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How to Create an Outstanding Common App Activities List (w/ examples)

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This is an excerpt of content from my step-by-step video course How to Write the College Application & Supplemental Essays: www.collegeess...
The Common App activities section is an important way to share with colleges what you’ve spent your time on outside of school. But with just 150 characters of available space in those descriptions, how do you make the most of it?
In this video, I'll show you how to uplevel your Common App activities list in just 30 minutes and how to generate better content. I'll also chat a bit about the importance of showing your values in your activities list when applying to college, and how you can do a scan of your activities list to make sure you're making the most of the space allowed.
📍Timestamps
00:00 - Teaser
00:49 - Intro & what we'll cover
01:40 - Why the Activities List matters
02:21 - Activity List example
03:21 - Why and how to use stronger verbs
05:04 - The BEABIES exercise
08:33 - The Values Scan (if you've already written a draft)
10:15 - Why you should never stretch the truth
11:07 - Quality vs quantity
11:53 - Tips for the Awards and Honors section
12:52 - Additional resources
🔗LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO 🔗
CEG's full guide to the Activities List w/ examples:
www.collegeess...
CEG's Epic List of Activities List Verbs
www.collegeess...
The Complete Guide to a Great Extracurricular Activity Essay
www.collegeess...
25 Questions to Brainstorm the BEABIES Exercise
www.collegeess...
The Values Exercise
www.collegeess...
✌️WHO AM I? ✌️
I’m Ethan (College Essay Guy) and my goal is to bring more ease, joy, purpose, and access to the college admission process. I wrote two Amazon bestsellers and each year my team and I reach more than 1MM students and counselors via www.collegeessayguy.com.
🧠 UPCOMING ONLINE *PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN COURSES 🧠
Student Courses: www.collegeess...
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*All my courses are pay-what-you-can.
💯 WORK WITH ME & MY TEAM 💯
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Free 1-on-1 for low income students: www.collegeess...
✍ RESOURCES ✍
📖 Free Personal Statement Guide: bit.ly/ps-free...
🎙 Podcast: bit.ly/CEGPodcast
📘 College Admission Essentials: bit.ly/3qdEklN
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15 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 153

@heranooshmoosavi8229 9 месяцев назад

Man, I LOVE this channel. Watching college application videos usually increases my anxiety level ( u know since I have a LOT OF things to do for my own application) But these videos are actually super fun and I don’t end up feeling shitty after watching them.

@Collegeessayguy 9 месяцев назад

LOVE to see it!

@lagoseducationusa4059 2 года назад

Awesome! We had a session on extracurricular activities at my advising center last week. I am definitely sharing this with my students.

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks so much!

@simpleascanbe6790 2 года назад

I literally went through your article on this yesterday! Seems like perfect timing to me!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Awesome! Thanks for reading and watching! :)

@farahshahin6705 11 месяцев назад

You are absolutely the greatest person and source of information on RU-vid

@Collegeessayguy 10 месяцев назад

Thank you! Happy you're here.

@kckun7385 Месяц назад

Thank you so much for the advice on this portion of college application. I found trouble navigating this section and this was a great help!!

@Collegeessayguy Месяц назад

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

@chloesebastian4137 2 года назад

ahhhh THIS IS GREAT! THANK YOU

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

You're welcome! Thanks for watching. :)

@karamalone7636 2 года назад

Your work is so helpful Thank you very much!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

@vijy9980 2 года назад

you have that characteristic quality in your videos that isn't found everywhere, aka internet gold.

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks so much! Happy you're here.

@vijy9980 2 года назад

@@Collegeessayguy Hey, I'm here again! I was wondering if I should add that I can solve a Rubik's cube in 10 secs. Also, I can type at 100 wpm, and I've taken 5 online courses on A.I. and M.L., Data structures and Algorithms, and a few other computer science topics. Do any of them have the potential to be a "wow factor" in my application?

@mohsinraza2589 2 года назад

I was literally halfway thru ur article in this 😂

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

LOL! What a coincidence. Thanks for watching!

@braedonrudolph4885 2 года назад

Wow, great video, really impressed with your whole schtick.

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@kyabukapiji9759 2 года назад

This is tremendously helpful! Thanks a bunch and wish me luck :)

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Best of luck!

@carlos4762 2 года назад

This video was super helpful! FYI: your list of epic verbs links to the guide page instead of the Google Drive document.

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks for that! Here is the direct link: drive.google.com/file/d/13_m1gotag9-C9rZAlT5s7DgOJEH4XMLQ/view

@josephanderson2781 9 месяцев назад

ok, can someone please answer me this question. I just saw another video that claimed you can describe your activities in a more “fun way”. the video even mentions how if you are an editor on yearbook (which applies to me, lol), instead of saying, “I oversaw the entire production of the yearbook”, you should say something like, “my goal while leading yearbook club is give every type of student the recognition they deserve”. I realize I described this VERY poorly, but I think I got my idea across. I’ll link the video below too if that helps.

@Collegeessayguy 5 месяцев назад

Either approach could work! Just make sure you're mentioning things you actually did (rather than the goals you've had).

@SamuelRLanders 2 года назад

I have a question... if one of our activities is something that's not really part of an organization like 'family responsibilities' or a hobby of sorts, what's the best way to fill in the "organization name" box? Also, thank you very much, this was a very helpful video!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Hi there! Thanks for writing in. Your counselor may have a better suggestion, so we recommend checking with them. This information may also be better suited for the Additional Information section, depending on the capacity which you were involved with family responsibilities. Hope this helps!

@jayamehta4030 2 года назад

Thank you for all your great content!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Glad you enjoy it!

@IbadKM 2 года назад

Thank you for the videos. I am learning a lot from them.

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Glad to hear it!

@notinuse4458 2 года назад

Anyone applying to Stanford here?

@kapjoteh 2 года назад

Aye

@MarcusChua 2 года назад

Aye

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Aye (kidding). Thanks for watching, y'all!

@valeriechenz247 Год назад

✌️

@tardisguygt7500 Год назад

Aye

@conwaysailors 2 года назад

I’ve recently promoted myself to Activity List guru at my college coaching job. This video is really helpful. Thank you! What are your thoughts on heavy abbreviation to get more content into 150 characters? Also, if the student is currently in the activity, I have been recommending that they keep the verbs in the present tense (losing all those “-ed”s saves characters!) What are your thoughts on that? Looking forward to checking out more of your videos.

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

As long as the abbreviations are commonly understood (or easily inferred with context), it should be fine to include them! As for present tense verbs for Activities still in progress-- I like it! Thanks for watching!

@zafinavirani5033 2 года назад

By chance.. can you look over and edit my activities section? I have been needing some help!

@hihi-og6nm 2 года назад

You're amazing!!!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@daniellehodorowski2613 2 года назад

If a school offers the option to upload a resume on the Common App, would you recommend this as a way to elaborate on the Activities list?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Not sure actually! I recommend asking your counselor for more guidance on that.

@ethanhsu8596 2 года назад

Thank you!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

You're welcome!

@user-nf8mb9vz2t Год назад

Can we add the activities like ( participated in debate, project ) as a participant?

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

Yep!

@697ariyajadia9 2 года назад

Kudos to u 💯💫

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@user-qs7jl2im4c 10 месяцев назад

Must the verbs always be in the past tense? What about activities you still engage and want them to know you engage in even after high school? Great video by the way, you're a saint ❤

@Collegeessayguy 10 месяцев назад

Present tense could work too!

@iamtheanswer 2 года назад

"Did you create a beacon"😂😂😂

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@user-nf4mq6fm6y 2 года назад

thank you for this video

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

You're so welcome!

@leomunguba5939 2 года назад

You are the best!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks! :)

@jz1304 2 года назад

Thank you for this video. Perfect timing! I have a 2 minute video file. Is there any way to submit it so that AOs will see it? Thank you so much

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

The school will offer an option for video submissions in their application if they're accepting them (i.e. Brown). Otherwise, there isn't a way to submit a link and guarantee that an AO will click/view it.

@jz1304 2 года назад

@@Collegeessayguy Many thanks for your prompt reply! Someone just told me that Coalition allows video file loaded into applicant's Locker. Guess it is the same issue: whether an AO will view it? What do you think of using Coalition?

@musabbirahmed4591 2 года назад

I have a RU-vid channel where I sing. Should I include it in my ECAs?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Sure! :)

@AROartzzy 2 года назад

Hey!..the tips were great!. I had a question: If I have some ECs that are simply my hobbies done independently for fun and not a huge thing, how do I list that on the application?...

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

In the description area of the Activities List, you can use keywords/phrases like "self-taught" or "independent activity". We suggest asking your counselor for more help if needed!

@uewgayanb8933 2 года назад

Hi there, Thank you for these many helpful videos and I also want to ask a question : Can we show the same activities award in honors section? like for suppose I was awarded in art club then it is good to write in honors section as also I have written art in my activites list? What to do here!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

You usually should avoid repeating things in your application. This would be a good question for your counselor!

@user-im3lb6sf7i 7 месяцев назад

Hi! Thank you so much for the video, I just love your content. I have a question. Can i include research paper in my activities list, and if so, could you please give me some tips?

@Collegeessayguy 4 месяца назад

We have a video about this on the channel now! Check it out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Tc9aly8o194.html

@arjunaneja3503 2 года назад

If you have attended multiple summer camps/programs (let's say 3 or more) that are all related to the same topic, is it possible to group the activities under a common title under one activity list entry (ex. Summer Camps for ______)? If so, is there a best way to elaborate on them? Can we incorporate the additional info section to handle a situation like this or should they be separately explained in individual entries?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

If your Activities List is already packed with other activites, it's OK to combine some of them like you're saying. If you need to expand on those combined activities, the Additional Information section is a great place to do that succinctly. Otherwise, if you have enough room to list them all individually with their own description, you should probably do that!

@SolomonUcko Год назад

I've heard that rather than saying "I was responsible for X" you should make it clear that "I did X"

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

Sure! Yes, direct/strong/active verbs are great for the Activities List.

@mylesbraverman2964 2 года назад

Hello Mr. College Essay Guy! Thank you for the video! I am considering applying restrictive EA to either yale, harvard, Princeton, or stanford. Do you think there is any one of these with the highest chance of acceptance? They are certainly reach schools, but I am going to try anyways, and I am trying to figure out which option most improves my chances. (Currently my best guess is Stanford, because I live on the east coast, and I have heard that less people from the east apply) What do you think?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

I don't know off the top of my head. You can actually google each of those schools' EA admission rates-- it's public information. Hope that helps!

@notinuse4458 2 года назад

I think princeton has the highest rate, Stanford tend reject alot early and Harvard defer the majority

@onelliejayawardena4030 8 месяцев назад

There isn't enough space on the honors title section to give the reader any context. What can I do about it?

@Collegeessayguy 2 месяца назад

There should be a title area and a description area. The context you want to include can go in the description area. If not, you could include it in the Additional Information section.

@zaief7016 2 года назад

I was the Prefect of my school from 2018-19 and Head Boy from 2019-20. As far as i know i need to choose the "student gov/politics"section to write about those. Now my question is, since I've held 2 positions, should i choose the "student gov/politics" section twice (one for Prefect another for Head boy) coz I can't include the activities i did as prefect and head boy in 150 characters

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Hm...not sure. I recommend asking your counselor!

@davidohaegbulam9988 9 месяцев назад

Did you go to a Caribbean school?

@user-wg1yb6rz8j Год назад

You have included expedited on the verb list while its on “Corporate” Verbs you Would Caution Against Using on our Activities List

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

Good catch! Thanks for letting us know. It's OK if you choose to use this verb on your Acitivities List, in case that helps!

@HuzaifaMuhammadSIddique 2 года назад

I can't find the list of epic verbs. It's not on the website, can anybody help?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Hi there! There is a link in the video description which takes you to the blog post with the link to the verbs list. In case you missed it, here is the direct link: static1.squarespace.com/static/527cc9ffe4b06105448def23/t/61afc0c59c598425b211ebca/1638908102044/Epic+List+of+Activities+List+Verbs+2.pdf

@aliismailov1442 Год назад

Спасибо куратору Каныкей

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

You're welcome!

@user-xi3zt1vt9e 2 года назад

Me and my friends cannot open ur website, it simple don't work. I only managed to open it via VPN. Is there some error in site or restriction for non-US citizens?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks for letting me know! Please send an email to help@collegeessayguy.com so our team can help you!

@nealingtypeshi 2 года назад

if i was in an organization but held different positions throughout the years (lets say captain junior year, vp senior year) then how should i distinguish that? because ive been involved in this club for the past four years but only got good "positions" when i was an upperclassman

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Something like the parenthetical statement you used to ask this question should work just fine. The AOs will know what you mean. :)

@nathannichols2704 2 года назад

I was a member of both Junior Beta Club and National Honor Society at my school, but due to the covid pandemic neither organization required me to document any service hours. And, I already completed more than the required hours through a different service organization, so I didn't do any service specifically for Beta/NHS. Should I include Beta/NHS on my activities list? What would I put for the commonapp required "hours/week" blank? Or should I only mention my other service organization which I logged hours with? Thanks in advance for any advice!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

It's OK to estimate how many hours/week you contributed if you don't have a log of your hours.

@Equizmaa Месяц назад

Quick question, if I have an upcoming internship the summer after my senior year, can I still list it on my college app? If so, what verbs would I use?

@Collegeessayguy Месяц назад

You could use present tense verbs or past tense verbs--it's your choice. It's possible that by the time you submit your application, this internship might either be ongoing or recently completed, in which case either tense is appropriate. Overall, it won't make a difference in how your list is reviewed by the reader. :) Hope this helps! You got this.

@Equizmaa Месяц назад

@@Collegeessayguy Oh alright! Tysm for the quick response!

@tanishaagrawal199 Год назад

Where should I fit the summer programs I did? Especially those that were non-credit courses at a university.

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

The Additional Information section could work well for this. Additionally, some school applications will allocate their own space for you to include college courses (whether credited or not). Hope this helps!

@johnabad5497 2 года назад

0:16 Is it correct to use commas instead of semicolons to separate sentences in the activities list? Since I have seen many activities lists with semicolons, I was worried about this situation.

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Honestly, either could work. Odds are, the use of a semi-colon or comma will not change the mind of an admissions officer. ;)

@nahinrahman7885 2 года назад

I couldn't find any links as you told about how to include one-time activities in the list.

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

It's the first link in the description of this video. Here is the direct link just in case you missed it: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/guide-college-activities-list-common-app-example-application About halfway through the blog post, I mention one-time activities and how to include them in your list. :)

@nahinrahman7885 2 года назад

@@Collegeessayguy Thank you

@chitrasubbu7397 2 года назад

Hi, Can you please let me know when is your next webinar. Even though I'm in india right now I'm ready to sit up late for your webinar. So looking forward for that

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Hi there! Thanks for writing in. You can stay up-to-date with my webinars here: www.collegeessayguy.com/webinars-live-events Additionally, you can subscribe to my email newsletter for event reminders and updates!

@hauntedfalls7783 10 месяцев назад

If I'm adding a hobby like boxing (i'm not on a team) what do I put in the position/leadership description?

@Collegeessayguy 10 месяцев назад

We might have a free guide for the school's prompt you're asking about. Check here: www.collegeessayguy.com/supplemental-essays

@venkateshgaur469 2 года назад

Hey! Is there any way you could review my essays and whole common app and confirm my narrative and story?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, Ethan is swamped this time of year and unable to provide feedback on everyone's essay. We recommend working with our friends over at Prompt. They provide essay feedback relatively quickly. Here is their link: prompt.com/ceg/ In the meantime, check out these two blog posts. They are often helpful for revising an essay. The Great College Essay Test: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/tgcet Revising Your Essay in 5 Steps: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/5-steps-revising-your-college-essay Want even more free resources? Check out these free resources here: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-resources Hope some of these help!

@Iqrahussein001 Год назад

What if you were not involved in any activities 😢

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

Are you sure that you weren't involved in ANY activities? Did you help in maintaining your household? Did you ever work a part-time job or provide a work-trade for anyone? Did you ever participate in a church, community organization, or volunteer opportunities? Check out A List of Activities You May Not Have Considered Including-But That Count! www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/list-of-activities-that-count

@irfannewaznabil4995 2 года назад

Hey Ethan , Is there any videos for recommenders ?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Hi there! There are some great videos for counselors on my channel! Check out my Webinar & Live Recordings playlist.

@briannaalejo9226 Год назад

What if my activities are selective, but I don’t know how many people applied? My activities are mentorship’s geared towards bettering my skills in my passions in the industry. Should I mention who my mentor/ instructor is if they are well acclaimed in the industry?

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

Sure, it's OK to mention your instructor/mentor!

@parrotcarrot0123 2 года назад

Do sport awards count in the "honors and awards" sections? I've heard mixed opinions and would like to free up characters currently describing the awards in my activity description. Thanks so much!

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

It depends who you ask. I don't think it'll hurt to include it in the Honors & Awards section. Check with your counselor as well!

@its_nozas_world 11 месяцев назад

Activities list verb's link is not working They are not sending this list to my email even though I wrote my email.

@Collegeessayguy 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for chiming in. The Activities List Verbs are included for free (without email) at the link included in the description. In case you missed it, here is the direct link: drive.google.com/file/d/13_m1gotag9-C9rZAlT5s7DgOJEH4XMLQ/view

@tomiris2132 2 года назад

It's so helpful! Thanks a lot )) But I couldn't open any of the links you've included.. I don't know why they are not loading. And, it turned out when I google your website, the page is not opening. What's the problem? 🥺 I would like to get an access to all materials you provide 😭

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Hi there! Please reach out to help@collegeessayguy.com for more help accessing our site.

@oliviama4991 11 месяцев назад

where can i get the list of verbs for the activity list?

@Collegeessayguy 10 месяцев назад

It's included in the video description!

@lovead5418 Год назад

Sir,I was In the under 16 bball team and now in the district level bball team and my choir team won a national competition in singing also I was selected for a scout team that was prepared by the national scout council in my country. Now, which one should I put in honors section and which one should I put in activity section? Please help

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

You can mention the award in the Awards section, and the team participation in the Activities List. :)

@nobeltardis1930 2 года назад

I'm playing cello but never played in a band or school orchestra (we don't have one). Should I write it anyway?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Sure!

@nobeltardis1930 2 года назад

@@Collegeessayguy thanx💞

@mesayandargachew3063 Год назад

First off all TNX for you vedioa it really helps a lot but I did write an essay and I can't help my self if it is good or not for me it is not that bad but I really need an expert plsss on GOD I can you review it an give me an honest opinion it's like my entire chapter learning journey depends on it so are you willing to help me 😢

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

Hi there! Thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, Ethan is swamped this time of year and cannot review or provide feedback on essays. We suggest referring to these blog posts to help with revising your essay: 1. www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/5-steps-revising-your-college-essay 2. www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/improve-college-essays-last-minute If you're looking for 1-on-1 help with your college application and essays, please submit a request form at this link and John from our team will be in touch with you soon. www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-coaching Hope this helps! We believe in you.

@ciavocado 8 месяцев назад

applying to nyu :)

@Collegeessayguy 5 месяцев назад

Best of luck!

@niematansolamenteazucaralg2259 2 года назад

what if you didn't receive any awards in high school

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Leave it blank! You don't "need" awards to get into a great college.

@niematansolamenteazucaralg2259 2 года назад

@@Collegeessayguy university of Alabama leaves room to write an essay about awards (it's required). Do you know what I can do in tat situation?

@jasminejones7468 2 года назад

So should we use past tense verbs even though we are still doing the activity right now?

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

Up to you! I've seen folks use present tense verbs for ongoing activities and it's worked out just fine!

@kwabenaarhin959 7 месяцев назад

It's not. The link takes you to the how to write a successful common app activities list. @@Collegeessayguy

@Dangote_jnr Год назад

Hello I'm your fan from Africa I'm a little confuse about the American systems can I get your email so that we can talk

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

You can reach out to our support team via help@collegeessayguy.com

@physicsloverjoinmychannel2937 Год назад

Sir if they ask me certificate how can tackle ?

@Collegeessayguy Год назад

Most colleges shouldn't require certifications for your Acitvities List!

@TD-tj5xo 2 года назад

Hi! Thanks so much for the video. I conducted some research and I spoke about it in the activities section. Should I include the paper in the additional info section ?🥲

@Collegeessayguy 2 года назад

I wouldn't recommend copy/pasting an additional essay into the AI section. I have a blog post that talks more about this here: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/common-app-additional-info-guide-examples