Decoding the Activity Types: What Each Category Really Means

Even though the Class of 2026 will see a refreshed version of the application launching August 1st—and yes, the system shuts down briefly at the end of July—you don't need to wait until then to make progress.

One of the best sections to tackle now? The Activities List.

This part of the application gives colleges a clearer picture of who you are beyond your GPA and test scores. It's your chance to shine a light on your passions, priorities, and how you've spent your time outside the classroom.

But here's the challenge: With 29 activity types listed in the Common App, how do you know which category fits your experience best?

That's where Williams Educational Consultants helps students choose wisely! Let's decode each activity type so you can feel confident as you build your list.

Common App Activity Categories

Academic – Any academic enrichment outside the classroom.

Examples: Tutoring peers, math competitions, and summer college programs. (NOT NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETIES!)

Art – Includes all forms of visual art.

Examples: Painting, drawing, digital design, photography.

Athletics: Club – Non-school teams or leagues.

Examples: Travel soccer, swim club, AAU basketball.

Athletics: JV/Varsity – Sports at your school.

Examples: JV tennis, Varsity football.

Career-Oriented – Activities connected to future professions.

Examples: DECA, job shadowing, pre-med summer camp.

Community Service (Volunteer) – Giving back without compensation.

Examples: Food pantry volunteer, nonprofit fundraising, Habitat for Humanity.

Computer/Technology – Anything in tech.

Examples: Coding projects, robotics coding, IT help desk.

Cultural – Celebrating identity or heritage.

Examples: Black Student Union, Latinx Club, multicultural showcases.

Dance – Performance-based dance involvement.

Examples: Ballet recitals, school dance team, hip hop classes.

Debate/Speech – Public speaking, argumentation.

Examples: Speech & Debate team, Model UN, Mock Trial.

Environmental – Sustainability-focused actions.

Examples: Environmental club, climate protests, recycling initiatives.

Family Responsibilities – Duties at home that impact your schedule.

Examples: Babysitting siblings daily and caring for a grandparent.

Foreign Exchange – Cultural or educational exchanges.

Examples: Semester abroad, hosting a student from another country.

Internship – Structured work experience in a field.

Examples: Lab internships, media internships, law firm summer programs.

Journalism/Publication – Writing for an audience.

Examples: School newspaper, lit magazine, personal blog.

Junior ROTC – ROTC involvement at your high school.

Examples: JROTC leadership, training camps.

LGBTQ+ – Identity-based clubs or activism.

Examples: GSA involvement, pride events, advocacy work.

Music: Instrumental – Playing an instrument in any setting.

Examples: Orchestra, jazz band, solo piano competitions.

Music: Vocal – Singing-based performance.

Examples: Choir, voice lessons, a cappella group.

Religious – Faith-based involvement.

Examples: Youth group, Sunday school teaching, mission trips.

Research – Structured or self-directed exploration of a topic.

Examples: Science research under a mentor, submitting to Regeneron.

Robotics – Mechanical and coding teamwork.

Examples: FIRST Robotics, school robotics club.

School Spirit – Community building at your school.

Examples: Pep rallies, student section leader, Homecoming committee.

Science/Math – Subject-specific clubs or competitions.

Examples: Science Olympiad, MathCounts, STEM club.

Social Justice – Advocacy or equity-focused action.

Examples: Racial equity work, voter registration drives, community outreach.

Student Gov't/Politics – Leadership roles or civic engagement.

Examples: Student council president, political campaigns.

Theater/Drama – On stage or behind the scenes.

Examples: Lead in the school musical, lighting tech, and theater club.

Work (Paid) – Jobs where you earn money.

Examples: Restaurant server, babysitting business, freelance art.

Other Club/Activity – Anything else meaningful that doesn't fit.

Examples: Podcasting, unique hobbies, niche clubs.

Final Tips for Students

• When in doubt, go with the primary purpose. If you code for your environmental club, it's probably "Environmental," not "Computer/Technology."

• Be consistent. If you list Model UN as "Debate/Speech" in one place, don't put it under "Social Justice" elsewhere.

• Use the description wisely. You only get 150 characters—make them count!

The Activities List can shape how admissions officers understand your identity and impact. By starting now, you'll have time to reflect, revise, and present yourself clearly—before the new application opens.

Need help translating your experiences into a compelling Activities List?

Williams Educational Consultants is here to help you choose wisely and shine. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more insight on the Activity Section.