With college application deadlines creeping up, many students are working through the dreaded Common Application. Much of it is straightforward: your name, test scores, grades, and coursework.
But there’s one section that consistently confuses: the Common App Activities section.
Let’s break down exactly:
- What you should list
- How to write each entry effectively
- And how to use just 150 characters to make yourself stand out
This blog is a small look into the advice that I give in sessions to my students as a tutor here at Dewey Smart. Want to work with me? Set up a free consultation with our team here.
TL;DR: Common App Activities Section At a Glance
If you’re looking for the quick facts:
- You can list up to 10 activities
- Each activity description is limited to 150 characters
- Focus on impact, action verbs, and measurable results
- Jobs and personal projects absolutely count
- Depth and consistency matter more than sheer quantity
If you’re new to the platform entirely, start here: What Is the Common App?
You can also review the official platform at https://www.commonapp.org for up-to-date submission policies and participating colleges.
The Format of the Common App Activities Section
The activities section allows you to list up to 10 extracurricular activities and asks for specific information about each one: organization name, position, timeframe, and weekly hours.
Here are the structural constraints that matter most:
- Number of activities: Up to 10
- Description length: 150 characters max
- Required details: Position, organization, grades participated, weeks per year, and hours per weekThat 150-character limit sounds measly. It’s not.
In most cases, it’s more than enough if you write strategically.
What Strong Activity Descriptions Have in Common
Before we jump into examples, here’s what separates weak entries from strong ones:
- Weak Description: Lists attendance;
- Strong Description: Highlights action
- Weak Description: Generic wording;
- Strong Description: Specific verbs
- Weak Description: No measurable impact;
- Strong Description: Includes numbers or outcomes
- Weak Description: Passive participation;
- Strong Description: Shows leadership or initiative. If you remember one thing: action + specificity + impact = strong entry.
How Should You Write the Description?
The biggest advice here: focus on what you actually did, not what the organization generally does.
For example, if you list National Honor Society, don’t talk about attending meetings. Talk about:
- Tutoring underclassmen
- Organizing fundraisers
- Leading service initiatives
There are no strict formatting rules; just be consistent and concise.
My personal preference?
Use strong action verbs separated by semicolons.
Here’s a strong example:
Secretary
Student Council
Take minutes for weekly council meetings; manage applications for new members; helped organize fundraiser raising $500+.
(141 characters)
This format works for band, robotics, nonprofits, research, athletics, and everything.
If you’re applying to both Common App schools and UC schools, you’ll notice important formatting differences. We explain that here:
Common App vs UC Application: How to Build a Winning Activity List
Still finding it difficult to put your CommonApp activities into words? We can help! Set up a free consultation here.
Jobs and the Common App
Many students assume their part-time job isn’t “impressive enough.”
That’s a mistake.
A job demonstrates powerful admissions-relevant qualities like:
- Time Management
- Customer Service
- Financial Responsibility
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Work Ethic
Balancing academics with employment signals maturity. If you work to help support your family, that adds important personal context.
Here’s how you might write it:
Team Member
McDonald’s
Handled 100+ daily transactions; delivered Customer Service; balanced school/work (Time Management); contributed income to family bills.
(148 characters)
Notice:
- Specific numbers
- Skill signals
- Responsibility
- Context
That’s strategic writing.
To see how activities connect to the broader admissions process, read:
Mastering College Applications: Common App, UC, and CSU Guide
Personal Projects and the Common App
Students often overlook independent work done outside formal organizations.
But personal projects can be incredibly powerful, especially in competitive applicant pools.
Examples include:
- Coding apps and publishing them on GitHub
- Selling games on Itch.io
- Writing and publishing on Substack
- Independent research projects
- Creating a YouTube educational channel
- Preparing for academic competitions
If the activity shows skill development, initiative, and consistency, it belongs on your list, especially if it lasted several months.
Example:
Game Developer
Independent Project
Built Unity/C# games; shared via GitHub & Itch.io; titles: BallHog (3D platformer), Five Nights at Foods (strategy game).
(149 characters)
Specific project names make you memorable.
If you’re preparing essays that expand on these projects, this guide will help you connect everything cohesively:
Complete Guide to Common App and UC Essays for College Admissions
Your activities and essays should reinforce each other, not operate in isolation.
How Many CommonApp Activities Do I List?
Q: How many Common App activities should I list?
A: Up to 10 — but only include activities that are meaningful and legitimate.
Admissions officers care more about:
- Duration
- Depth
- Leadership growth
- Measurable contribution
For example:
A student who spends 20 hours per week in band for four years demonstrates stronger commitment than someone who attends four unrelated clubs once per month during junior year.
If your list feels short, consider:
- Expanding personal projects
- Taking initiative in leadership roles
- Deepening involvement in existing activities
But remember: college admissions is holistic. Your grades, essays, rigor, and recommendations all matter.
Final Thoughts
The Common App Activities section is short but powerful.
You have:
- 10 slots
- 150 characters each
- One opportunity per entry to show action, initiative, and growth
Be specific. Use strong verbs. Quantify impact when possible.
And if you want expert guidance crafting a cohesive, competitive application strategy, book a free consultation to work with an admissions counselor at Dewey Smart!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I fill all 10 activity slots?
Not necessarily. Only fill all 10 if you can do so honestly and meaningfully. Depth always outweighs padding.
2. What counts as an “activity” on the Common App?
Almost anything structured and consistent: School clubs, Athletics, Jobs, Family responsibilities, Research, and Independent creative or technical projects. If it required time, effort, and responsibility, it likely counts.
3. Can I include family responsibilities?
Yes. Caring for siblings, translating for parents, or contributing significantly at home demonstrates maturity and responsibility. These absolutely belong if they represent meaningful time commitments.
4. Should I repeat what’s already on my resume?
No. The activities section should complement your resume and essays. Avoid copy-paste duplication. Instead, use this space to highlight impact concisely.