?



Key Tips for Common App Extracurricular Activities


Leadership & Achievement

Illustrate projects where you took initiative and achieved tangible outcomes. Emphasize your leadership qualities through self-directed activities, which are pivotal in college learning. Admissions offices seek students capable of independent decision-making and judgment.

 

Specific Activity Examples

Offer concrete examples of activities demonstrating your abilities. Connect these examples to specific fields of interest aligned with your career goals. Colleges value understanding how students are actively pursuing their potential in these chosen areas. examples to specific fields of interest. These fields should align with the student's future career aspirations. Colleges want to understand through specific examples how a student is realizing their potential in these areas.

Interest Areas List:

   - Academic

   - Art

   - Athletics: Club

   - Athletics: JV/Varsity

   - Career-Oriented

   - Community Service (Volunteer)

   - Computer/Technology

   - Cultural

   - Dance

   - Debate/Speech

   - Environmental

   - Family Responsibilities

   - Foreign Exchange

   - Journalism/Publication

   - Junior R.O.T.C.

   - LGBT

   - Music: Instrumental

   - Music: Vocal

   - Religious

   - Research

   - Robotics

   - School Spirit

   - Science/Math

   - Student Gov.t./Politics

   - Theater/Drama

   - Work (paid)

   - Other Club/Activity


Aligning Motivation and Action in Extracurriculars
When discussing extracurriculars, avoid splitting motivation, determination, thoughts, and actions into separate parts. Instead, integrate them into a cohesive narrative to maximize impact. Begin reflecting early on how motivation shapes goals and drives your actions, crucial for a comprehensive Common App preparation.