Template
Common App Activities List Builder
Draft up to 10 activities and watch the character limits as you type: 50 for your position, 100 for the organization, 150 for the description.
Start typing to see your list.
Also useful: the brag sheet template for your recommenders, and how much each college weighs extracurriculars.
How to write a 150-character description
- Start with a verb. “Led”, “built”, and “taught” cost fewer characters than “I was responsible for”.
- Use numbers: people, dollars, hours, events. A number carries scale in two or three characters.
- Do not repeat the position or the organization. Each has its own field.
- Drop articles and use standard abbreviations where the meaning stays clear.
- Order the list by what matters most to you. The first entries get the most attention.
Frequently asked questions
How many activities can you list on the Common App?
Up to 10. You do not need to fill all of them.
What are the Common App activities character limits?
50 characters for the position or leadership description, 100 for the organization name, and 150 for the description of what you did. Spaces count.
Does a job or family responsibility count as an activity?
Yes. Paid work and family responsibilities, such as caring for siblings, belong on the list alongside clubs and sports.
Limits are the ones the Common App sets for its activities section. Check the application itself before you submit.
