How to Write an Outstanding Common App Activity List: Expert Tips & Examples

Why the Common App Activity List Matters

The Common App Activity List offers a unique opportunity to highlight your extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and personal passions beyond academic achievements. A well-crafted list can distinguish your application, providing admissions officers with a holistic view of your contributions and interests.

Understanding the Common App Activity Section

The Common App allows students to list up to 10 extracurricular activities, showcasing their leadership, involvement, and interests beyond the classroom. Each entry is limited by specific character counts: 50 characters for the position or leadership description, 100 characters for the organization name, and 150 characters for the activity description. These tight word limits demand concise, impactful language that highlights your contributions clearly.

Beyond text descriptions, applicants must also provide additional details for each activity to give admissions officers a clearer picture of their involvement. These include:

Grade levels during which the activity was performed
Timing of participation (school year, school break, or year-round)
Hours per week and weeks per year committed to the activity
Whether the applicant intends to continue the activity in college

This section not only reflects your passions and time management but also your long-term commitment to personal and community development.

Strategies for Crafting a Compelling Activity List

Prioritize Activity by Significance: List activities in order of personal importance, emphasizing those that showcase leadership, commitment, and impact
Utilize Strong, Specific Action Verbs: Begin descriptions with dynamic verbs to effectively convey your role. For example:
- Instead of “Helped with fundraising,” use “Organized and led fundraising initiatives.”
- Instead of “Worked on community projects,” use “Coordinated community outreach programs.”
Quantify Achievements: Incorporate specific numbers to demonstrate impact. For instance:
- “Raised $5,000 through annual charity event.”
- “Increased club membership by 40% over one year.”
Highlight Leadership and Initiative: Emphasize roles where you led, initiated, or significantly contributed to an activity’s success.
Reflect on Skills and Growth: Mention skills acquired or personal growth experienced through the activity to add depth to your involvement.

Sample Activity Descriptions

1. Community Service (Volunteer)

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Timing: School Year
Hours/Weeks: 4 hr/wk, 30 wk/yr | Continue in College: Yes
Position & Organization: Lead Volunteer, Local Hunger Relief Center
Description: Organized weekly food distributions for 200+ families; led student team fundraising $2,000 for food supplies.

2. Cultural Club

Grades: 10, 11, 12 | Timing: School Year
Hours/Weeks: 2 hr/wk, 25 wk/yr | Continue in College: Yes
Position & Organization: President, Asian Culture Club
Description: Facilitated cultural workshops and Lunar New Year events; expanded membership by 70% through new outreach efforts.

3. Community Service (Volunteer)

Grades: 9, 10 | Timing: Break
Hours/Weeks: 50 hr/wk, 2 wk/yr | Continue in College: No
Position & Organization: Team Leader, Costa Rica Global Philanthropy Program
Description: Led conservation efforts at a reserve; rehabilitated wildlife; taught English at a low-income daycare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being Vague: Avoid generic descriptions; be specific about your role and achievements.
Repetition: Ensure each activity entry is unique and highlights different aspects of your involvement.
Underutilizing Character Limits: Make full use of the available character space to provide detailed descriptions.
Neglecting Informal Activities: Include significant informal or self-initiated activities that demonstrate commitment and passion.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Common App Activity List

Should I fill all 10 activities on the Common App?

✅ Not necessarily. While the Common App allows you to list up to 10 activities, you should only include those that are meaningful and demonstrate your impact, leadership, or personal growth. Quality always outweighs quantity—if you have fewer than 10 but they reflect significant involvement, that’s perfectly acceptable.

Is 7 extracurriculars too much?

✅ No, 7 activities is a strong number. As long as each entry showcases a different aspect of your interests and commitment, 7 well-described activities can make a very compelling case. Just ensure there’s no redundancy and each one adds unique value to your application.

Can you put a hobby as an activity on the Common App?

✅ Yes, you can. Hobbies that demonstrate dedication, creativity, or skill development (like blogging, coding, painting, or learning a musical instrument) count as valid entries—especially if pursued consistently and with measurable progress or achievements.

What counts as an activity for the Common App?

✅ A wide range of engagements qualify. This includes school clubs, sports, volunteer work, internships, jobs, family responsibilities, personal projects, and self-driven initiatives. Any pursuit that reflects your interests, time investment, and character can be listed as an activity.

Boost Your Activity List with IvyMax’s Expert Guidance

Want to make your Common App Activity List stand out from the crowd? IvyMax offers personalized college admissions coaching, helping students strategically present their extracurriculars for maximum impact. From selecting the right Activity to polishing each description with powerful language, IvyMax’s expert consultants ensure your list reflects your strengths and goals. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your final draft, IvyMax helps you showcase your full potential.

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