Top Tips for Organizing Your Activities Effectively

"You only get 10 spots on the Common Application to list your activities, and that space fills up fast. But did you know that the order in which you list them matters just as much as the content itself?" ~Wendy Williams, M.A., IEC

Admissions officers are scanning your application which means you need to lead with impact.

Top Tips for Organizing Your Activities Effectively

1. Prioritize by significance—not just time.

Start with the activity that best reflects your leadership, passion, or growth—even if it wasn't your most recent. Ask yourself: What activity would I want a college to know about if they only read one?

2. Highlight leadership and initiative.

Were you a club president, team captain, founder, or lead volunteer? Put those roles at the top. Titles matter, but what you did in those roles matters more.

3. Group similar activities when possible.

If you've done multiple service events through one organization, list them together. This shows commitment and lets you use that 150-character description to highlight impact.

4. Use powerful, specific action verbs.

Start each description with verbs like Led, Created, Organized, Designed, Mentored, Built, and Coordinated. Avoid vague phrases like "helped with" or "worked on."

5. Quantify when you can.

Colleges love numbers. Instead of saying "Tutored students," say: "Tutored 10+ peers in Algebra I weekly, increasing test scores by an average of 15%."

6. Be honest and authentic.

Don't inflate your title or stretch the truth. Authenticity is key—and often, the quietest activities (like family responsibilities) speak the loudest about your values and work ethic.

Final Thought:

Your activities section is more than a list—it's a narrative about how you spend your time, what matters to you, and how you show up for others. Make it clear, confident, and compelling. And remember, Williams Educational Consultants is your premier partner in college planning—helping students and families Choose Wisely every step of the way.